On my 30th birthday, my boyfriend Richard, egged on by his friends and fueled by liquid courage, broke up with me. “I’m sorry, Jenna,” he slurred, “I never had the guts to tell you, but my mom… she’d kill me if I married an older woman.” He was so sure I was head-over-heels for him that, to preemptively stop me from clinging, he announced his engagement to his childhood sweetheart the very same day. He expected tears. He expected a scene. What he got was the sound of me turning away, trying to stifle a laugh. After all, my hard-and-fast rule has always been to only date men under twenty-five. 1. When Richard said we were over, the Cartier watch I’d just given him was still gleaming on his wrist. I opened my mouth to say something, but one of Richard’s buddies cut me off, his voice dripping with impatience. “What are you still standing there for, lady? Pay the bill and get lost.” I swallowed my anger and turned my gaze to Richard. In the past, he would have been the first to leap to my defense, no matter how small the slight. This time, he just blinked, his face a mask of feigned apology. “Jenna, you wouldn’t make this hard for me, would you?” A cold laugh escaped my lips. “Didn’t you know I was five years older than you when we started dating?” He froze, lost for words. His little childhood sweetheart, Nina, immediately jumped in, her voice oozing with faux concern. “Don’t you think it’s a little… unbecoming? An older woman robbing the cradle? A freshman asked me out once, he was only a few months younger, and even I didn’t have the heart to agree… Jenna, you…” Nina never finished her sentence. The sharp crack of my palm connecting with her cheek cut her off. For Richard’s sake, I had always tolerated Nina’s snide remarks and passive-aggressive digs. I’d just treated it like the yapping of a small dog. Today, my patience had finally run out. Richard reacted instantly, shoving me hard. I stumbled backward, my hip slamming into the edge of a chair with a jolt of pain that brought tears to my eyes. He immediately turned to comfort the red-eyed, sobbing Nina. The others at the table shot to their feet, surrounding me. One of them grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back. “You old bitch, how dare you hit her! Apologize to Nina right now!” Richard watched it all happen without a word of protest. Cradling Nina protectively, he looked at me with cold eyes. “If you don’t apologize, I’ll let Nina return the favor.” I knew then that the charade was over. He wasn’t even pretending anymore. Since the day we met, he had almost always been the sweet, considerate boyfriend. Even when Nina repeatedly inserted herself into our lives, Richard had always taken my side, whispering sweet reassurances. “Her dad saved my life once, babe. Can’t we just let it slide, for my sake?” Perhaps it was the warmth of those memories that made this moment feel so surreal, like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from. To Richard, my stunned silence must have looked like surrender. A smug, triumphant smirk spread across his face. I expected Nina to seize the opportunity to humiliate me further. Instead, she stepped in front of Richard, her voice a theatrical wail. “It’s okay, Jenna… if you want to hit me, just hit me…” She choked on a sob, her knees buckling as if she were about to collapse. “My father is dying,” she cried, “and his only wish is to see me settled down. Richard is the only one I’ve ever had… you already have everything, so can’t you just let me have him? Please?” 2. Nina had always been a delicate-looking thing. Now, with tears streaming down her face, she looked like a fragile white flower being battered by a storm. If I hadn’t already known about their little scheme, I might have actually fallen for her Oscar-worthy performance. Last night, after Richard had fallen asleep, I’d looked at his phone. In a group chat with his friends, I found everything I needed to know. “Dude, you’ve been milking that old cow for three years. Isn’t it time you dumped her and made an honest woman out of Nina?” Another one chimed in: “Yeah man, you’ve got your career going, Nina’s graduated college. Just do it already. We’re all waiting to be godfathers!” “For real. Every time I see that old hag I wanna puke. If she wasn’t a walking ATM, who would even bother?” “LOL, that’s the funniest part. She thinks she’s some big shot, but all it takes is a few sweet words from our boy Richard and she forgets we can’t stand her. She’s such a sucker, still buying us dinner and gifts!” And Richard—the man who always defended me to their faces—had replied: “Chill, guys. Jenna’s useless to me now. Just help me play this out tomorrow. I’m going for one last score.” With the last ounce of my composure, I placed his phone back on the nightstand, walked into the bathroom, and threw up. I hit the flush, watching my dinner and the last vestiges of my love for Richard swirl down the drain. Four years ago, I’d been invited back to my alma mater as a distinguished graduate to give a speech. Afterward, a young student pushed his way through the crowd to ask for my contact information. It was Richard. He used the pretense of being a student in my old department to ask for advice. I was happy to help. Over time, our conversations drifted from professional to personal. Before I knew it, he was pursuing me relentlessly. I was fond of him. I’ve always had a soft spot for the vibrant energy of younger men, so I agreed to a date. And I had to admit, of all the boyfriends I’d had, Richard was the most compatible. We’d nearly broken up a few times, but he always came back, begging for another chance, his eyes red as he held me tight. “Jenna, I will never, ever agree to break up with you!” Finding a young, uncomplicated partner isn’t easy, and I had genuinely grown to care for him. So, as my 30th birthday approached, I decided to give him one final test. I staged a phone call for him to “overhear,” making him believe my business was on the verge of collapse and that I was down to my last sixteen thousand dollars. I was both hopeful and terrified. I wanted him to be different from the others. But that evening, as he was giving me a shoulder rub, he casually brought up the ten-thousand-dollar Cartier watch he’d been wanting. In that moment, I knew we were finished. The sharp pain in my scalp pulled me back to the present. “Nina, honey, why are you wasting your breath on this old hag? Just go over there and slap her!” one of the guys urged. Nina waved her hands dismissively, putting on a show of magnanimity. “No, no, please let her go! Let’s just finish our meal and go our separate ways.” Her words seemed to remind them of my function as their personal ATM. Muttering a few curses under their breath, they reluctantly let go of my hair. Richard, remembering his own plan, quickly pasted a smile on his face. “Sorry about that, Jenna. I was just worried you’d get in trouble for hitting her. You shouldn’t be so impulsive. Let’s just part on good terms, okay? We can still be friends.” Honestly, it was a tragedy. The world of theater was losing a true talent in Richard. I gave him a smile that didn’t reach my eyes and spread my hands. “My money’s all tied up in a project. Looks like this one’s on you.” 3. The smile vanished from Richard’s face. Before he could say anything, a waiter knocked and entered the private room. In that moment of distraction, I grabbed my purse and bolted, leaving their chorus of curses echoing far behind me. Richard started to follow, but a manager and several more waiters converged on the room, pointedly asking if they intended to dine and dash. Once clear, I went straight to meet my best friend, Mona. Luckily, I’d never told Richard that Mona owned the restaurant. His friends loved the high-end menu here and always made sure to run up an exorbitant tab on my dime. Mona glanced at the string of calls from Richard lighting up my phone screen, then slid the bill across the table with a wry smile. “That bastard,” she said. “Between this meal and that watch, he managed to spend almost exactly your ‘last sixteen thousand,’ didn’t he?” I let out a cold laugh. As I was about to unleash a tirade about Richard, I noticed a man sitting alone in a corner of the office. Mona followed my gaze and waved him over. “Elias, come on over! You’ve been asking about Jenna for ages. Now that she’s here, don’t tell me you’re going to hide in a corner.” The name—Elias—sparked a flicker of familiarity. Before I could place it, he was striding towards us. He was tall, a solid presence that seemed to fill the room. I looked up and met a pair of intense, dark eyes swirling with some hidden current. “Jenna,” he said, his voice low. “It’s been a long time.” Was it my imagination, or was there a slight tremor in his voice? I studied his face—the sharp jawline, the broad shoulders—and finally, the memory clicked into place. Elias was Mona’s cousin. The first time we met, he was a gangly seventeen-year-old high school kid who followed me around like a puppy, stubbornly refusing to call me “Jenna” and instead using my full name. He had grown up, and he had grown up well. Ignoring the faint hint of resentment radiating from him, I reached out and playfully patted his shoulder. “How many times have I told you? Don’t call me by my full name. It’s just Jenna.” A clear look of relief washed over his features. He ducked his head slightly, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m glad you haven’t forgotten me.” Before I could puzzle out the meaning behind his words, the office door burst open and Richard and his entourage stormed in. Mona, who seemed to have anticipated this, glanced at Elias and took a calm sip of her coffee. Richard’s eyes immediately locked onto my hand on Elias’s shoulder, and his face darkened. But just as quickly, his expression shifted to one of pure contempt. “Seriously, Jenna? You found some random guy just to try and make me jealous? Give it up. I’m getting engaged to Nina tonight!” he sneered. “And don’t you dare show up and make a fool of yourself, crying and begging me to take you back.” Nina, emboldened, snuggled against Richard’s side, her eyes full of triumphant provocation. “That’s right, Jenna. I know how much you love him, but it’s a little shameless to be so hung up on someone else’s man, don’t you think?” she cooed. “You must be hurting so much right now. We’re only doing this to help you move on…” I couldn’t help it; I laughed out loud at their delusional performance. “Still playing the ‘daughter of my savior’ card? Are you ever going to get tired of that act? If you two bother me one more time, I swear I’ll call my lawyer. We can have a nice little chat about every single cent I spent on you during our relationship, including the money that paid for your dear Nina’s college tuition. How does that sound?” 4. The color drained from Nina’s face. She shot me a venomous look and clamped her mouth shut. Richard, however, just smirked, utterly confident. “Wow, that’s a new low, trying to win me back with threats. I’ll let you off for the meal this time. Don’t forget to come to the wedding!” With a final, possessive arm around Nina’s shoulders, he swept out of the room with his friends in tow. Mona looked at me, surprised. “You’re just letting him go like that?” I shook my head, a plan already forming in my mind. Richard had no idea that the only reason his startup was successful was because I had been secretly bankrolling it and feeding him clients. But I wasn’t going to pull the rug out from under him just yet. I would wait until he was at the very peak of his success, basking in his glory. Then, I would be the one to personally send him crashing back down to earth. My expression must have been grim, because Elias gently touched my arm. “Jenna, have some self-respect. Is a guy like that really worth your time?” His disappointed, fatherly tone was so unexpected that I found myself instinctively trying to explain. He just looked at me with even more disapproval, as if he was certain I was lying to myself. He didn’t argue, though. He just let out a soft sigh. “It’s late. It’s not safe for you to go home alone. Can I walk you?” Before I could answer, Mona slung an arm around me. “That would be wonderful!” she chirped, then leaned in to whisper in my ear. “That idiot has been in love with you for years. He’s rich, he’s hot, and he’s definitely got stamina. The least you can do is give him a chance, right?” I glanced at Elias, stunned. Mona gave me a gentle push, sending me stumbling straight into him. To his credit, he didn’t take advantage of the situation. He just steadying me carefully, his touch as gentle as if he were handling a priceless treasure. But the raw desire warring with restraint in his eyes was unmistakable. Mona wasn’t joking. As we were leaving, Mona slipped a small box into my purse. “Way better than Richard, right? Young and energetic. Don’t worry, my aunt is super open-minded. She’s totally cool with the seven-year age gap.” I shot a look at Elias. His face, his body… he was exactly my type. Since Richard had been the one to betray me, I saw no reason to observe a mourning period for a relationship that wasn’t worth it. But Elias was far more disciplined than I expected. He walked me to my door, got my number, and then simply left. I didn’t press the issue. I keyed in my code and opened the door, only to freeze on the threshold. Two figures were tangled together on my sofa. Nina shrieked, scrambling to cover herself. Richard, furious, started to yell at me, but at that exact moment, Elias reappeared, striding past me into the apartment and planting himself firmly between me and them. Richard’s face contorted with rage. “You even brought him to our home? You’re really committed to this act, aren’t you? God, you’re disgusting, the way you just can’t let me go!” Nina, having hastily pulled on her clothes, added her two cents. “Honestly, Jenna, a woman has to have some self-love. Can’t you just stop harassing my fiancé?” This time, I didn’t hold back. I swung my heavy leather handbag, aiming straight for their heads. The force of the blow was so strong that the small box Mona had given me flew out and clattered onto the floor. A box of condoms. Richard’s face went white. He stared at me and Elias, his expression one of ultimate betrayal, his jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth would crack. “How dare you, Jenna?” he seethed. “Just because I don’t want you anymore, you think you can just go and hook up with some other guy?” I was suddenly confused. He was the one who had used me for my money. He was the one who had planned to dump me the second he thought I was broke. And now he was acting like I was the one who had wronged him? But I didn’t have time to unravel his twisted logic. I just pulled out my phone and dialed 911. “Yes, hello? I’d like to report a break-in. Two people have illegally entered my home and are refusing to return my stolen property.”

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Seven years. We’d been together for seven years, and my staunchly anti-marriage girlfriend was pregnant. I stared at the positive test in my hand, the world grinding to a halt around me. It couldn’t be mine. She hadn’t let me touch her in a month. Every time she cheated, she’d buy me a supercar. Our driveway and garage looked like a showroom for exotic machines, a glistening monument to her infidelity. For seven years, I’d swallowed my pride, again and again. But this time was different. I couldn’t swallow this. I packed my bags, ready to end it. When I told her, she just scoffed. “So I’ve been a little distant for a few days. Are you really going to throw a tantrum over that?” It wasn’t a tantrum. It was the sound of my heart finally giving up. 1 “Vivian isn’t against marriage,” her new flame sneered, standing over me with an air of smug superiority. “She’s just against marrying you. You’re nothing but a lap dog she keeps.” In that single, brutal moment, the full, stupid weight of the last seven years crashed down on me. Yesterday was our seventh anniversary. I’d orchestrated a perfect evening—a romantic, candlelit dinner overlooking the city, a song I’d written just for her, a celebration of what I thought was our epic love story. But Vivian never showed up. I called her endlessly, each ring unanswered until she finally texted back a curt, dismissive reply: Busy. Stop bothering me. Now I knew what she was so busy with. She was with him, Julian, her business partner. He showed me the photos, of course. Vivian, draped in a stunning evening gown, gazing at him with an adoration I hadn’t seen in years. And then, the final, crushing realization: Julian was the one who had been anonymously sending me these pictures all along. Seeing my silence, he gave my shoulder a condescending shove. “If I were you, I’d have tucked my tail between my legs and run a long time ago. The only reason you stick around is for the cars, right? You’re just that pathetic.” He let out a dry, contemptuous laugh. Then he told me. Every single supercar she’d ever given me after one of her “indiscretions”—he was the one who helped her pick them out. It was a game to them, a sick bet. They’d wager on whether another expensive car would be enough to make the fool stay, to make me forgive her one more time. My tolerance, my willingness to believe her lies, had become a source of amusement for them. A joke shared between lovers. Faced with the ugly, shattered pieces of my reality, I didn’t throw a punch. I didn’t scream. I just went home and started packing. Seven years of this had left me hollowed out, exhausted down to my very soul. It was time to leave. Just as I pulled out my suitcase, Vivian walked in. In her hand, she dangled another key fob, holding it out to me like a peace offering. “Leo, I’m so sorry. Work has been insane. I can’t believe I missed our big day.” She pressed the key into my palm, then melted into my arms, her voice a soft, practiced purr. “We’ll make it up, I promise. As soon as this deal closes, we’ll have a proper celebration.” “Look,” she cooed, “this one’s a global limited edition. Worth a fortune. See how good I am to you? You’ll forgive me, won’t you?” I gently pushed her away, studying her perfectly made-up face. How could she stand there, her body and soul already given to another man, and lie to me so flawlessly? I didn’t know whether to be impressed by her audacity or disgusted by my own gullibility. A bitter smile touched my lips. I held the key back out to her. “An anniversary only happens once. You can’t ‘make up’ for it.” My voice was steady, a calm facade over the churning vortex in my gut. I was about to say the words—we’re over—when she pressed her body against mine, her lips finding my neck. “Then let me… make it up to you tonight?” The thought of her hands on me, the same hands that had been all over Julian just last night, sent a wave of nausea through me. How did she do it? How did she switch from whispering sweet nothings to him to trying to seduce me without missing a beat? This time, I didn’t have to push her away. A sharp, distinct ringtone cut through the air—Julian’s ringtone. Without a second’s hesitation, Vivian pulled back, snatching her phone and ducking into the bedroom to answer it. Through the crack in the door, I could see the brilliant, unrestrained smile spreading across her face. There was a time when I was the one who made her smile like that. When her family, her friends, the whole world, it seemed, was against us, she knelt before her parents and swore she would have no other man but me. She’d nearly been disinherited for me. Her fierce loyalty made me believe we were inevitable, that I was her one and only. Even when she told me she was anti-marriage, that she just wanted to be with me forever without a piece of paper defining it, I accepted it. For her, I would have accepted anything. And now, this woman who once loved me to the bone, emerged from the bedroom after a call with her lover and offered me a placid apology. “Leo, that was work. An emergency negotiation. I have to go.” Her tone was final. “I promise, I’ll make it up to you. Get some sleep, okay?” I reached out, my fingers brushing her arm. “Do you really have to go? There’s something important I need to tell you.” Her eyes flashed with annoyance. “What could possibly be so important? Leo, don’t be childish. Don’t waste my time.” And with that, she slipped into a sleek power suit and walked out the door without a backward glance. The last flicker of warmth in my heart turned to ice. I had thought a simple “we’re done” would be enough. That our financial ties could be untangled by lawyers. But seeing her so comfortably enjoying her double life, I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. So I did the only thing I could. I finished packing my bags, walked out of that house, and moved out. I sent her a single text message: It’s over. She never responded. My departure, it seemed, wasn’t even worth a reply. Three days later, my phone rang. It was her number, but the voice on the other end was Julian’s, dripping with arrogance. “Vivian just had a miscarriage. She’s weak. If you have something to say, say it to me. I’ll pass it on.” A miscarriage? The words struck me like lightning, rooting me to the spot. Because of her “no marriage” stance, I had been obsessively careful for seven years, terrified of an accident, of causing her any harm. The woman who preached about the evils of commitment… had been pregnant with another man’s child? The betrayal was a physical thing, a crushing weight on my chest that made it impossible to breathe. The ground seemed to drop out from under me. It all made sense now—her recent aversion to my touch, her distance. I’d chalked it up to work stress. The truth was so much uglier. She wasn’t stressed; she was hiding a pregnancy. I fought to keep my voice even, a cold calm settling over my rage. “When she’s better, tell her our relationship is over.” Julian chuckled on the other end. “You should have been gone a long time ago, you broke loser.” The click of the phone hanging up echoed in the silence. The fury I’d suppressed for years finally erupted. I collapsed, my head in my hands, and I sobbed, not for her, but for the seven years of my life I had utterly wasted. After the storm passed, clarity began to return. In a twisted way, I was grateful for her supposed anti-marriage principles. It meant a clean break, no messy divorce or battles over assets. For years, I’d let my own ambitions wither to keep her happy. I was once a top graduate from a prestigious art academy, but I’d settled for a dead-end job that gave me more time for her. My old mentor had reached out last year, offering to hold a spot for me in a master’s program abroad. On a whim, I called him. “That specific spot is gone,” he told me, “but with your portfolio and my connections, getting you into a new program will be no problem at all!” True to his word, within weeks, I had an acceptance letter. With everything settled, I stood at the airport with a single suitcase and a one-way ticket. I had just checked my bag when my phone buzzed. It was Vivian. Her voice was raw, raspy. “Leo, why did you just move out? What is this silent treatment all about? Why are you being like this?” So, she’d finally been home. She’d have found my empty closets, and the fleet of supercars left gleaming in the garage and driveway, untouched. The rage had cooled into a dull, quiet ache. “We broke up, Vivian. Naturally, I moved out. I’m not taking a single one of the cars.” “As for the house and everything else,” I continued, “my lawyer will be in touch. Just wire the money when he tells you to.” She sounded completely bewildered, as if I were speaking another language. “Honey, what are you talking about? Broke up? I don’t understand.” I didn’t know if Julian had kept his mouth shut or if she was just playing dumb. Frankly, I was past caring. My patience was gone. “Stop pretending, Vivian,” I snapped. “You were pregnant with Julian’s child. How can you still stand there and act like you’re the victim, like you’re devoted to me? For seven years, you ran to him behind my back. As a man, I have put up with more than enough. I am done. Now, I’m settling the score with you two cheating, backstabbing liars!”

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For five years, Evelyn was my world. Five years, and she was always distant, a beautiful, cold star I could only orbit. She never once let me touch her, but I never thought of leaving. When she was diagnosed with liver cancer, I didn’t hesitate. I gave her two-thirds of mine. Overwhelmed, she finally accepted my proposal. I was ecstatic, planning our wedding, dreaming of a future that was finally within reach. Then, on his way back to crash our wedding, her first love—her perfect, idealized memory of a man—died in a car accident. All her grief, all her rage, she poured onto me. Her revenge was merciless. It ended with her lighting a match and burning me alive. It was only in that final, searing moment of agony that I understood. The five years I had loved her without question were the same five years she had kept him enshrined in her heart. She was only marrying me to avoid the label of being ungrateful. My entire life’s devotion had been a joke. Now, reborn at the peak of my love for her, I’m the one calling it off. Later, she’ll come to me, crying, telling me I was the only one who ever truly loved her. Sorry, Evelyn. But I don’t love you anymore. 1 At the opening reception for her new art gallery, Evelyn Monroe stood in the center of a glittering crowd and announced, “I’ve decided to marry Liam Shaw.” The room erupted in applause and cheers, a wave of congratulations washing over us. But amidst the joy, one figure stood out like a crack in a masterpiece: Julian Vance, Evelyn’s first love. He drained his champagne flute in one gulp, then turned to me, a smirk laced with venom playing on his lips. “Congratulations, Liam. You bought your way into her life with a piece of your liver, and it finally paid off.” I was in a corner of the gallery, arranging canapés and drinks, but his words sent a storm raging through me, dragging up the wreckage of my last life. Evelyn, with liver cancer, one foot already in the grave. Her parents were too old to be donors. Julian, her beloved ex, had booked a flight out of the country the night he heard the news. I was the only match. I loved her. I couldn’t bear the thought of her dying so young. I gave her two-thirds of my liver without a second thought. She had cried, her gratitude a warm flood that thawed her usual frost. She promised to marry me, to spend the rest of her life taking care of me. But when Julian died, her gratitude curdled into a corrosive hatred that ended with me screaming in a fire. A sharp, stabbing pain twisted in my gut. The delicate clinking of glasses around me was a tormenting echo, and I couldn’t stop it. A wave of nausea hit me so hard I doubled over, gagging. Julian froze. Evelyn, however, rushed over, her face a mask of disgust. “What is wrong with you? Can you not even handle appetizers without making a scene? If I knew the first thing about catering, this job wouldn’t have fallen to you in the first place!” “You’re useless,” she hissed. “Just hurry up and don’t ruin the mood for everyone.” Julian shot me a look of contempt before turning a charming smile on Evelyn. “Evelyn, darling, I can handle this. Let me.” A blush crept up her cheeks. “Absolutely not,” she cooed, her voice soft. “Your hands are for painting, Julian. They shouldn’t be wasted on menial tasks. You go relax. There’s only one tray left. We’ll let him finish it. Come on.” She gently pushed him back toward the crowd, but not before throwing a final, cutting remark over her shoulder at me. “I know you donated part of your liver, Liam, but can you stop using it as an excuse to be so fragile all the time? It’s not like it affects your ability to arrange shrimp on a platter. Honestly.” The chatter in the gallery died down as our friends glanced over, their eyes filled with pity. I ignored them all, a flash of agony tightening my chest. I watched Evelyn laughing with Julian, my expression hardening into a cold, clear resolve. I am alive again. And this time, I will not be the collateral damage of their love story. Slowly, I straightened up, finished the last of the appetizers, and carried the tray out. Most of the guests were Evelyn’s friends; they all knew the epic saga of her and Julian. One of them pointed at the cartoon Band-Aid on the back of Julian’s hand. “No way, man,” he laughed. “You nicked yourself on an easel and you’re wearing that?” Julian shot a pointed look in my direction. “I’ve got someone who worries about me. Even the smallest scratch, and she can’t help but care.” He then turned to me, his face a caricature of apology. “Sorry, Liam. No offense intended. But I guess with you missing half an organ, Evelyn’s got bigger things to worry about.” I sat down, my voice flat and cold. “I’m missing part of my liver because I love Evelyn. Unlike you, who, when she needed a donor, bolted for the hills faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.” “How dare you twist it like that?” Julian snapped, his face contorting as if I’d stomped on his foot. He immediately turned to Evelyn, his eyes red and welling with tears. “Evelyn, you know why I had to leave! My cousin was in an accident overseas. I had to go, otherwise I would have stayed by your side through everything. He never would have had the chance.” He choked back a sob. “If I had known you’d marry him just for a piece of his liver, I never would have left. God, I… I’ve regretted it every single day.” The mood in the room shifted. Everyone exchanged uncertain glances. Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears of pure, unadulterated emotion. I watched them from the sidelines, my heart a placid lake. A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips. I’d given her a vital part of myself, and I’d never seen this much emotion from her. Julian says he regrets leaving, and she looks at him like he hung the moon. How could I have been so stupid in my last life? How could I have ever believed my devotion could win her heart? Suddenly, Julian’s act reached its crescendo. He crumpled to the floor, his body twitching faintly, a bit of white foam appearing at the corner of his mouth. Evelyn shrieked, dropping to her knees and pulling him into her arms. “Julian! What’s happening? Don’t scare me!” she cried, her voice trembling with panic. Gasping for air, Julian managed to speak, his voice weak. “It’s nothing… an old problem. Side effect from the sleeping pills. These last two years… I was so worried about you, I couldn’t sleep. They were the only thing that got me through.” He looked past her, his gaze locking with mine. “Liam thinks I did this on purpose. But I didn’t. It’s always been you, Evelyn. It’s always been you in my heart.” He took another shaky breath. “I just hope… even after you’re married, we can still be close. If you’ve misunderstood my feelings… I’d rather just die right now.” Evelyn bought it hook, line, and sinker. She began to sob uncontrollably. “Oh, Julian, you idiot! Of course, I believe you! You don’t have to prove anything to me like this.” She clutched his hand tightly. “And it doesn’t matter if I’m married or not. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you. No one can ever change that!” A faint, tragic smile touched Julian’s lips. “As long as you know that, I can rest easy.” With that, he passed out. Just before his eyes fluttered shut, I caught a flicker of a triumphant, sly smirk on his face. Evelyn fumbled for her phone, frantically dialing 911. Only then did she finally look at me, her eyes burning with pure hatred. “I already agreed to marry you, Liam! Why did you have to say those things to him?” she hissed. “If anything happens to Julian because of you, I swear, I will make you regret it for the rest of your life!” 2 Her furious expression sent a phantom ache through my chest. Anyone in that room could see Julian was acting, but she was completely blind to it. Even one of her own friends couldn’t help but speak up. “Evelyn, if it wasn’t for Liam, who knows where you’d be right now. Besides, he really did leave you when you needed him most.” Evelyn’s rage only intensified. “All Liam did was donate a piece of his liver! That doesn’t give him the right to act so high and mighty!” I let out a soft, humorless laugh and glanced at the man playing dead on the floor. “Really? He loves you that much, but his cousin was more important than your life?” Her anger peaked. “That’s enough! I won’t let you say another bad word about him!” Seeing her, so utterly lost in her delusion, I saw a reflection of my past self. I remembered how I used to plead with her, trying to explain that I didn’t give her my liver as a bargaining chip for marriage. I did it because I loved her, and I hoped she would marry me because she loved me back. She agreed to marry me, yet she resented me for it, torturing me until my last breath. I was just as blind as she is now. Thank God that’s over. A small pang of regret hit me. If only I could have been reborn just a little bit earlier. I never would have given her the liver in the first place. The paramedics arrived quickly. Without a second thought, Evelyn jumped into the ambulance alongside them. The party was over. I spent the next few days recovering at home. And I spent some money. I hired an investigator to dig up everything there was to know about Julian Vance, especially what he’d been up to abroad for the past two years. It turned out Julian’s private life was as dramatic as a Hollywood blockbuster. Yet here he was, professing his undying love for Evelyn. Pathetic. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Evelyn’s face when she found out. But first, I had to make sure they were shackled together for good. That would be the best revenge. A flicker of anticipation sparked within me. A few days later, Evelyn stormed back into my apartment, her eyes blazing. “Liam, Julian almost died because of you! Even my father went to the hospital to see him. Aren’t you going to go and apologize?!” I pulled on a jacket, ready to go with her. On the way to the hospital, I looked at her exhausted face. She was clearly worn out from worry. I’d never seen her this concerned, not even when I was recovering from surgery. Julian fakes a fainting spell, and she’s a wreck. I couldn’t help but ask, “I’ve been so good to you. I gave you a piece of myself. Does all of that still not measure up to a single hair on Julian’s head?” Evelyn hesitated, then her face hardened with irritation. “No one compares to Julian. I won’t lie to you, Liam. I love him. Only him. We were childhood sweethearts. You can’t possibly compete with that.” She sighed. “But don’t worry. You saved my life, and I’ll keep my promise. I’ll marry you. I don’t want to disappoint my parents, and I don’t want people talking. When we get to the hospital, you will apologize to Julian properly. I don’t want him to be upset.” I looked at her determined expression and finally understood. It all made sense now. Why she hated me so much after Julian died. To her, Julian was everything. And I was just a doormat. When we arrived at the hospital, Julian was propped up in bed, tearfully recounting his years of longing for Evelyn to an older man sitting by his bedside—her father. As we walked in, his eyes immediately found Evelyn, and his expression softened into one of deep, soulful affection. “Evelyn, you’re here.” She gazed back at him, her own eyes filled with a matching tenderness. I ignored their silent exchange and turned to her father. “Sir, I need to discuss something with you. Could we step outside for a moment?” Mr. Monroe nodded, but as we headed for the door, Evelyn blocked our path, her face flushed with anger. “Liam, are you trying to tattle on me to my dad? If you have a complaint about me and Julian, you can say it right here! You don’t have to be so sneaky!” “I have other things to discuss,” I said calmly. She clearly didn’t believe me. “I was harsh with you, and now you’re upset, I get it. But this is between us. Don’t drag Julian into it. He’s innocent! Just say what you have to say. I’m listening!” I looked at her father, then gestured toward Evelyn, who was glaring at me as if I were her sworn enemy. “Sir, you see it too. You see how deep Miss Monroe’s feelings for Mr. Vance are. I don’t want to be the villain in their story. I’m willing to step aside.” I took a breath and delivered the final blow. “The engagement… I think we should call it off.”

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Three years we’d been together when Isabella’s kidneys gave out. Acute renal failure, they called it, a cruel consequence of a life lived too fast. I gave her one of mine without a second thought. She wept, she held me, she promised me forever. She would marry me, she said, and take care of me for the rest of our lives. But on our wedding day, on the Fourth of July, I called the whole thing off in front of everyone. Why? Because I’d lived this life before. In that other life, her ex-boyfriend, Roger, died in a car crash on his way to our wedding. And somehow, in the twisted logic of her grief, it was my fault. She dedicated herself to my destruction, a slow, meticulous revenge that left me a skeletal wreck. A year later, on the anniversary of Roger’s death, she led me to the boiler room of an old factory. She staged an “accident.” I remember the searing heat, the hiss of steam, the world turning white-hot before it went black. I was scalded alive. Now, I’m back. And this time, I’m not playing her game. This time, I’ll let them have their undying, tragic love story. 1 “Leo and I have decided to get married on the last day of the Fourth of July weekend!” Isabella’s announcement sent a ripple of cheers through the crowded living room. Our friends erupted in applause, shouting congratulations, wishing us a lifetime of happiness. Only Roger, Isabella’s first love, remained silent. He lifted his glass of whiskey, downed it in one smooth motion, and fixed me with a smirk laced with venom. “Well, congratulations, Leo. You bought your way into her life with a kidney, and it finally paid off.” I was in the kitchen, turning steaks on the grill pan, the scent of sizzling meat and warm spices filling the air. It should have felt cozy, a perfect summer evening. But all I could think about was the searing end to my last life. Two years ago, Isabella had been knocking on death’s door. Her family members weren’t a match. Roger, her beloved ex, had booked a one-way ticket out of the country the night he got the news. I was the only one who matched. I loved her. The thought of her dying so young was unbearable. So I gave her a piece of myself. She was so moved she cried for an hour straight, promising right then and there, before the surgery, that she would be my wife. She would cherish me forever. But when Roger died, that love curdled into a corrosive hatred that ended with me screaming in a boiler room. A sharp, stabbing pain twisted in my gut. The sound of the sizzling steaks was a violent echo of my past, and I couldn’t stop it. A wave of nausea hit me hard, and I doubled over the counter, gagging. Roger froze. Isabella, however, rushed over, her face a mask of disgust. “What the hell is wrong with you? Can’t you even cook without making a scene? If my cooking wasn’t so terrible, you wouldn’t even be touching the food for Roger!” She scowled. “You’re useless. Just hurry up so you don’t ruin everyone’s appetite.” Roger glanced at me with disdain before turning a charming smile on Isabella. “Bella, darling, I can cook. Let me take over.” A blush crept up Isabella’s cheeks. “Absolutely not,” she cooed, her voice soft. “Your hands are for the piano, Roger. They don’t belong in a kitchen. You go relax. There’s only one more dish. We’ll let him finish it. Come on.” She gently pushed him back toward the living room, but not before throwing a final, cutting remark over her shoulder at me. “I know you gave me a kidney, Leo, but can you stop using it as an excuse to be so fragile all the time? It’s not like it affects your ability to flip a damn steak, is it?” The chatter in the living room died down. I could feel the sympathetic stares of our friends, but I ignored them. A cold sweat broke out on my forehead as a flash of agony, a memory of fire, shot through me. I watched Isabella laughing with Roger, her head tilted just so, her eyes sparkling. My expression hardened, the pain solidifying into a cold, clear resolve. I am alive again. And I will not be the collateral damage of their love story this time. Slowly, I straightened up, finished the last of the vegetables, and brought the platter to the table. Most of the guests were Isabella’s friends. They all knew the epic story of her and Roger. One of them pointed at the cute cartoon Band-Aid on the back of Roger’s hand. “No way, man,” he laughed. “You’re a grown man. You scraped your hand on the corner of the table and you’re wearing a Band-Aid?” Roger shot a pointed look in my direction. “I have someone who worries about me. Even the smallest scratch, and she can’t help but care.” He then turned to me, his face a caricature of apology. “Sorry, Leo. No offense intended. But I guess with you missing a whole organ, Bella’s got bigger things to worry about.” I sat down, my voice flat and cold. “I’m missing a kidney because I love Isabella. Unlike you, who, when she needed a donor, bolted for the hills faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.” “How dare you twist it like that?” Roger snapped, his face contorting as if I’d stepped on his tail. He immediately turned to Isabella, his eyes red and welling with tears. “Bella, you know why I had to leave! My cousin was in an accident overseas. I had to go, otherwise I would have stayed by your side through everything. He never would have had the chance.” He choked back a sob. “If I had known you’d marry him just for a kidney, I would have stayed. God, I… I’ve regretted it every single day.” The mood in the room shifted. Everyone exchanged uncertain glances. Isabella’s eyes filled with tears of pure, unadulterated emotion. I watched them from the sidelines, my heart a placid lake. A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips. I’d given her a vital organ, and I’d never seen this much emotion from her. Roger says he regrets leaving, and she looks at him like he hung the moon. How could I have been so stupid in my last life? How could I have ever believed my devotion could win her heart? Suddenly, Roger’s act reached its crescendo. He crumpled to the floor, his body twitching faintly, a bit of white foam appearing at the corner of his mouth. Isabella shrieked, dropping to her knees and pulling him into her arms. “Roger! What’s happening? Don’t scare me!” she cried, her voice trembling with panic. Gasping for air, Roger managed to speak, his voice weak. “It’s nothing… an old problem. Side effect from the sleeping pills. These last two years… I was so worried about you, I couldn’t sleep. They were the only thing that got me through.” He looked past her, his gaze locking with mine. “Leo thinks I did this on purpose. But I didn’t. It’s always been you, Bella. It’s always been you in my heart.” He took another shaky breath. “I just hope… even after you’re married, we can still be close. If you’ve misunderstood my feelings… I’d rather just die right now.” It was a performance so clumsy it wouldn’t fool a toddler, but any sane adult could see right through it. Isabella, however, bought it hook, line, and sinker. She began to sob uncontrollably. “Oh, Roger, you idiot! Of course, I believe you! You don’t have to prove anything to me like this.” She clutched him tighter. “And it doesn’t matter if I’m married or not. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you. No one can ever change that!” A faint, tragic smile touched Roger’s lips. “As long as you know that, I can rest easy.” And with that, he passed out. Just before his eyes fluttered shut, I caught a flicker of a triumphant, sly smirk on his face. Isabella fumbled for her phone, frantically dialing 911. Only then did she finally look at me, her eyes burning with pure hatred. “I already agreed to marry you, Leo! Why did you have to say those things to him?” she hissed. “If anything happens to Roger because of you, I swear, I will make you regret it for the rest of your life!” 2 Her furious expression sent a phantom ache through my chest. Anyone in that room could see Roger was acting, but she was completely blind to it. Even one of her own friends couldn’t help but speak up. “Isabella, that’s a bit harsh. If it wasn’t for Leo, who knows where you’d be right now.” “Besides,” another friend added quietly, “he really did leave you when you needed him most.” Isabella’s rage only intensified. “All Leo did was donate a kidney! That doesn’t give him the right to act so high and mighty!” she shot back. “Roger had a family emergency! If he had been here, he would have done anything to save me! I’m already marrying you because of the kidney, Leo. What more do you want?” I let out a soft, humorless laugh and glanced at the man playing dead on the floor. “Really? He loves you that much, but his cousin was more important than your life?” My words only seemed to disgust her further. “That’s enough! I won’t let you say another bad word about him! That was his cousin, Leo! Was he just supposed to ignore that? Have you lost your heart completely?!” Seeing her, so utterly lost in her delusion, I saw a reflection of my past self. I remembered how I used to plead with her, trying to explain that I didn’t give her my kidney as a bargaining chip for marriage. I did it because I loved her, and I hoped she would marry me because she loved me back. She agreed to marry me, yet she resented me for it, torturing me until my last breath. I was just as blind as she is now. Thank God that’s over. A small pang of regret hit me. If only I could have been reborn just a little bit earlier. I never would have given her the kidney in the first place. The paramedics arrived quickly. Without a second thought, Isabella jumped into the ambulance alongside them, her hand clutching Roger’s the entire time. The party was over. I spent the next few days recovering at home. And I spent some money. I hired an investigator to dig up everything there was to know about Roger Vance, especially what he’d been up to abroad for the past two years. It turned out Roger’s private life was as dramatic as a Hollywood blockbuster. Yet here he was, professing his undying love for Isabella. Pathetic. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Isabella’s face when she found out. But first, I had to make sure they were shackled together for good. That would be the best revenge. A flicker of anticipation sparked within me. A few days later, Isabella stormed back into my apartment, her eyes blazing. “Leo, Roger almost died because of you! Even my father went to the hospital to see him. Aren’t you going to go and apologize?!” I pulled on a jacket, ready to go with her. On the way to the hospital, I looked at her exhausted face. She was clearly worn out from worry, her eyes puffy from lack of sleep. I’d never seen her this concerned, not even when I was recovering from surgery. Roger fakes a fainting spell, and she’s a wreck. I couldn’t help but ask, “I’ve been so good to you. I gave you a piece of myself. Does all of that still not measure up to a single hair on Roger’s head?” Isabella hesitated for a second, then her face hardened with irritation. “No one compares to Roger. I won’t lie to you, Leo. I love him. Only him. We were childhood sweethearts. You can’t possibly compete with that.” She sighed, a long, weary sound. “But don’t worry. You saved my life, and I’ll keep my promise. I’ll marry you. I don’t want to disappoint my parents, and I don’t want people talking. When we get to the hospital, you will apologize to Roger properly. I don’t want him to be upset.” I looked at her determined expression and finally understood. It all made sense now. Why she hated me so much after Roger died in my previous life. To her, Roger was everything. And I was just a doormat she could walk all over. When we arrived at the hospital, Roger was propped up in bed, tearfully recounting his years of longing for Isabella to an older man sitting by his bedside—her father. As we walked in, his eyes immediately found Isabella, and his expression softened into one of deep, soulful affection, as if he wanted to melt right into her. “Bella, you’re here.” She gazed back at him, her own eyes filled with a matching tenderness. I ignored their silent, passionate exchange and turned to her father. “Sir, I need to discuss something with you. Could we step outside for a moment?” Mr. Bell nodded, but as we headed for the door, Isabella blocked our path, her face flushed with anger. “Leo, are you trying to tattle on me to my dad?” she demanded. “If you have a complaint about me and Roger, you can say it right here! You don’t have to be so sneaky!” “I have other things to discuss,” I said calmly. She clearly didn’t believe me. “I was harsh with you, and now you’re upset, I get it. But this is between us. Don’t drag Roger into it. He’s innocent! Just say what you have to say. I’m listening!” I looked at her father, then gestured toward Isabella, who was glaring at me as if I were her sworn enemy. “Sir, you see it too. You see how deep Miss Bell’s feelings for Mr. Vance are. I don’t want to be the villain in their story. I’m willing to step aside and let them be happy.” I took a breath and delivered the final blow. “The wedding we planned for the Fourth of July… I think we should call it off. Effective immediately.”

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An accident left me blind. For five years, my girlfriend, Amelia, never left my side. She would hold my hand, her voice thick with emotion, and swear, “It doesn’t matter if you never see again. I will never marry anyone but you.” For five long years, she was my rock, my eyes, my everything. I truly believed she wanted to spend her life with me. Until we went on vacation, and I “accidentally” fell into the ocean. I woke up in a hospital room, and the first thing I realized was… I could see. The world was a blur of shapes and colors, but it was there. I could see. I was about to call out, to share the miraculous news with her, when I saw them. Amelia and another man, standing on the balcony, locked in a tight embrace. Her smile was radiant, a look of pure bliss I hadn’t seen in years. “Don’t worry,” she cooed. “Even if he didn’t die, it won’t change anything for us. He’s just a blind man. What’s he going to do?” 1 Her words sent a chill down my spine. It didn’t make sense. I thought Amelia loved me. When I lost my sight, she hadn’t hesitated. She’d stayed, cared for me, loved me. Five years of unwavering devotion. What was happening? Before I could process it, I heard their voices again. “He still needs to die,” the man said. “As long as he’s alive, all that money is still his.” That voice… I knew that voice. It was David, the male caregiver Amelia had hired a few months ago. It had to be. I’d felt sorry for her, thinking the burden of caring for me was too much. I was the one who insisted she get some help. I hadn’t just hired help. I had invited a predator into my home. Still reeling from the shock, I heard Amelia’s voice, soft and reassuring. “Don’t you worry, my love. I didn’t expect him to be so lucky. Someone saw him fall in right away.” “Just give it some time. We’ll find another excuse to take him somewhere.” What did that mean? So, falling into the ocean… that was their plan? And they were going to try again? Any lingering hope I’d clung to shattered, leaving me in an arctic wasteland of betrayal. The cold was so profound, it felt like it was freezing me from the inside out. I forced myself to stay calm, to listen. David, soothed by Amelia’s words, seemed to calm down. “Next time,” he said, his voice hard, “we need to be prepared. We have to make sure it’s a clean kill.” Amelia nodded eagerly, melting into his embrace, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. “Darling, I have some wonderful news.” “I’m pregnant.” David’s eyes went wide. “What did you just say?” “I said,” she repeated, peppering his face with kisses, “you’re going to be a father!” “Really?” he asked again, his voice filled with disbelief. Amelia nodded, and he let out a whoop of joy, sweeping her up into his arms. “This is amazing! I’m going to be a dad!” His voice grew louder with excitement. Amelia quickly pressed a hand over his mouth. “Shh! Keep it down! The blind man is still lying in there. You’ll wake him up.” “So what?” David scoffed. “The doctor said he wouldn’t be conscious until tomorrow at the earliest.” But Amelia wasn’t convinced. She insisted on checking on me. After a few more stolen kisses, David reluctantly let her go, and they stepped back into the room from the balcony. I scrambled back into the bed, my movements silent thanks to my bare feet. A moment later, they were standing over me. “Leo? Leo?” David said, tapping my cheek. Beneath the blanket, my hand was clenched so tightly around the bedsheet my knuckles were white. It took every ounce of self-control not to leap up and smash their faces in. They both called my name a few more times. Convinced I was still unconscious, they straightened up. This time, they didn’t even bother with subtlety. They wrapped their arms around each other right there, next to my bed. “See? I told you not to worry,” David murmured. “Even if he wakes up, he can’t see anything.” A frown creased his forehead. “We can’t be careless. What if… what if he got his sight back?” I watched them through slightly slitted eyelids, a perfect picture of a loving couple, whispering their secrets over my supposedly insensate body. It all made sense now—why she had been pushing me away for months, always finding an excuse to avoid any intimacy. She was pregnant with another man’s child. The thought that I had been supporting these two vipers, that I had welcomed one of them into my home, made me want to slap myself. But now, I had the advantage. They were out in the open, and I was in the shadows. I would play their game. I would continue to be the helpless blind man. And I would watch them. I would wait. And then, I would make them pay. The lingering effects of the medication soon pulled me into a genuine, deep sleep. When I woke the next morning, the room was empty. “Amelia? Are you there?” I called out. The door swung open, and she rushed in, with David trailing behind her. “Darling! You’re awake! Oh, thank God, you scared me to death!” She collapsed into my arms, her face buried in my chest, her shoulders shaking with sobs. What an actress. It was a damn shame she wasn’t in Hollywood. David shot her an annoyed look, then waved his hand back and forth in front of my face. It was a daily ritual for him, a constant test to see if anything had changed. “It’s okay, don’t cry. I’m fine,” I said, pretending to grope for her, my hand finally finding her face after a few clumsy attempts. The skin under my fingers was completely dry. Her performance was flawless. After a few more minutes of her fake comfort, she told David to help me with a shower. He made a disgusted face and spat silently on the floor before reluctantly leading me to the bathroom. Once inside, he cranked the faucet to its hottest setting, aimed the showerhead at my chest, and turned it on. Scalding water hit my skin. I cried out in pain. He feigned panic. “Oh, sorry, Leo! I didn’t realize!” Amelia heard the commotion and knocked on the door. “What’s going on in there?” “He scalded me!” I called out first. “Where? Let me see! Come out here!” Her voice was thick with a worry that, just yesterday, would have seemed completely genuine. Now, it was just the hollow echo of a lie. “It’s fine,” I said, my voice tight. “We’ll be out in a minute.” I felt David’s grip on my arm tighten. He gave me a quick, rough rinse and practically threw my clothes back on me. The moment I was back on the bed, Amelia was there, lifting my shirt. “Let me see what happened.” She saw the angry red patch on my chest and shot a glare at David. “Does it hurt? It’s all red! David, what is wrong with you?” On the surface, she was scolding him for my sake. In reality, her eyes were locked on his, and she mouthed silently, What happened? He jerked his chin in my direction and then made a “zip it” gesture. It was clear David was still suspicious. Just then, the doctor came in for his rounds. Amelia explained what happened and asked him to take a look. After a brief examination, the doctor confirmed it was just a surface burn and said I was fine to go home. But Amelia wasn’t done. “Doctor, what about his eyes? Is there any change?” The doctor leaned in, shining a light into my eyes. “No, no change. Everything looks the same.” “So… when will he be able to see again?” “That’s impossible to say. But with modern medicine, you never know. I’m sure Mr. Hayes will regain his sight one day.” Thank God. My vision was still blurry enough that the physical signs of recovery weren’t yet visible. Otherwise, the game would have been up right then and there. The doctor’s words seemed to put them at ease. He left, and Amelia went to handle the discharge paperwork while David stayed behind to pack. He watched her walk down the hall, and a look of pure malice crossed his face. He clearly didn’t trust the doctor’s assessment, and his little shower experiment had failed. He wasn’t giving up. My heart pounded as he picked up a fruit knife from the bedside table and started walking towards me, his steps slow and deliberate. On the outside, I was perfectly still. Inside, I was screaming. The tip of the knife came closer, closer, until it was less than an inch from my eye. And then it stopped. Amelia was back. She saw the scene, and her face went rigid. She lunged forward, grabbing David’s wrist. “Are you crazy? Put it down!” she hissed, her eyes wide with panic. Reluctantly, David lowered the knife. “Amelia? Is that you?” I asked, my voice intentionally weak. She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to sound calm. “Yes, darling, it’s me.” She then launched into a stream of concerned words, fussing over me as she finished packing our things. By the time we got home, it was late afternoon. I was exhausted, and I let David lead me straight to the bedroom. I slept until eight o’clock that night. My stomach was growling, but no one had come to wake me for dinner. I was about to call for Amelia when I heard the sound of laughter coming from the caregiver’s room next door. I slipped out of bed and crept to the door, which was slightly ajar. Through the crack, I saw Amelia propped up against the headboard. David, wearing my pajamas, had his head resting on her stomach. “He just kicked me,” he said, grinning. “You silly goose,” Amelia giggled. “I’m only three months along. You can’t feel anything yet.” Three months. My fists clenched. The timeline clicked into place. They’d been together for a while. I was now one hundred percent certain. I remembered my friends telling me when I first started dating Amelia that she already had a boyfriend. When I asked her about it, she swore they had broken up long ago. I never saw her with anyone else, and after I went blind, her devotion was so complete that I never doubted her. But it was all a lie. Whether David was that old boyfriend or a new one didn’t matter. They were trying to kill me for my money, and for that, there would be no forgiveness. If they wanted to play dirty, then I would show them no mercy. A plan began to form in my mind. I smirked, turned, and went back to the living room. I found a small box of thumbtacks and palmed a few. Then, I returned to their door. They were starting to get more intimate. I cleared my throat loudly. “Amelia? David? Are you in there?” I dragged my foot on the floor, making it sound like I was shuffling blindly, then pushed the door open. They both jumped, startled. David was so shocked he fell off the bed with a muffled thud, scrambling to stay quiet. He frantically motioned for Amelia to go out and deal with me. The pure panic on their faces was a beautiful sight. Amelia slid off the bed and tiptoed to the door. “David? Are you here?” I said, playing the part, waving my hand in the empty air. David finally let out a breath and forced his voice to sound steady. “Leo, yeah, I’m here. I was just taking a nap. What’s up?” As he spoke, I casually dropped the thumbtacks on the floor, just a few feet away from me. “Oh, I was just hungry. I called out a few times, but nobody answered, so I came to find you.” I stood my ground, waiting for him to come to me. Sure enough, he walked right into the trap. The thumbtacks pierced the sole of his foot, and he let out a sharp cry of pain, hopping on one leg. “David, what’s wrong?” I asked, fighting to keep the laughter out of my voice. Amelia came running, having already changed back into her own clothes. “Darling, what’s wrong? Why are you up?” She was talking to me, but her eyes were glued to David. If I hadn’t been standing there, she would have been all over him. I turned my head towards the sound of her voice. “Amelia, where were you?” She hesitated for a second. “I… I just popped out to buy you some new clothes.” A lie so lazy it was insulting. But I let it slide. “David, are you okay?” I asked with fake concern. He had managed to compose himself. “I’m fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “Just twisted my ankle.” “Is it serious? Maybe you should go to the hospital.” They exchanged a look. “Yes, David, you should get it checked out,” Amelia said, her voice laced with worry. “It looks like it’s already swelling.” She looked like she was desperate to tend to his wound herself. David didn’t argue. He limped towards the door, his eyes scanning my face the entire time he passed me. He was still suspicious. After he left, Amelia helped me back to my room. The moment we were inside, she pushed me onto the bed. She stripped off her clothes and leaned in close, whispering in my ear. “Darling, it’s been so long… We have the whole house to ourselves…” She hadn’t let me touch her in months. This sudden display of affection could only mean one thing. David had put her up to this. Another test. I remained perfectly still, then gently pushed her away. “I’m really hungry, Amelia. Could you make me some dumplings?” A flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she got up and went to the kitchen. The night passed with a tense, false peace, the quiet before a storm. But this time, the storm was for them. I slept better than I had in years. The next morning, I was woken by a frantic pounding on the front door.

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My daughter and I died horribly in a cold, abandoned factory. Before the end, I begged our kidnapper to let me make one last call to my wife, to plead with her to save us. But she thought I was putting on an act. Her voice crackled with annoyance through the phone. “Are you ever going to stop?” she snarled. “I haven’t even dealt with you for pushing Julian down the stairs and breaking his arm! Go ahead and die for all I care, just stop bothering me while I’m drying his hair!” She got her wish. Right after she hung up, they killed us. But later, when she could no longer find her husband and daughter, she finally went insane. 1 For a moment, I was disoriented, a weightless soul floating in the air. “Daddy… are we dead?” My daughter’s small, innocent voice came from beside me. My heart clenched as the agonizing memories flooded back. I pulled Hannah into my arms, holding her tight. “Yes, sweetie… But it’s okay. Daddy will be with you forever.” Our deaths had been brutal. Our faces were mangled beyond recognition, our bodies so tortured there wasn’t an unblemished inch of skin left. Even the hardened police officers, men who had seen the worst of humanity, drew a sharp breath when they saw our bodies. “What kind of hatred drives someone to do this?” one of them murmured. “God, it’s tragic. This must be the father. Look at the body… he was trying to shield the kid right to the end…” “Damn. The bodies are too damaged. Identifying them is going to be a nightmare…” I covered Hannah’s eyes. Floating there, watching them photograph our remains, a bottomless well of hatred churned inside me. Perhaps my rage was a force of its own, because in the blink of an eye, we were no longer in the factory. We were standing beside my wife, Sabrina. She was in a private room at the hospital, gently peeling an apple with a look of profound tenderness on her face. “Mommy!” Hannah instinctively started towards her, then stopped. A memory seemed to flash in her eyes, and she hesitated before hiding behind my legs. Sabrina had never wanted to marry me, let alone have a child. She’d always been cold and indifferent to Hannah. Every time our daughter tried to get close, she would be impatiently pushed away. After peeling the apple, Sabrina carefully sliced it into small, perfect wedges, stuck a toothpick in one, and offered it to the man in the hospital bed—Julian. “Here, Julian. You eat this. I’ll dry your hair,” she said, the love and adoration in her eyes a knife twisting in my soul. Julian’s left arm was in a plaster cast, his dark hair still damp. Sabrina expertly plugged in a hairdryer and sat on the edge of the bed. He lowered his head, letting her gently work her fingers through his hair. Her movements were soft and meticulous, a side of her I had never, ever seen. Knock, knock, knock. The door creaked open. Charles, our butler, poked his head in, looking troubled. “Ma’am, regarding Mr. Thorne and Hannah… Are you sure you don’t want to do anything?” Sabrina’s brow furrowed, her face darkening. “Do what? Can’t you see I’m busy? Nathan made up that whole story just to trick me into coming home. A kidnapping? Charles, are you getting dumber?” Her private moment with Julian had been interrupted, and she was clearly annoyed. “Don’t mention his name to me again. If you do, you can pack your bags.” She didn’t know. She couldn’t possibly know that we were already dead. That we had died right after she hung up on my desperate plea for help. I still had a sliver of hope when she answered the phone. “Sabrina! Hannah and I have been kidnapped! Please, you have to help us!” I heard the hairdryer click off, followed by her voice, tight with suppressed fury. “Nathan, are you out of your mind?” “First you push Julian down the stairs and break his arm, ruining his chance to compete in the guitar competition, and now you’re making up this ridiculous story about you and Hannah being kidnapped?” “I’m busy drying Julian’s hair. I don’t have time for your drama.” Then, she hung up without a second thought. “Daddy, does Mommy not want us anymore?” Hannah whispered, tugging on my shirt. A wave of sorrow washed over me. I stroked her hair. “No, sweetie. Mommy wasn’t good to us. It’s we who don’t want her anymore.” She nodded, her expression still so innocent, and I felt a lump form in my throat as tears welled in my eyes. “Don’t cry, Daddy.” Hannah’s voice pulled me back. After being scolded by Sabrina, Charles didn’t dare press the issue. He quietly closed the door and stood guard outside. Watching Sabrina and Julian, so lost in their own world, I thought, She hates us so much, she’ll probably laugh with joy when she finds out we’re dead. After all, with us gone, nothing would stand in the way of her and her one true love. … Julian had only broken his arm, but Sabrina treated him like a fragile treasure, staying by his bedside day and night. Early the next morning, she sent Charles home to pick up breakfast prepared by our cook, Mrs. Gable, and laid it out for him. “Try this, Julian. Let me know if you like it. If not, I’ll get you something else.” She ladled a bowl of soup, scooped up a spoonful, and blew on it gently before bringing it to his lips. Julian drank the soup, and when he looked up, his eyes were glistening with tears. “Sabrina, you’re so good to me… How can I ever repay you?” Sabrina’s heart instantly melted. She put down the bowl and pulled him into a hug. “Don’t talk about repaying me, Julian. You know how I feel about you. It’s never changed.” “But Nathan… and you have a child together…” Julian bit his lip, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. Hearing her beloved misunderstand, Sabrina rushed to explain. “My family forced me to marry Nathan! And the child… it wasn’t my choice. He got me drunk!” “I have never, not for one second, cared about his child!” Her words hit me like a physical blow. I instinctively moved to cover Hannah’s ears, but it was too late. Hannah just stared at Sabrina, her small face pale. After a long moment, she said, “Daddy was right. Mommy is bad. We don’t want her. Don’t be sad, Daddy.” Hearing that, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I hugged my little girl and wept. Sabrina, oblivious, clapped her hands. Charles brought in an exquisite guitar case. “Julian, this is a one-of-a-kind guitar, made by the greatest master craftsman in Italy. There’s only one in the world, and now it’s yours,” she announced. “To me, you’re as unique and precious as this guitar.” Julian blushed, but my own face went white with rage. That guitar… I recognized it. I’d acquired it five years ago during a performance in Vienna. It was my most prized possession. And she was giving it to him? White-hot fury consumed me. I wanted to rush forward, to stop them, but I was nothing but air. My rage was powerless. “This guitar… wasn’t this Nathan’s?” Julian asked, holding the instrument, a strange look in his eyes. “What if he finds out and comes after me?” “Him? He’s not worthy of this guitar,” Sabrina scoffed, her eyes filled with contempt. “I’ll just buy him some cheap replacement to shut him up. He broke your arm; consider this his apology.” “Now, you get some rest, Julian. Tomorrow, when you’re discharged, you’re moving in with me. It’ll be easier for me to take care of you.” She gently stroked his hair, her face radiant with an love she had never once shown me. When Sabrina finally left the room, Charles was still waiting outside. He couldn’t help but speak up. “Ma’am, Mrs. Gable said Mr. Thorne and Hannah haven’t been home in two days… Should we perhaps call the police?” At the mention of our names, Sabrina’s expression turned thunderous. “He’s probably hiding out at some friend’s house with the kid. Call the police? You want me to become a laughingstock for the whole city?” “Charles, I told you not to bring them up. Are you trying to get yourself fired?” Beads of sweat formed on Charles’s forehead. “No, ma’am, of course not. I’m just worried something might have happened…” Sabrina snorted. “What could happen? He’s a manipulative drama queen. There’s nothing to worry about.” Then she muttered under her breath, “They say the wicked live forever. Honestly, I almost wish something would happen to him…” I watched this scene unfold, feeling like my entire six-year marriage had been a colossal joke. The woman I loved, the woman I shared a bed with, had been secretly wishing for my death, and I, like a fool, had been completely oblivious, clumsily trying to win her affection. I never realized just how much she despised me. … After Julian was discharged from the hospital, Sabrina brought him home. The moment they walked through the door, she called for our housekeeper. “Mrs. Gable, where’s Nathan? Tell him to come out here. He needs to pack his things and move into the guest room. Julian will be taking the master bedroom.” Mrs. Gable froze. “Ma’am,” she said quietly, “Mr. Thorne and Miss Hannah… they haven’t been back for a week.” Sabrina’s brow tightened. “Fine. Then you go and move his things into the guest room for him.” As Mrs. Gable hurried to do as she was told, Sabrina grumbled, “Dragging a child around with him while he’s out fooling around for this long. Just wait until he gets back, I’ll give him a piece of my mind!” Julian quickly stepped in to soothe her. “Sabrina, I’m sure Nathan didn’t mean it. He’s probably just upset and needed some time away. Don’t be angry.” “Time away? What right does he have to be upset?” The attempt at comfort only seemed to enrage her further. “Don’t you worry, Julian. When he gets back, I’m going to make him pay for what he did to your arm.” She flopped onto the sofa and switched on the television. “Come, sit with me, Julian. We’ll wait for Mrs. Gable to finish, and then I’ll take you upstairs.” “Sabrina, maybe I should just go back to my own place…” Julian said, biting his lip in a display of false modesty. “If Nathan finds out I’m staying in the master bedroom, he’ll be furious. What if that just makes him stay away longer?” “Then let him stay away forever!” Sabrina snapped, grabbing his wrist and pulling him down beside her. He took the opportunity to settle himself right onto her lap. “Sabrina… you’re so good to me.” Once the room was ready, she led Julian to the master bedroom. Everything was new—toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, slippers—all freshly bought by Mrs. Gable at her direction. “Julian, your hand is injured, so be careful in the shower. Try not to get the cast wet. I’ll be right outside. Call me if you need anything,” she fussed, her concern genuine. I remembered a time I was burning up with a high fever, begging her to pick up Hannah from kindergarten. “Nathan, your little pity party won’t work on me,” she had sneered. “She’s your daughter, you get her. A fever? And you just happen to get it on the same day as Julian’s guitar recital? Are you dying? If not, then get up and go yourself!” She had turned and left without a backward glance. I had to drag myself out of bed, but I collapsed from weakness before I even made it downstairs. Thankfully, Mrs. Gable found me, gave me some medicine, and went to pick up Hannah. And what was Sabrina doing then? Was she backstage with Julian, kissing him amidst a bouquet of red roses? So, she wasn’t incapable of caring. She wasn’t cold-hearted by nature. She just despised me and our daughter. Just then, Sabrina’s phone rang. “Sabrina, dear, I haven’t been able to reach Nathan for a couple of days. Did you two have a fight? Do you know where he is?” It was my mother. “How should I know? He probably took the kid somewhere to play. I’ll have him call you when he gets back,” Sabrina said, rolling her eyes as she lied. Hearing her, I could only manage a bitter, silent smile. I’m sorry, Mom. I won’t be there to take care of you in your old age. “But I saw on the news… there was a murder case,” my mother’s voice was hesitant, laced with a fear she didn’t want to voice. “Nathan and Hannah are missing… You don’t think something happened to them, do you?” “Missing? It’s all an act he’s putting on. Mom, don’t get involved,” Sabrina said, and before my mother could reply, she hung up the phone. Julian put on a concerned face. “Sabrina, is something wrong with Nathan? Your mother-in-law is just worried. Don’t be upset.” Sabrina set her phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ and tossed it aside. “What could possibly happen to Nathan?” she said dismissively. “A man as vile as him? Even God wouldn’t take him. He’s probably in on it with his mother, cooking up this whole scheme.” Julian covered his mouth and giggled. “Oh, you know Nathan. He just loves you too much. You can’t blame him for trying.” Sabrina pulled him into her arms. “But you’re the only one in my heart,” she whispered. I couldn’t stand to watch the sickening display any longer. I took Hannah’s hand and turned her to face the wall. Another day passed. Finally, the police came to the door. When she opened it and saw the uniforms, Sabrina was visibly startled. “Mrs. Thorne? Your husband and daughter have been missing for four days. We need you to come to the station and identify some bodies.”

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My fiancé left me for his childhood sweetheart at the altar. That night, I drank myself into oblivion. The next morning, I woke up in bed with his older brother. Flushed with shame, I scrambled into my clothes. “This was a mistake,” I stammered. “You don’t owe me anything.” But Eric stared at me, eyes red-rimmed. “Lily,” he whispered hoarsely, “what does he have that I don’t? Why won’t you look at me?” Something shifted in me. That day, we married at the courthouse. For five years, Eric treated me like a queen. Everyone said he’d loved me for ages, and I believed it. Until last night, at a party, I overheard him talking to a friend: “You funneled all your money to Ryan so Mia could have the life she wanted. You even married his ex to get her off their backs. If you love Mia that much, why not marry her yourself?” Eric laughed bitterly. “Mia loves Ryan more. I just want her happy. I’d do anything.” In that moment, my world froze. The love I thought we had was nothing but an elaborate, cruel lie. 1 I fled the hotel, a ghost in the glittering night. Back home, I sank onto the sofa, staring numbly at the worn leather notebook on the coffee table. Its pages were filled with my cramped handwriting, a meticulous record of every penny we spent, every bill we paid. From the day we married, Eric had been the perfect husband—attentive, caring, thoughtful. So when he told me, a year into our marriage, that his business had collapsed and he was broke, I didn’t hesitate. I didn’t feel an ounce of resentment. Instead, I worked harder than ever, determined to stand by him, to help him rebuild everything from the ashes. But now I knew. It wasn’t a tragedy we had endured together. It was a script he had written, and I was the unwitting star of his charade. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind, and a familiar voice, still laced with that practiced tenderness, whispered in my ear. “Lily. What are you doing?” I took a deep breath, snapping the notebook shut. “Just going over the budget,” I said, my voice carefully neutral. A flicker of a frown crossed Eric’s face before it vanished, replaced by his usual look of weary affection. “You’re exhausting yourself,” he murmured, shaking his head. “I keep telling you, you don’t have to work so hard. What’s the point of having a husband if you do everything yourself?” His hand came up to cup my cheek, his eyes swimming with a counterfeit sympathy that was almost convincing. “You should get out more,” he continued softly. “See the world. Be more… free-spirited. Like Mia.” I used to melt when he said things like that, thinking he genuinely cared about my happiness. After all, before him, I was a woman who dreamed of passports filled with stamps and horizons without end. Now, his words were just acid in an open wound. This wasn’t concern. It was a comparison, and I was the one who came up short. He was telling me I wasn’t enough because I wasn’t her. He had no idea. He’d never seen the chaotic frenzy of the 5 AM fish market, never fought through the crowds for a supermarket sale. He had no concept of how the relentless grind of keeping a home, of stretching every dollar, had worn my dreams down to dust. The world he wanted me to see was a luxury I couldn’t afford, all because I was propping up the fantasy life he was funding for his brother and the woman he truly loved. I clenched my fists, forcing a placid expression onto my face. “Did you forget?” I asked, looking up at him. “Today is an important day.” Eric’s brow furrowed in concentration. He searched his memory for a long moment, and then a look of realization dawned on his face. My heart gave a pathetic little leap. He remembered. He remembered our anniversary. But in the next second, his gaze slid past me as he pulled out his phone. “Right, Mia and Ryan said they’d have time for a call today. I can’t believe I almost forgot…” He was already walking away as he spoke. Listening to his retreating footsteps, I felt the last embers of hope in my heart turn to cold, gray ash. The truth was, Eric’s love for Mia was never a secret. It was in the way his voice softened whenever he said her name, a current of emotion running just beneath the surface. My gaze drifted to the watch on his wrist, its metal slightly faded from years of wear. He’d told me once that Mia had given it to him. Back then, I’d convinced myself it was a sentimental gift from a girl he saw as a little sister. I was so naive, so stupidly in love, that I started secretly saving every spare dollar I could, dreaming of buying him a new, expensive watch—one that truly suited him. Only now did I understand what that old watch really symbolized. A bitter laugh escaped my lips. I picked up the small, wrapped gift box from the table, intending to hide it away forever. Just then, Eric ended his call and walked back into the room. “What’s that you’re holding?” he asked, his eyes landing on the box. I instinctively shook my head, trying to tuck it behind my back. His frown returned, and this time, it was laced with impatience. He strode over and plucked the box from my hands before I could resist. He lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on a velvet cushion, was the new watch. “Why did you buy this?” he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. I forced a brittle smile. “It’s our fifth anniversary. It was… it was your gift.” A flicker of guilt crossed his face. He leaned in and pressed a chaste, meaningless kiss to my forehead. “I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy, I forgot. It’s beautiful. I love it. Okay, let’s get some rest.” With that, he turned and walked into his bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind him. The moment the latch clicked, a sob tore from my throat, and the silent tears I’d been holding back finally began to fall. For the first time, the thought of divorce wasn’t just a fleeting shadow. It was a bright, searing light. But where would I go if I left him? Back to that broken-down apartment that smelled of stale beer and regret? Perhaps his conscience pricked him, because a few days later, Eric did something he’d never done before: he invited a few friends over for dinner. I had longed to be a part of his world, to meet the people he spent his days with, but he always had an excuse. It was a bitter irony that this wish was granted just as I was planning my escape. The house filled with laughter and chatter, a warmth that felt utterly foreign. Then, the doorbell rang. When the door opened and Mia stood on the threshold, the warmth evaporated, and the air in the room froze solid. Eric shot to his feet, a look of pure, unadulterated delight on his face. “Mia! You’re back in the country! You should have told me. Where’s Ryan? Did he let you come all this way by yourself?” Mia graced him with a practiced, perfect smile. “Ryan’s dropping our luggage off at the new place. He’ll be here in a bit.” Her eyes swept the room and landed on me. She glided over, holding out a chic, expensive-looking box. “Lily, it’s been too long. A little something for you two, to make up for not being at the wedding. They’re freshwater pearls, from Paris. You’ve probably never seen any like this.” I stood there, staring at the box in my hand, unable to speak. As Mia made her way to the dining table, Eric instinctively offered her the slice of mille-feuille cake he’d been holding. She took it, and in the same smooth motion, linked her arm through his, leaning against him playfully. “Eric, you remembered my favorite cake,” she cooed. “But you barely talk to me anymore now that you’re a married man. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten all about your little sister?” Eric gave a strained laugh, gently trying to disentangle himself. “Mia, you’re practically engaged yourself. We should probably keep some distance.” She either didn’t hear him or chose to ignore him, tightening her grip on his arm. Her eyes met mine across the room, glittering with triumph. “We grew up together, Eric. Is it so wrong to want to be close after all this time? Besides,” she added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “once I marry Ryan, we’ll all be family anyway.” Eric froze. He managed a tight smile and patted her shoulder, but when his gaze met mine, he quickly dropped his hand. Sensing the shift in my mood, he quickly changed the subject. “Oh, Mia, weren’t you saying you needed a new bracelet? Lily has one that would be perfect for you. Let me get it.” Before I could process his words, he was unlocking a display cabinet and pulling out a delicate jade bangle. The moment I saw it, a primal scream rose in my throat. “Eric, no! That was my mother’s! It’s the only thing I have left of her!” His face hardened with annoyance. “Lily, don’t be dramatic,” he said, his voice laced with patronizing frustration. “You’ve never once mentioned it was your mother’s. If you like it so much, I’ll buy you another one. This one is for Mia.” Mia’s eyes lit up as she took the bracelet, turning it over and over in her hands, admiring the way the light caught the stone. My own eyes were glued to her fingers, praying she wouldn’t drop it. But when I looked up from the bracelet to her face, I saw it—a flash of smug, deliberate malice in her eyes. My stomach plummeted. A sickening premonition washed over me. And then, just as I feared, the bracelet slipped from her grasp. It hit the marble floor with a sickening crack, shattering into a dozen pieces. Mia’s hand remained suspended in the air, her face a perfect mask of innocent shock. But her eyes were dancing with victory. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Lily,” she said, her voice dripping with fake remorse. “It just slipped.” I lunged forward, falling to my knees, desperately trying to gather the fragments, to somehow piece my mother’s memory back together. But it was hopeless. It was utterly destroyed. My vision swam with red. I looked up at her, my voice shaking with rage. “You did that on purpose!” At my accusation, Mia’s face crumpled, and she looked as if she were about to burst into tears. Instantly, Eric was at her side, shielding her from me. “Lily, it’s just a bracelet,” he snapped. “Why are you making such a scene?” Just a bracelet? Yes, it was just a cheap piece of jade, bought from a jewelry store for a couple of hundred dollars. But it was the last thing my mother touched before she died. The only tangible piece of her I had left in the world. “I’m so sorry, Lily, I really didn’t mean to,” Mia gasped, and then her breath began to hitch. Her face went pale, and she clutched at her chest. Eric’s expression changed in a heartbeat. Panic contorted his features as he started frantically searching the living room. “The inhaler! Where’s her asthma medication?!” I remained on the floor, surrounded by the ruins of my past, and watched him. I watched the cool, composed man I married dissolve into a frantic mess at the first sign of Mia’s distress. He was completely undone by her. “I threw it out,” I said, my voice eerily calm. “Neither of us has asthma. It was just taking up space.” Eric stared at me, his face a mask of disbelief. For the first time, I noticed his eyes were rimmed with red again, but this time it wasn’t from sorrow. It was from pure rage. “You know she has asthma!” he roared. “Are you trying to kill her?” He swept her up into his arms. As he did, he fumbled with the top button of her blouse, trying to give her more air. My gaze froze. Around her neck, gleaming against her pale skin, was a small, intricately carved good-luck charm. It was identical to the one I had given Eric. As he turned to leave, I shot to my feet and grabbed his sleeve. “Wait,” I demanded, my voice dangerously low. “That charm around her neck. Is that the one I gave you?” Guilt flickered in his eyes, but his tone was harsh and defensive. “She was in an accident a while back. I was worried about her, so I gave it to her for protection. You’re her sister-in-law, after all. I assumed you’d be fine with it.” I laughed. A hollow, broken sound. He assumed. What right did he have to assume anything? What right did he have to give away a piece of my soul? I had climbed the three thousand steps to the shrine on Mount Crestwood for that charm, my forehead raw and bleeding from bowing in prayer at every single step, all for his safety. And in his eyes, all of my devotion, all of my pain, weighed less than a single whim from Mia. “Why would her asthma flare up so suddenly?” Eric muttered, his eyes darting frantically around the room. They landed on a bouquet of lilies on the dining table. His face turned to stone. His jaw clenched. “I told you, no flowers in this house. Ever,” he snarled, his voice a low growl. “You bought those, didn’t you, Lily?” I lifted my chin, meeting his furious gaze without flinching. “This is my home. I’ll put whatever I want in—” CRACK. The word was slapped from my mouth. My head snapped to the side, my cheek stinging with a fiery, humiliating pain. The entire room fell silent. The guests stared, wide-eyed, frozen in place. Eric was shaking, a vein throbbing in his neck. He looked like a stranger, his eyes blazing with a fury I had never seen. But as a single tear escaped my eye and traced a path through the red mark on my cheek, he seemed to falter. The rage in his eyes flickered, replaced by something else. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, his voice thick. “I was just… worried. I’m taking Mia to the hospital. We’ll talk when I get back.” Without another word, he turned and rushed out of the house, carrying her with him. One by one, the guests made their excuses and fled, leaving me alone in the wreckage. A sharp sting in my hand brought me back to the present. I looked down and saw that a shard from the broken bracelet had sliced my finger open. After bandaging the cut, I made a call to my lawyer and asked her to draw up divorce papers. Then I went to my bedroom and quietly packed a single suitcase with everything that was mine. Eric, this game is over. It’s time to bring down the curtain. I signed the divorce papers with a steady hand. I slipped my wedding ring from my finger and placed it on the dining table, next to the papers and a short farewell letter. I sent Eric one last text message, then blocked his number. The papers are on the table. Read them. I’m getting out of the way for you and Mia.

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My girlfriend of several years broke up with me in a single text. My world tilted on its axis. Panicked, I listened to my best friend, who told me to fly home immediately and win her back. But the moment I landed, I saw her. Locked in a passionate, breathless kiss with that same best friend on a busy street corner. When I confronted them, my friend played the victim, while my now ex-girlfriend was completely unfazed. “Ethan’s been down lately, so I’ve been cheering him up. Why do you have to be so selfish?” In that instant, my heart didn’t just break; it was torn to shreds. Later, she came back, crying and begging for a second chance. But by then, I was holding my fiancée’s hand. “Our wedding is tomorrow,” I told her. “You’re welcome to come.” 1. I stood on the street corner, clutching a bouquet of flowers, and watched the couple kissing at the intersection. The August sun was a blinding, brutal thing, but a chill crept deep into my bones. I glanced down at the roses in my arms, their petals still jeweled with drops of water. I’d taken time off work and caught the earliest flight back, all to surprise her. And here she was, my girlfriend, Sophia, kissing my best friend, Ethan, like the world was ending. “Aww, look at them! They’re so cute!” a passerby cooed. “They look so perfect together. When will it be my turn to find a love like that?” I was frozen to the spot, the bouquet in my hands growing heavier by the second. The thorns of the roses bit into my palm, but I couldn’t feel a thing. “Leo!” Ethan’s voice suddenly called out from behind me. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm. “It’s not what it looks like…” he panted, out of breath. I shook him off and stared at him, my eyes cold. The collar of his shirt was smeared with Sophia’s lipstick, but his face was a perfect mask of innocence. “So this was your plan all along?” I asked, my voice flat. “You tell me to fly back to get her back, just so I can watch you two make out?” Just then, Sophia sauntered over, linking her arm through Ethan’s. She raised an eyebrow at me. “Who asked you to be here? We broke up, remember?” She’d sent the text last night. I’d flown back in a desperate rush, needing to know why. I never imagined this would be the answer. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. Suddenly, a cool, crisp voice cut through the tension. “I asked him to be here. Is that a problem?” My head snapped up. Cristine was striding toward us on sharp heels, wearing a dress the color of moonlight that made her seem ethereal and untouchable. “Cristine?” Sophia’s expression soured instantly. Cristine came to my side and slipped her arm through mine as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Weren’t we supposed to meet up today? What are you doing here?” She glanced at the roses in my arms and let out a light laugh. “And you brought flowers? I told you not to go to so much trouble.” I was speechless. Sophia’s face grew even darker. “You two are…” “What? Are you the only one allowed to be with Ethan?” Cristine tilted her head, a deceptively innocent smile playing on her lips. 2. Ethan’s expression froze. I looked down at Cristine. She glanced up at me and winked, her long lashes fluttering like a butterfly’s wings. I never thought I’d see her again. She, Ethan, and I had grown up together. The woman before me was tall and stunningly beautiful, a world away from the skinny girl I remembered. The last time I’d seen her was the day my family went bankrupt. She had clung to me, crying, before her parents pulled her away. Five years had changed everything. Sophia glared at Cristine. “Why did you tell him to come here?” Cristine ignored her completely. She took the flowers and the cake box I was holding, linked her arm more firmly in mine, and said in a voice of pure ice, “He’s my boyfriend. It’s none of your business why I called him.” And just like that, I found myself attending Cristine’s party as her “boyfriend.” The restaurant was cast in a dim, yellow light, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. I hadn’t eaten since I got on the plane, and the hunger was starting to overpower the heartbreak. I just wanted to fill the gnawing emptiness in my stomach. Ethan sat across from me, picking at his food, his eyes constantly darting in my direction. Sophia impatiently placed a piece of sushi on his plate. “Why do you keep staring at Leo? It’s not like he’s on the menu.” When Ethan still didn’t move, she frowned, her voice rising. “Relax. No one’s going to attack you here.” Her words were like a lit match dropped on the gasoline of my suppressed anger. I slammed my fork down on the table with a sharp crack, my eyes locked on hers. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Sophia flinched, her lips parting, but no words came out. She just glowered, her knuckles white around her chopsticks. I turned my furious gaze on Ethan. “Am I the one bullying you? Or did you do something you should be ashamed of? You know the answer to that.” He shook his head frantically, his eyes shifting away as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The tension was suffocating. Unfazed, Cristine calmly peeled a shrimp, placed it on my plate, her movements as graceful as a performance. “Your boyfriend seems a bit… timid,” she remarked to Sophia, her voice casual. “Maybe don’t bring him out in public next time.” Ethan’s face flushed a deep crimson. He shot up from his seat. “I need to use the restroom,” he mumbled, before hurrying away. The lively chatter of the party resumed, but the sounds felt distant, muffled by the frantic pounding of my own heart. 3. After the meal, exhaustion washed over me. I decided to leave early. Cristine had gone to pay the bill, so I got up to follow her, wanting to thank her properly. The hallway was dimly lit, her silhouette sharp and lonely against the far wall. The sound of my footsteps echoed. She must have heard me, because she stopped and turned, her expression softening. “What’s wrong?” “Thank you,” I said, “for today.” I looked at her, and it felt like looking at her across a lifetime. Her eyes were still as clear as I remembered, but now they held a new, complex depth. Cristine leaned gently against the wall. “Leo, do you remember the promise you made me, the day before you left?” My mind flashed back to that sweltering summer. The day before my family moved, I had promised to take her to the amusement park. A promise I never kept. “The amusement park?” “When can we go?” Her eyes were full of hope. Seeing that look, the dam of resentment I’d been holding back all day finally broke. My throat felt tight, clogged with unspoken words. I looked down, my voice hoarse. “Some other time. I promise I’ll take you.” Cristine watched me, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. Just when I thought she wouldn’t say anything more, she whispered, “Okay, fiancé.” The word sent a jolt of warmth through me, chasing away the last of the pain. When we were kids, our parents used to joke that we’d get engaged when we grew up. I always protested loudly back then. I never imagined she’d bring it up again after all these years. Looking at her, a strange sense of comfort settled over me, as if her presence alone could heal all my wounds. 4. Cristine had to leave early for another engagement. I planned to use the restroom before heading back to a hotel. But as I approached, I saw Ethan. He was standing by the door, clearly waiting for me. I noticed the faint, reddish marks on his neck. As soon as I stepped out, he rushed forward and grabbed my hand. “I’m so sorry, Leo. I really am. I don’t know how this happened. Please, forgive me,” he pleaded, his face a caricature of remorse. Disgust curdled in my stomach. I yanked my hand away and pulled out my phone. “You said you booked me a hotel at the usual spot,” I said, my voice cold. “How much was it? I’ll transfer you the money.” Ethan froze, the apology on his face deepening. “I’m sorry, man. I’ve been so swamped lately, I… I forgot.” My thumb hovered over the screen. I looked at him, really looked at him. We’d been inseparable for three years in high school. He was the one who encouraged me to fly back, who told me he’d booked a hotel so all I had to do was show up. And now this. I put my phone away, my gaze turning to ice. “You did this on purpose.” “No, Leo, I swear I didn’t! All the hotels around here are booked solid, and Sophia has been… so clingy. Look, why don’t you just stay at my place tonight?” he offered, his face a mask of earnest concern. Looking at him, I felt sick. I turned to walk away, but he blocked my path again. “Leo, I forgot to tell you,” he said urgently. “Cristine… she has a boyfriend. What she did earlier… she was just trying to help you out. Don’t get the wrong idea.” I let out a cold laugh. His performance was truly masterful. I ignored him and pushed past. He tried to follow, but his foot caught on the doorstep, and he went sprawling to the ground. His head and wrist hit the tile with a sickening crack, and blood immediately started to well up. “What do you think you’re doing?” Sophia’s voice shrieked. She had appeared from nowhere and was now helping Ethan up. “Why did you push him? I’m the one who wanted to break up! I’m the one who likes him! What right do you have to hurt him? Leo, you’re a monster!” I stared, stunned, from her to Ethan, who was now leaning against her. His eyes were brimming with a universe of unspoken hurt, but he didn’t say a single word to defend me. Ethan was rushed to the hospital, and because I was involved, Sophia dragged me along. The doctor examined Ethan’s wounds and sighed. “This looks nasty. How did he lose so much blood?” Sophia’s face hardened as she glared at me. “There. Are you happy now, Leo? Ethan’s bleeding all over the place. I hope you’re satisfied!” I looked at Ethan, who still refused to speak. I took a deep breath. “He tripped and fell. It has nothing to do with me. Is he going to blame the floor for being in his way?” Sophia’s expression grew even colder. “Stop pretending, Leo. Don’t think I don’t know why you came back. You saw us together and you couldn’t stand it, so you had to push him, to hurt him! You’re pathetic!” I looked at the disgust in her eyes and felt like our four years together had been a complete waste. After my family went bankrupt, we moved next door to her. My grades plummeted from the stress of it all. But Sophia had a crush on me. She stayed after school every day to tutor me. Even now, I could remember the words she’d said when she confessed her feelings. I never doubted the sincerity of that moment. But sincerity, I was learning, has a short shelf life. Looking at the person in front of me, I was filled with a single, overwhelming thought: I regret everything. A wave of exhaustion so profound it felt like it might drown me washed over my body. But I forced myself to stand straight, pulled my phone from my pocket, and dialed 911. The moment the words, “911, what’s your emergency?” came through the speaker, Sophia lunged, snatched the phone from my hand, and smashed it on the floor. “Enough!” she screamed. “How long are you going to keep this up? I don’t want to see you! Get out!” I looked at the shattered remains of my phone on the tile. I bent down, picked up the largest piece, and with a sudden, violent motion, I threw it straight at her face. A shard of the screen grazed her cheek, leaving a thin, red line. I came back to win her back, not to be her punching bag. She froze, staring at me in shock. I turned to a nurse who was watching the whole scene unfold. “Could you please call the police for me? That phone she just destroyed was worth a thousand dollars.” I saw the nurse start to make the call. And then, the world started to spin. My body gave out, and I crumpled to the floor.

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I’d recently set a small goal for myself: to become an accident in the eternal partnership of the vampire prince, Alexis. The first step of my plan was a letter, penned with a quill, which I quietly left outside the iron gate of the grim castle that overlooked the entire domain. I didn’t dare write anything too explicit, opting instead to copy down a sentimental little love poem, hinting at my willingness to offer my warm blood and pure soul. I imagined his pale, slender hand, adorned with a signet ring, breaking the seal. What would his expression be? Would he be amused? Or would he scoff at the audacity of an ant? Unfortunately, the letter vanished without a trace. I suspect one of the castle’s silent servants swept it into an incinerator along with the fallen leaves. I wasn’t discouraged. After all, attracting a creature that has lived for thousands of years requires patience. He was a prince of the bloodline, the monarch of this land of eternal night. But I had my own advantages—a young life, fresh blood, and a decent face. Soon, my chance arrived. It was the annual Day of the Holy Feast, when the castle distributed provisions to the nearby townspeople. Under the pretext of collecting alms, I finally managed to get close to the fabled fortress. As my fingertips intentionally-but-not-intentionally brushed against the edge of his carriage—the cold metal carved with his family crest—my heart hammered as if it would burst from my chest. Finally, he impatiently drew back the velvet curtain. In that instant, our eyes met. A flicker of surprise crossed his inhuman, crimson irises—the color of aged blood—shocked that a boy would have the nerve to cross him in a place like this. I quickly fluttered my round eyes and offered him a smile I had practiced countless times, a carefully crafted blend of shyness and innocence. I did my best to look like a harmless fawn that had wandered into a forest of eternal night. To be fair, I knew I was likely his type. I was lean, with slightly downturned eyes, like some kind of puppy. My chin was pointed, and my cheeks still held a touch of baby fat, making anyone who saw me assume I was just a student fresh from the cloisters. But he only furrowed his brow. An invisible force shoved me back, sending me sprawling to the ground. I understood immediately: this attempt was another failure. I bit my lip and lowered my head as his indifferent guards hauled me beyond the castle grounds, my heart filled with humiliation and resentment. I thought it was all over. To my surprise, a dark figure appeared silently in my shabby lodgings that night, stating in a monotone voice that the prince wanted to see me. I was brought into the grand, somber hall of the castle I had only heard of in legends. Alexis sat upon a massive throne carved from obsidian, his tone as cold as if he were judging a heretic. “”State your purpose. Who sent you?”” Panic flared in my chest, but I quickly steeled myself. I had to seize this chance. Forcing my voice into a softer register, I began, on the verge of tears, “”I—I wasn’t… Master, I truly… I admire you, I long for you… Please, give me a chance. Taste my blood!”” “”I already have a consort,”” he cut me off, his voice devoid of warmth. “”I know! I—I’m willing to be your most humble blood thrall!”” I blurted out, throwing all caution to the wind. I lowered my voice, continuing my plea. “”Master, I also know you have a taste for young life. I’ll never disturb your consort, I only beg you…”” His brow twitched violently, and he looked at me as if I were a buzzing fly. He let out a long breath and waved a hand. “”From this day forward, you are permanently banished. If you take one step into my domain again, you will be executed on the spot.”” “”No!”” The words sent a jolt of panic through me. This was my only hope; I couldn’t be driven away like this! I scrambled forward and knelt at his feet, clinging tightly to his cold, gleaming leather boots. “”Master, let me stay, please let me stay! My blood flows truly for you! Don’t send me away, I’m begging you!”” He seemed startled by my actions. I knelt before him, looking up with tear-filled eyes, and surreptitiously wiped a few of those tears onto the immaculate surface of his boot. My cheeks were flushed from the emotion of it all, the warmth of my life a stark contrast in his frigid domain. I saw him falter for a fraction of a second, his Adam’s apple bobbing unconsciously. But his coldness returned in an instant. He kicked me away and summoned the guards. Like a heap of rags, I was dragged from the castle and thrown onto the cold cobblestone road. Chapter 2 It was ruined. Everything was ruined. I sat at the edge of the town farthest from the castle, hugging my pathetically small collection of belongings, my head hanging in defeat. This wasn’t how the story was supposed to go! Wasn’t I supposed to use my youthful body and sweet blood to seduce him? Wasn’t Alexis supposed to be tempted by primal desire and pull me into his arms? Weren’t we supposed to spend our nights in passion beneath gothic spires, until I finally achieved eternal life and became his most cherished night-pet? Where did I go wrong? I pulled out the communicator I had hidden away and dialed the number of my “”mentor,”” Samuel. When I’d graduated, orphaned and alone, I was drowning in the massive debt my family had left behind. I had always been vain and lazy, constantly scheming for a shortcut to the top. Honest work? It would take an eternity to escape my impoverished fate that way. “”You could just do what I did and find a powerful blood-drinker to protect you!”” Samuel had said when he heard my troubles, generously sharing his experience. My interest was immediately piqued. “”How do I find one?”” I asked, shameless in my pursuit of knowledge. “”You have to be proactive,”” Samuel told me. “”Those ancient creatures are always curious about new life. Look at me—I’m about to sign a formal contract with the Baron of the Jinghe family.”” “”But I heard the Baron already has retainers.”” “”What’s there to be afraid of?”” Samuel waved his hand dismissively. “”Eternal life is boring. They always need new toys. As long as you can get him addicted to you, he’ll do anything for you.”” It was a revelation. With his guidance, I pored over the roster of nobles in the domain, finally settling on the one at the very top: Prince Alexis. Before I left, Samuel had clapped me firmly on the shoulder and said, “”Don’t forget me when you’re rich and famous!”” But now, before my grand ambitions could even take flight, I’d been mercilessly banished. On the other end of the communicator, Samuel listened to my tearful account and offered a new idea. “”Why don’t you go directly to his consort? Tell him Alexis has already tasted your blood. Harass him, force him to acknowledge your existence. At the very least, you might get some money out of him to keep you quiet. It wouldn’t be a total loss.”” That was certainly one way to handle it. I tossed and turned all night on the cot in my dingy inn room, finally deciding to confront the consort, a man named Leander. Before setting out, I carefully researched Leander’s life. He was just some ancient vampire who liked to read books. As for his face… I touched my chin, studying a blurry portrait of him that had circulated from who-knows-where. He was about on par with me, I figured. The number of men and women who had confessed their love to me over the years numbered in the thousands, if not tens of thousands, but I hadn’t been interested in any of them. After all, entering the world of the bloodline, becoming an immortal being—that was my ultimate goal. My plan was perfect: Leander was a noble of high standing. If I threw my shame to the wind and caused a scene at the antiquarian library he frequented, he would surely compromise to protect his dignity and reputation. Once a crack formed in their relationship, I could slip in. The position of prince’s consort would be mine for the taking. The only flaw in my brilliant plan was that I had misjudged myself—I wasn’t very good at throwing my shame to the wind. I managed to track Leander’s movements, but after entering the library several times, I just couldn’t bring myself to deliver the declaration of war I had prepared. Dejected, I sat in the darkest corner of the reading room, watching Leander explain ancient texts to a few young vampires in a voice as smooth as flowing water. He would occasionally drop a witty remark, drawing pleasant laughter from his audience. “”Lord Leander is so charming!”” a girl next to me whispered. “”How can there be such a perfect vampire in this world!”” “”I know, right? But Lord Leander has been with the prince forever. I hear their bond is unbreakable.”” The more I listened, the angrier I got. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I shot to my feet, ready to leave. The sound of my chair scraping against the floor startled the girl beside me and caught the attention of Leander at the lectern. “”This… human?”” he asked gently, his violet eyes holding a hint of curiosity. “”Is there a problem?”” I shook my head violently and fled the library like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Chapter 3 This latest failure struck a deep blow to my fragile little heart. I lay in bed, tossing and turning. At this rate, when would I ever become the prince’s companion? A thought suddenly flashed through my mind: I should just kidnap Leander. I was shocked by my own depravity, but the more I thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. No, not kidnap, just… scare him a little. If I couldn’t make him break up with Alexis, then at the very least, he had to give me some hush money! No sooner said than done. After scouting for several days, I finally found the perfect opportunity and cornered him on the quiet path leading from the library back to the castle. “”Who are you?”” Leander wasn’t panicked by my ambush. He simply raised an eyebrow, looking at me. “”You don’t need to know who I am. I came to say something to you.”” It was my first time doing something like this, and my heart was pounding. I tried to make my voice sound tougher. The beat of it was so loud in the silent night that I could feel his gaze piercing my skin, “”listening”” to the blood rushing through my veins. Leander must have been laughing internally as he watched me pretend to be calm. He probably saw me as a hissing kitten on the side of the road, utterly harmless. “”I… I want you to leave Alexis!”” I shouted, mustering all my courage. “”Oh?”” He looked at me with disbelief, and then his figure vanished before my eyes. In the next second, an immense force slammed me against the cold brick wall of the alley. A frigid hand clamped around my neck, choking off my breath. “”And why should I?”” The sudden reversal of power terrified me. Leander’s strength was immense; the pressure on my throat made it almost impossible to breathe. The fear of death made my brain work sluggishly. I couldn’t tell him it was because I wanted to take his place—he might actually snap my neck on the spot. I wanted money, not death! “”Still not talking?”” He saw my hesitation and his grip tightened. “”Should I help you by pulling out your tongue?”” “”Don’t! Don’t kill me!”” I began to struggle. “”I’ll talk, I’ll talk! It’s because… because I’ve fallen in love with you! Lord Leander!”” He froze for a moment, and the pressure on my neck eased. I seized the chance to slip from his grasp, gasping for air while backing away. “”That’s right. It’s because I’ve fallen in love with you. It was love at first sight, my lord.”” I started spouting nonsense, putting on my most sincere face to convince him. He quickly recovered, his brow furrowing for a moment before relaxing into a playful smile. “”A human from which town? What’s your name?”” “”I’m… I’m Samuel, from the east side of town.”” Sorry, my friend. I had to borrow your name. “”Alright, Samuel,”” he said, and to my astonishment, he believed me. “”As it happens, my lover is out hunting tonight. Why don’t you come to the castle for a visit? We can have a nice long talk about your… admiration.”” My mind raced. Alexis wasn’t there, so my cover wouldn’t be blown, and I could finally get inside the castle of my dreams. “”Of course, my lord!”” I eagerly approached him, taking his cold hand and feigning an overwhelmed, honored expression. He actually returned a gentle smile, his long fingers stroking my tousled hair as he led me home. Chapter 4 Leander brought me to his castle in the heart of the eternal night. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the enormous portrait of him and Alexis that dominated the grand hall. The aura of absolute power radiating from the two figures in the painting made me involuntarily take a step back. A pair of cold hands steadied me from behind. “”What’s wrong?”” Leander asked, a hint of a smile in his voice. “”N-nothing!”” I forced myself to take another step into the room. What’s there to be nervous about? I told myself. Don’t forget why you’re here! With that thought, my confidence returned. “”Lord Leander, your lover looks so… imposing,”” I said, adding a silent, Unlike you, who is both gentle and beautiful. He didn’t respond to my comment. “”Samuel, please have a seat on the sofa in the drawing room. I’ll get you a… warm drink. I’ll be right back.”” I sank into the velvet sofa, dazed. The exquisite fabric instantly soothed me, and I melted into it like an eel. Damn, the life of a vampire noble was good. I looked up to see Leander pouring me a glass of warm milk, playing the part of the gracious host. Another thought sparked in my mind: if I couldn’t win over Alexis, becoming Leander’s servant wouldn’t be so bad. He was handsome and gentle, and he could support me with Alexis’s wealth. The more I considered it, the more I liked the idea. I decided to offer some pleasantries to my new target. “”Lord Leander, do you need any help?”” “”Why, yes,”” his pleasant voice floated across the vast hall. “”Could you please stoke the fire in the fireplace for me?”” “”Right away!”” I shot up from the sofa and hurried to the fireplace, earning an appreciative smile from him. Just as I was basking in this false warmth, the heavy castle door creaked open, followed by a familiar, cold voice. “”I’m home.”” It was Alexis. What? A mouthful of warm milk caught in my throat. I wanted to shove my head into the fireplace. How could he be back? Didn’t Leander say he was out hunting and wouldn’t return until tomorrow? This was a trap! The two vampires had conspired against me! I was done for. My heart pounded so hard it rang in my ears. I wished desperately for a magic portal to appear and swallow me whole. “”We have a guest?”” The deep, commanding voice I had only heard in legends spoke. Alexis hadn’t seen my face yet; he was undoing the clasp of his blood-stained cloak, and the thick scent of iron made my stomach turn. “”A young man who… admires me,”” Leander replied calmly from his seat across from me, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. “”Excellent. My hunt was less than satisfying. He can be dessert.”” With that, Alexis turned and walked toward me. I buried my head in the sofa cushions. Don’t look at me, don’t look at me… The footsteps stopped. I felt a gaze as sharp as a knife land on me. More importantly, he had caught my scent. It was over. “”Lift your head,”” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument. What should I do? My mind went blank. I buried my head even deeper. “”Samuel, lift your head,”” Leander’s voice was still gentle and pleasant, but to me, it now sounded like the devil’s summons. “”Allow me to introduce you. This is my lover, Alexis. Alexis, this is my admirer, Samuel.”” A hand like an iron clamp seized my shoulder and yanked me from the sofa. When I saw the mixture of shock and fury on Alexis’s handsome face, I knew everything was ruined. “”You?”” His voice rose sharply. My legs gave out, and I nearly crumpled to the floor, but the hand on my shoulder held me fast, the grip painfully tight. Terrified and in pain, I could only stammer out a plea. “”P-Prince, my lord, I didn’t mean to… Lord Leander and I met by chance, yes, by chance!”” “”By chance he brought you back to the castle?”” Alexis’s glare looked like it could flay me alive. He turned to the other vampire. “”Rio, what in the hell are you playing at!”” Leander, who had remained calmly seated the entire time, watched as if he were a mere spectator. He glanced at me lazily. “”You two know each other?”” “”He’s the human from a few days ago, the one who tried to climb into my bed. His name is Rio,”” Alexis explained, dragging me forward like a piece of evidence. “”He was banished after his failed attempt to seduce me. He must hold a grudge and is trying to get back at me through you!”” “”Oh. So your name isn’t Samuel,”” Leander said, his gaze settling on me. His eyes were calm, but they sent a chill deep into my bones. He gestured for Alexis to let me go. The moment Alexis released me, I collapsed before them like a boneless snake. All my dignity, all my plans, vanished into thin air. All I wanted was to live. “”I’m not! I wasn’t trying to get revenge! Prince Alexis, Lord Leander, please spare my life!”” “”Spare you?”” A hint of amusement entered Leander’s voice, as if he’d heard a funny joke. He tapped my inner thigh with the polished tip of his leather boot. “”We’re not barbaric demons. Why would we take your life?”” Alexis’s brow furrowed even deeper. “”He’s tried to sabotage our relationship multiple times. Could he be a spy from a rival clan?”” “”No! No!”” I was scared out of my wits. I lunged forward and hugged Alexis’s leg, sobbing uncontrollably as I confessed my entire stupid “”seduction”” plan. Talk about trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used to lure it. My gut twisted with regret. I blamed everything on my friend, Samuel. It was all his fault! He was the one who tempted me to seduce a vampire! Otherwise, how could a fine young human like me end up in such a mess? When I finished, a dead silence fell over the room, broken only by my muffled sobs. Finally, Leander spoke. He looked up at his lover. “”Alexis, what do you want to do with this little rat?”” Alexis looked back at him. I saw a complex emotion flash in his eyes—a mixture of desire and fury. Then, I heard the sentence that would decide my fate. “”Drag him to the dungeon,”” Leander said. Chapter 5 “”No! No! Not the dungeon!”” The words pierced me like icicles. My mind instantly flooded with all the horrific tales of vampire dungeons. A face like mine wouldn’t last long in a place like that. I just wanted to be rich; I didn’t want to be drained of blood and turned into a mummy! My face went pale with terror. I scrambled toward Leander and clung to his leg, smearing tears and snot all over him. “”Lord Leander, Professor Leander! I was wrong, I truly know I was wrong! I’ll get out of here right now, I’ll disappear! I promise, I swear, I will never appear before you again!”” I cried a river of tears, and through my blurry vision, I could see that both of them wore complicated expressions. Alexis had already summoned the guards, who were preparing to drag me away. In that moment, I felt true despair. “”Don’t! Please, don’t kill me!”” I shrieked, nearly lunging to bite him. A foot pressed down on my thigh, the gentle pressure sending a sharp pain through me that made me gasp. It was Leander. He had stopped me with effortless ease. “”We don’t have to kill you,”” he said, crouching down. His cold fingers gripped my jaw, forcing me to look into his eyes. “”But what will you offer as compensation?”” Alexis waved the guards away. I stared at Leander in horror. I had been completely wrong. This seemingly gentle, elegant vampire noble was far more terrifying than the decisive, battle-hardened Prince Alexis. “”C-compensation? I don’t have any money…”” My voice trembled. “”We don’t want your money.”” A smile I couldn’t comprehend played on his lips. “”We want you. Your body, your blood, your everything.”””

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When my life became a story, I knew nothing about the plot except for my name. I woke up one day inside a novel I now know is called The CEO’s Crimson Contract. For the longest time, I was convinced I was the heroine. It made a perfect, beautiful sense. The protagonist’s name was Aurora, and my name—Elora—was its echo. The day I met my husband, Alaric, I fell in love so instantly and completely that I was sure I was the luckiest woman alive. But three years into our marriage, an intern named Aurora started at his company. And that’s when the voice in my head told me I’d gotten it all wrong. The heroine wasn’t the echo. It was the other way around. I wasn’t the star of the show. I was just the warm-up act. The disposable first wife. … [Elora, it’s time to face reality.] For the three months since Aurora had first walked through the doors of Aethelgard Industries, that voice—the one that called itself the System—had been a constant, cruel whisper in the back of my mind. [You aren’t the heroine, ‘Aurora.’ You’re the forgotten side character, ‘Elora.’ The story is correcting itself. The hero is destined to fall for the heroine. You are destined to be discarded.] I ignored it, just as I had every other time. I focused on the task at hand: arranging candles for the third-anniversary dinner I was making for Alaric and me. I wasn’t the heroine, maybe. But three years of marriage couldn’t be a lie. The feeling was real, even if the story wasn’t mine. When I first arrived in this world, I was just a grad student studying abroad. The moment I saw him, my heart simply gave itself away, no questions asked. I pursued him with a single-mindedness that felt like fate. And fate, it seemed, answered. One afternoon, in a grimy alley near my apartment, I found him. He was bleeding, weakened, leaning against a dumpster as if his strength had evaporated. He’d been shot with some kind of specialized silver round. The sunlight, slanting between the buildings, was like a physical poison against his skin. I didn’t hesitate. I threw my trench coat over him, shielding him with my own body as I frantically called an Uber, getting him to the private, unmarked address he’d managed to whisper. To repay what he called a life debt, Alaric offered me a blood bond and, with it, a marriage contract. After the wedding, he remained distant, a man carved from beautiful, cold marble. But his actions… his actions were warm. When my period cramps were agonizing, he would disappear into his high-tech private medical lab and return with a small IV bag of dark, rich fluid. He’d call it a “family nutritional supplement,” his touch gentle as he hooked it to my vein and let it drip, slowly, into me. The relief was immediate, a wave of warmth and strength that washed away the pain. Once, I mindlessly liked a picture on Instagram—a box of macarons from a century-old patisserie in Paris. The next day, he returned from a business trip to New York. Sitting on the table of his private jet was that exact same box, the confections still impossibly fresh. It was in these moments that I learned to read his love language. His affection wasn’t in words, but in quiet, overwhelming gestures. He was a man whose actions screamed the devotion his lips would never speak. I didn’t believe a heart like that could change. After placing the last fork, I glanced at the ornate clock on the wall. 8:23 PM. He should have been home from the office by now. Usually, he was. I called him. “Honey, what time will you be home tonight?” There was a pause on the other end, a pocket of silence that felt too heavy. Then, his voice, a low, magnetic rumble that always made my heart skip. “Elora. I’m sorry. Something’s come up. I won’t be home for dinner. You should eat without me.” Each word was a hammer blow against my chest. My fingers tightened on my phone. “Do you remember what today is…?” Before I could finish, the line went dead. He’d hung up. A cold dread coiled in my stomach. And then, the System’s voice returned, slick and venomous. [Do you want to see what your husband is doing right now?] I didn’t. God, I didn’t. But the System never gave me a choice. An image flooded my mind, vivid and unwelcome. Alaric was in the emergency room of the city’s most expensive private hospital. He was kneeling, his movements impossibly gentle as he massaged the swollen ankle of a young woman on the hospital bed. It was Aurora. And in his silver-grey eyes—eyes that were always so cool and distant with me—was a universe of raw, unguarded worry. A thousand silver needles pierced my heart all at once. The pain was everywhere. The System’s voice was as cold as a morgue slab. [Do you see? The hero’s heart is already turning toward the heroine. If you refuse to let go, the plot will ensure you end up dead in the street. And your family in the human world? They’ll meet with unfortunate accidents as well…] My hand clenched into a fist, my nails digging into my palm. I bit down on my lip, hard, just to keep myself from trembling. A consequence like that… Could I really afford to bear it? Chapter 2 Alaric didn’t come home until the next morning. He walked in and slipped off his jacket, holding it out to me with the easy familiarity of routine. I saw the exhaustion etched into the lines of his face. My eyes fell to his cuff, and I froze. A small, distinct coffee stain marred the crisp white fabric. I frowned. “What’s this?” He followed my gaze, his tone flat. “Aurora spilled it yesterday when she was bringing me a file. She twisted her ankle in the process, so I took her to the hospital.” He paused, then added, “I only learned recently that she’s the daughter of an old family associate. I owe her adoptive father a great debt.” We had known each other for five years, been married for three. It was the most he had ever said to me at one time. And it was all about another woman. When the System had threatened me, I’d brushed it off as a bad dream. When he missed our anniversary dinner, I’d chosen to believe him. But now, seeing the flicker of unguarded focus in his eyes as he spoke of Aurora—that shattered every last bit of my denial. I looked down, my fingers clenching and unclenching at my sides. After a long silence, I finally managed to speak, my voice barely a whisper. “Alaric, I don’t like her. Can you transfer her to another department?” “No.” The refusal was instant and absolute. “I made a promise to her father. It’s a promise I have to keep.” “I’m just asking you to move her, not fire her,” I pressed, hearing the desperate edge in my own voice. “You can’t even do that?” His face darkened. “Elora, she’s my executive assistant, that’s all. Are you always this petty? Does this mean I can’t hire any female employees from now on?” Petty. It was the first time he had ever used a word like that for me. In that moment, the absurdity of my situation crashed down on me. I had endured three months of psychological torture from the System, clinging to the belief that our love was real, that he was worth fighting for. How ridiculous it all seemed now. I said nothing more, just silently took his jacket to the laundry room. But the coffee stain felt like a stain on our marriage, and no matter how hard I scrubbed, it wouldn’t come out. I was about to throw the ruined jacket into the trash when a small velvet box tumbled out of the inside pocket. My breath caught. It was an emerald necklace, one I’d admired in a shop window months ago. Just then, two strong arms wrapped around me from behind. Alaric, fresh from the shower, pressed his cool skin against my back. “It’s your anniversary gift, Elora. I didn’t forget.” He smelled of pine and cold air, the same scent as my own body wash. He placed a soft kiss on my forehead. “I’m heading to the office. We’ll celebrate properly tonight.” My traitorous heart fluttered, the hope I was trying so hard to kill stirring back to life. But as I was straightening his tie, his phone rang. It was Aurora. “Mr. Aethelgard, I… I think I need to resign…” I was standing so close I could hear every word. I could hear the manufactured tears in her voice. “Everyone at the office is talking,” she sobbed. “They’re saying I’m trying to break up your marriage. I don’t know how a rumor like that could have started, but I can’t stay here anymore…” “Don’t worry,” Alaric soothed her, his voice low and reassuring. “I’ll take care of it.” He ended the call and his eyes, now cool and laced with suspicion, settled on me. I recoiled as if struck. “You think I did that?” He didn’t deny it. He grabbed my wrist, his grip like steel. “You spread those rumors just because I wouldn’t transfer her? You’re coming with me to the office right now to clear this up.” He dragged me out of the apartment, ignoring my struggles. The moment we walked onto the executive floor, a hush fell. Employees, once busy at their desks, now shot us veiled, curious glances. Aurora appeared, her eyes red and tear-filled, limping dramatically toward me. “Mrs. Aethelgard, I swear, there is nothing going on between Mr. Aethelgard and me. He didn’t come home yesterday because he was taking me to the hospital, but only because I sprained my ankle…” A cold laugh escaped my lips. “Are you telling me he’s the only person you know in this entire city? You had to bother him for something so minor? He’s your boss, not your father. If every employee with a scraped knee ran to him for help, he might as well shut down the company and open a daycare.” Aurora faltered, her eyes darting to Alaric for support. Alaric’s brow furrowed. “That’s enough. Aurora is different. I made a promise to take care of her.” The protectiveness in his voice was a physical blow. I stared at him, a bitter taste filling my mouth. Five years, and this was the first time I had ever seen him defend another woman against me. In front of his entire executive team, he stood tall, his expression severe. “Miss Aurora is the daughter of a dear friend. I have a responsibility to look after her. I don’t want to hear any more of these ridiculous rumors in this office. Is that clear?” I stood beside him, a statue of a jealous wife on public trial, enduring the pitying, contemptuous stares of everyone in the room. A humorless smile touched my lips. Right. Aurora had done nothing wrong. I was the one at fault. My only mistake was believing our love was indestructible. Chapter 3 After the spectacle at the office, Alaric had the driver take me home. I sat on the edge of our bed for a long time, staring into space. My gaze drifted to a photo frame on the nightstand. It was a picture of me with my family—my real family, from the world I’d left behind. Mom, Dad, and my older brother, all of us smiling under a summer sun. The System’s threat echoed in my mind, and with it came the horrifying visions it had shown me. My mother, her gentle smile frozen on her face, hit by a speeding car. My father, a man of quiet dignity, falling from the top of a skyscraper. My brother, his bright, easy grin gone forever, stabbed to death in a dark alley, his body left unrecognizable. The air in my lungs turned to poison. I couldn’t breathe. After what felt like an eternity, I did something I had never done before. I reached out with my mind, calling to the voice. “System. You want me to leave him, don’t you? I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever you want. But you have to send me back. Send me home to my own world.” The System agreed. It informed me that in fifteen days, my time in this body would come to an end. I was going to “die.” I changed my clothes and went for a walk. With the little time I had left, I called my family. I told them I was going on a long trip, somewhere remote. I told them I loved them. It was the only goodbye I could give. That evening, Alaric picked me up from the park as if nothing had happened. On the drive home, I didn’t chatter away like I usually did, filling the space with stories about my day. The car was filled with a heavy, suffocating silence. He glanced over at me several times. “Are you still angry about this morning?” I shook my head. “No.” He hesitated. “There’s something else I need to tell you. Today, Aurora—” The moment I heard her name, a curtain fell in my mind. I couldn’t hear another word about her. “I’m tired,” I cut him off. “Let’s talk when we get home.” But when we walked through the front door, I saw her. Aurora was sitting on our sofa. And she was wearing Alaric’s silk dress shirt. He came in behind me. “This is what I was trying to tell you in the car.” I stood frozen in the entryway, my nails digging so deeply into my palms I was sure I’d drawn blood. Aurora immediately put on a frightened, timid expression. “Mrs. Aethelgard, please don’t misunderstand! My apartment was burglarized, and Mr. Aethelgard said… he said he owed my father a great debt. He’s letting me stay here until I can find a safe place.” She gestured to the shirt. “All my clothes were ruined. I knew you disliked me, so I didn’t dare borrow anything of yours. I could only borrow one of Mr. Aethelgard’s.” Alaric saw the look on my face and gently took my arm, guiding me toward the dining table. “Aurora cooked dinner for us—” He stopped short. We both stared at the table. Every single dish was a blackened, charred mess. Aurora blinked innocently. “I wanted to do something nice for you both, but I’m just so clumsy…” I took a deep breath, about to say something—anything—but Alaric spoke first, already forgiving her on my behalf. “It’s fine,” he said, his voice soft. “Elora doesn’t mind.” And just like that, all the words I might have said died in my throat. Without another sound, I turned and walked to the bedroom. Chapter 4 Alaric followed me in a moment later. He closed the door behind him, his voice low. “You and Aurora just got off on the wrong foot. Once you get to know her, you’ll see she’s actually quite sweet, just a little clumsy. Now that she’s living here, it’s a good chance for you two to connect.” A suffocating pressure built in my chest. My nails bit deeper into my palms. How funny. My own husband, telling me to my face that another woman was sweet. I looked at him, at the face that had once been the center of my universe, and I finally, finally made my decision. Taking a steadying breath, I met his eyes. “Alaric. Let’s get a divorce.” His expression instantly turned to thunder. “What did you just say?” “I’m not willing to stay married to a man on the verge of an affair,” I said, my voice eerily calm. His eyes were wide with disbelief. “I haven’t done anything with Aurora! What is wrong with you?” A bitter laugh escaped me. “Any other woman so much as brushes against your sleeve and you throw the jacket away. But Aurora? She can spill coffee all over you. She can demand your help for a twisted ankle, and you not only oblige, you personally massage her foot!” I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Alaric, can you look me in the eye and tell me you feel nothing for her?” He flinched, his gaze faltering. For a moment, he was utterly silent. Just then, Aurora’s voice called from the living room. “Mr. Aethelgard? Could you come help me with something?” His eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn’t name. He looked at me, his jaw tight, but he offered no explanation. No defense. Finally, he spoke, his voice rough. “Elora, marriage isn’t a game. You can’t be this irresponsible.” He paused, his tone softening almost imperceptibly. “I’ll sleep in the study tonight. You need to calm down and think clearly. I don’t want to hear you say that word again.” The bedroom door clicked shut behind him. I stared at the closed door and let out a long, shuddering breath that sounded suspiciously like a sob. Chapter 5 When I woke up the next morning, Alaric and Aurora were already gone. As if to twist the knife, the System forced another vision into my head, showing me their departure. I saw Aurora presenting him with a plate of greasy, fried food for breakfast. I knew his digestive system was sensitive; I never made him things like that. But he ate what she offered, accepting it with a quiet nod. At the car, Aurora hesitated, putting on a show of reluctance. “The passenger seat… that’s Mrs. Aethelgard’s spot. She’ll be angry, won’t she?” Alaric simply opened the passenger door for her. “She won’t know.” And I watched, helpless, as the seat that had always been exclusively mine was occupied by another woman, at his personal invitation. I squeezed my eyes shut. Stop, I begged the System. I don’t want to see any more. My phone rang, startling me from my trance. It was Alaric’s assistant. “Ma’am, just a reminder about the family trust’s quarterly dinner this evening. Your attendance with Mr. Aethelgard is required.” I had completely forgotten. The mandatory gathering hosted by the clan’s elders. At a little past five, Alaric returned home with Aurora in tow. “Elora, Aurora will be joining us for the dinner tonight.” I stared at him. “Why?” “It was an order from the Chairwoman of the board,” he explained, his tone leaving no room for argument. “She’s seen the preliminary background report on Aurora and wants to meet her in person.” Thirty minutes later, we arrived at a private club perched atop the city’s tallest skyscraper—a property owned by the family. The moment we entered the grand dining hall, every eye turned to Aurora. The clan’s core members, led by a few elders who radiated an ancient and intimidating power, watched her with a mixture of scrutiny, curiosity, and something else… a subtle avarice that sent a chill down my spine. And me? His legal wife? I was completely invisible. The dinner was a tense, suffocating affair. The elders directed all their questions to Aurora, probing into her family history and upbringing. I distractedly took a sip of soup. A wave of nausea immediately washed over me. I clamped a hand over my mouth and rushed to the restroom. When I came out, a female elder—a distant relative of Alaric’s—was waiting for me. Her eyes were dark and unreadable. “Elora,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. “A reaction like that… could it be that you are with child?” My heart stopped. It was only then that I realized… my period was late. A dizzying panic set in. If I was pregnant, what would I do? How could I leave? I was given no time to process. The elders were already “suggesting” I be taken to the family’s private medical center for an immediate examination. After a series of tests, a doctor handed a report to Alaric, bowing his head respectfully. “Sir, your wife’s health is excellent. However… her body is not compatible with your bloodline. She cannot bear your heir.” The female elder let out a soft scoff, just loud enough for the entire room to hear. “All that excitement for nothing. Married all these years and still no results.” Another elder spoke, his voice a low rumble. “Alaric, you understand what must be done. The continuation of our lineage is paramount.” I said nothing. I just looked down at my own stomach. I should have been relieved, but the first thing I felt was a sharp, hollowing disappointment. Just then, the System’s voice echoed in my head, cold and clinical. [Host, you are merely a human. You could never have conceived the hero’s child.] I froze. The words replayed in my mind, but it wasn’t “hero” or “child” that held my attention. It was the other word. Human. It said… you are merely a human. The word was like a rusted key forcing open a door in my mind I had never dared to approach. Fragments of memory came rushing back, a tidal wave of suppressed truths. His “family nutritional supplement”… the chilling sensation of that cold fluid flowing through the IV tube and into my veins… it was… blood. Who gives their wife their own blood to cure cramps? His perpetually cold skin. No matter how warm the room, his embrace always carried a deep, unnatural chill. I’d thought it was just poor circulation. Now I knew it wasn’t the temperature of the living. His strength, so far beyond normal. Jars I couldn’t budge would open with a flick of his wrist. The one time I’d tripped on the stairs, he’d caught me with a speed that was little more than a blur. His preference for the night, his aversion to the sun. The floor-to-ceiling windows in our penthouse were fitted with specialized glass that blocked 100% of UV rays. I’d thought it was just the eccentricity of a top-tier CEO… And… the nights. The nights he would bury his face in my neck, the so-called “possessive kisses” that always left a faint, stinging ache, followed by a dizzying, euphoric rush… He wasn’t kissing me. He was… feeding from me. Blood. Cold. Strength. Aversion to light. Fangs. And the title of the novel itself—The CEO’s Crimson Contract. Crimson. A single, horrifying, and perfectly logical answer exploded in my mind. Vampire. My blood ran cold, seeming to freeze solid in my veins. I had always believed the difference between Aurora and me was simply a matter of love. That he loved her, and he didn’t love me. Now I understood. The chasm between us was not emotional. It was biological. We weren’t just a bad match. We weren’t even the same species. I wasn’t just the side character. I was a human. A fragile, incompatible, pathetic outsider who could never give him an heir. So that was it. That was the real reason the System had said I was unworthy. This whole twisted tragedy was so much more absurd, and so much more hopeless, than I had ever imagined.

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