Damian and my childhood best friend, Rick, got into a fight. Over a scholarship girl. In the sterile corridor of the hospital, I knelt before Damian, dabbing antiseptic on his split lip. He watched me through narrowed eyes, his gaze sharp and calculating. “Bella told me you accused her of stealing money back at the dorms. Is that true?” Bella. The scholarship girl. There was no way to deny it. “Yes,” I whispered. Damian’s voice remained deceptively gentle. “Then when we get back, you’ll kneel on the gravel path for three hours. As penance.” I accepted, the familiar sting of submission already settling in my gut. But from the side, Rick kicked a chair, the metal shrieking against the linoleum. “Zoe, have you lost your goddamn mind? Where’s your spine? Are you just going to let him walk all over you like this?” I turned to look at him, my expression unreadable. “Mr. Kesling lent me the money. I owe him this.” Rick’s face went rigid. I could see the memory flash in his eyes—a year ago, when he’d frozen me out for Bella’s sake. When he’d left me standing outside his door, refusing to lend me the money for my mother’s surgery. 1 “Bella was telling me today, about last year… our freshman year…” Damian looked at me, his voice a soft murmur that did little to hide the steel beneath. “You accused her of stealing money. Did that happen?” The hand holding the cotton swab trembled slightly. Bella and I were roommates. And yes, last year, I’d found the $2,000 in cash I’d lost tucked under her pillow. She insisted someone had framed her, planting it there to make her look like a thief. In the end, the matter was dropped, unresolved. But Bella was the girl Damian had placed on a pedestal. Arguing was pointless; he would only ever believe her. So I just said, “Yes.” I added, “I’ll apologize to her when I get back to campus tomorrow.” Damian shook his head, a slow, deliberate motion. “Not enough.” “When we get home, you’ll go out to the gravel path by the entrance. Three hours. On your knees.” In my periphery, I saw Rick’s head snap in our direction. “Okay,” I agreed, as if he’d just asked me to pass the salt. I went back to cleaning the cut on his cheekbone. That’s when Rick shot to his feet, sending his chair clattering to the floor. His brow was knitted in a furious, frustrated knot. He looked at me with a pained disbelief. “What happened to you, Zoe? How did you become such a doormat?” he demanded, his voice raw. “Are you going to let him degrade you like this for the rest of your life?” Damian merely arched an eyebrow, his gaze dropping to me, waiting for my reaction. I had just finished patching him up. I stood and turned to Rick, my voice quiet as I defended the man beside me. “Mr. Kesling lent me a great deal of money. Doing this for him is the least I can do.” Rick froze. Under the harsh, overexposed glare of the fluorescent lights, the color seemed to drain from his face. He remembered. He remembered that night last year when he’d shut the door in my face, refusing to lend me the money for my mother’s life-saving surgery. Back then, the rumor about Bella stealing had been spread by our other two roommates. Rick assumed I was the one who started it. He gave me the silent treatment. I stood outside his family’s mansion, screaming his name until my throat was raw, begging him just to see me. He never came out. That was the day my nearly four-year crush on Rick finally died. His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Zoe… I’m sorry. I didn’t know you came to me that night because of…” “It’s fine,” I cut him off. “You’re just a friend. You were under no obligation to lend me anything.” The word “friend” seemed to pierce him. “Just a friend?” Before I could answer, Damian rose, slinging his suit jacket over his shoulder. He smiled at me. “Are you two done catching up?” I knew that tone. It was the signal that his patience had worn thin. I returned to his side, and we walked away. As we reached the stairwell, a nurse called out Rick’s name. “That cut on your leg needs stitches. You won’t be able to walk on your own afterward. Do you have any family or friends here with you?” Rick’s eyes found mine. Even at six-foot-one, framed by the long, desolate hallway, he looked fragile and utterly alone. Damian’s footsteps were already fading down the hall. He wouldn’t wait for me. I pulled my gaze away and hurried to catch up. Behind me, I heard Rick’s quiet answer to the nurse. “No.” “I’m alone.” 2 In the back of the Maybach, Damian leaned back against the leather, his eyes closed. He spoke into the quiet. “Do you feel wronged?” It took me a second to understand. “Sir?” The man opened his eyes, fixing me with a look of detached curiosity. “Being forced to kneel.” “No. Not at all,” I repeated, the words tasting like ash. “It’s what I owe you, Mr. Kesling. When I had nowhere else to turn, you were the one who paid for the specialists to operate on my mother. You saved her life.” I looked down at my hands. “Kneeling for three hours is nothing compared to that.” He propped his head on his hand, a lazy grace in the movement. “Then would you do one more thing for your Mr. Kesling?” Damian was pursuing Bella. But Bella was in a flirtatious limbo with Rick. Damian found Rick to be an eyesore. “How about you go after Rick?” he suggested, his voice smooth as silk. “I hear you two were childhood sweethearts. It seems like a perfect match, doesn’t it?” For the first time, I felt the air in the spacious car grow thin, so thick and heavy I could barely breathe. Damian didn’t press me for an answer. He crossed his legs, his fingers tapping a silent, rhythmic beat on his knee. After a long moment, I made my decision. I looked up at him. “Mr. Kesling, from now on, can the things I do for you count as payments toward my debt?” His gaze slowly drifted back to me. I’d shed the last of my pride a year ago, when I was on my knees begging strangers for money for my mom. I felt no shame now as I explained. “From her admission to her discharge, my mother’s medical expenses totaled half a million dollars,” I said, my voice steady. “For instance, if I agree to pursue Rick and complete this task for you… could you deduct a portion of that debt?” He watched me, his expression unreadable. “And when the debt is fully paid?” The thought of that day, of true freedom, brought a small, involuntary smile to my lips. “Then I can finally leave.” The car fell silent. I risked a glance at Damian’s face. He had turned away, the upper half of his face cloaked in shadow, hiding his emotions. But his voice, when he spoke, was as light and careless as ever. “Fine.” “This task is worth fifty thousand.” My eyes widened. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a flicker of light sparked in their deadened depths. I never expected him to offer so much. I thought it would be ten, maybe twenty thousand at most. A wave of hope washed over me—if I was lucky, I could be free in just a couple of years. I had no idea that just one month later, Damian would be the one to tell me, his voice raw and broken: “As compensation… your debt is wiped clean.” 3 That night, as I knelt on the sharp gravel of Damian’s driveway, my phone rang. It was Rick. “Zoe, if you pay him back, you won’t have to listen to him anymore, right?” he asked, his voice strained. “Tell me how much you owe. I’ll pay it for you.” I didn’t agree. It would just be trading one master for another. Besides, I already had a deal with Damian. My mind was already churning, formulating a plan to win Rick over as I spoke. “Are you on campus tomorrow around noon? I’d like to take you to lunch.” The other end of the line went silent. After a moment, his voice came back, laced with a wounded pride. “Are you finally ready to make up with me? I thought you were going to write me off for good.” A year ago, when he found out the real reason I needed the money, he’d tried to apologize relentlessly. But back then, the resentment was too fresh, too raw. And with my mom’s surgery looming, I had no energy for him. Eventually, he stopped trying, and we stopped talking. Even when we passed each other on campus, we were like strangers. A complete break. Until today, when his fight with Damian landed them both in the hospital. I recalled his favorite foods. “There’s a new artisanal Italian place that opened just off campus. My treat.” He made a series of disgruntled noises, a mixture of petulance and the spoiled pride of a rich kid. “Hmph.” “Okay,” he finally grumbled. “I’m holding you to that. Don’t you dare stand me up.” “Tomorrow, 11:30 AM. I’ll wait for you outside your dorm.” 4 After hanging up, the pain in my knees became a screaming agony. I checked the time. Not even thirty minutes had passed. If I knelt for the full three hours, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to walk to lunch with Rick tomorrow. Just as I was debating whether to reschedule, the front door of the villa opened. Damian’s assistant walked out. He told me I could get up. “Mr. Kesling said the campus dorms are likely locked for the night. He’s had the guest room on the first floor prepared for you. You can stay here tonight.” He added, “There’s also some medicated cream for your knees in the room.” I pushed myself up, my joints protesting, and whispered a quiet, “Thank you.” Damian’s bedroom and study were on the third floor. He rarely came down. But when I woke up in the middle of the night for a glass of water, I ran right into him, looking drained from a long night of work. “Getting some water, sir?” I asked. He leaned against the banister, his voice weary. “Yeah.” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, went to the wet bar, and poured two glasses of water, handing one to him. Just as I was about to say goodnight and head back to my room, the power went out. The entire villa plunged into darkness. I froze. I remembered: Damian was night-blind. A moment later, I heard his voice, laced with a wry amusement. “Got a minute?” By the faint moonlight filtering through the windows, I could see him toying with his glass, his eyes unfocused, staring into the blackness. His tone was half-joking. “It seems I can’t quite make it back to my room on my own.” I switched on my phone’s flashlight, scanning the area. There was nothing for him to hold onto. I had no choice but to offer my hand. “Mr. Kesling, here. Grab my sleeve.” “I’ll guide you back.” He couldn’t see, so when he reached out, his fingers brushed against my wrist before sliding down to grip the cuff of my sleeve. The solid wood stairs creaked under our feet. The vast, silent villa was filled only with the sound of our steady footsteps and the soft whisper of our breathing. When we reached the third floor, I forgot to warn him about the last step. Damian stumbled, lurching forward. “Mr. Kesling!” I reacted instinctively, trying to catch him. But at six-foot-two, he was far too heavy for me to support. Instead, he fell towards me. Luckily, my back was to a wall. He threw a hand up to brace himself, and in the sudden, clumsy movement, his lips brushed against the side of my neck. I was practically pinned against the wall by his body. My entire body went rigid. A strange, tingling numbness spread from the point of contact on my neck. The man in front of me froze for a second, too. His voice, for the first time, was devoid of its usual amusement. “Sorry, Zoe.” I scrambled away from the wall and quickly opened his bedroom door. “You’re here. You can just… go straight in.” My voice was rushed. “I’ll head back downstairs.” He must have sensed my panic. He didn’t insist I help him further, just gave a low, “Okay.” I turned and fled down the stairs. 5 I barely slept that night. The next day, I was exhausted during my lunch with Rick. He noticed I wasn’t eating much. He misinterpreted my fatigue as disinterest. He started sulking, stabbing at the pasta on his plate with his fork. “If you don’t want to make up, just say so,” he muttered. “You don’t have to force yourself to have lunch with me.” I poured him a glass of water and pushed it toward him, stifling a yawn. “I’m sorry,” I said, my voice soft as I tried to soothe his bruised ego. “I didn’t sleep well last night. It’s not that I don’t want to be here with you.” I wracked my brain for a way to fix it. “If this was a bust, how about I make it up to you? I’ll treat you to something else tomorrow.” His fork paused for a few seconds before he resumed eating. “Tomorrow…” He kept his eyes down, avoiding my gaze. “Tomorrow I already have plans with Bella.” “She said she’s never had proper Japanese food. There’s a new omakase place downtown, so I’m taking her to try it.” That woke me up. I nodded slowly. “Oh. Okay, no problem. Some other time, then.” For the rest of the meal, I barely spoke. I was disappointed, yes. Rick was still hung up on Bella. My mission was going to be an uphill battle. 6 Over the next week, I managed to get Rick to hang out with me three times. We had dinner, saw a movie, worked on a paper at the library. The other four days, he was with Bella. Today, he canceled on me again. He sent a text. The reason: he was taking Bella to an amusement park tomorrow. At the same time, Damian, who had been away on a business trip for three days, returned. He called me. “Zoe, I just landed. Come have dinner with me.” It was a good opportunity to report on my progress—or lack thereof. On my way to meet him, another text from Rick came in. When I opened our chat, I realized I’d forgotten to reply to his last message. Rick: Zoe, are you mad? Me: No, don’t worry about it. You two have fun. 7 Inside the upscale steakhouse, my phone buzzed incessantly. It was Rick again. Rick: I heard there’s a fireworks show at the waterfront tonight. I’m free, actually. Want to go? I put down my fork and typed a reply. Me: I’m out for dinner. I can’t make it back in time. He was sharp. He sensed it immediately. Rick: With Damian? Me: Yeah. Back when I had a crush on him, cheering him up was second nature. Now, I just fumbled awkwardly for something to say. Me: This place is really good. We should come here together sometime. I think you’d like it. Rick didn’t reply. I put my phone down, deflated, wondering what I’d said to upset him this time. Across the table, Damian glanced up at me. “Having trouble with Rick?” He stirred his soup with a detached air. “You can switch tasks, if you want. We can just pretend I never suggested it.” That was fifty thousand dollars of my debt. I couldn’t give up that easily. “No, it’s not that hard,” I said quickly. “I… I used to have a crush on him. I know everything he likes. Just give me a little more time. I think it’ll work.” As the words left my mouth, Damian’s spoon slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the floor. A waiter hurried over to clean it up and brought him a new one. It was only then that Damian seemed to snap out of his trance. He offered a faint smile. “You had a crush on him?” he asked. “You never mentioned that before.” “I didn’t want to bring up painful memories,” I replied. His smile seemed to fade. “It seems you really liked him, then.” I didn’t want to continue this conversation, so I changed the subject. “Are you free tomorrow, Mr. Kesling?” “What? Rick isn’t available, so you’re asking me out?” I stared at him, bewildered. His tone had taken on a strange edge, a sharp mix of sarcasm and annoyance. “…No,” I said, pushing down my confusion. “Rick is going to the amusement park with Bella tomorrow. If you’re free, we could go too. I can keep Rick occupied so you can have some time alone with her.” Damian let out a soft laugh. He had just gotten off a plane; he should have been hungry. But he’d barely touched his food. Now, he tossed his fork aside completely. His gaze fell on the salad in front of him, his voice still infuriatingly polite. “When you’re finished, have the driver take you home. I’d like to be alone for a while.” 8 After I got home, I never heard from Damian. I assumed he’d decided against going to the park. Then, scrolling through my phone, I saw Bella’s new post. [Gloomy, rainy day. My hand is acting up again.] The picture was of the back of her hand—pale, delicate, and long-fingered. Damian had liked the post. A few minutes later, his assistant called me. “Mr. Kesling has decided. He’s going to the amusement park tomorrow. Please be ready, Ms. Cross.” After hanging up, I couldn’t help but recall the story of how Damian fell for Bella. On the first day of freshman orientation, Bella had been on her way to campus when she came across a car wreck. Inside, she found Damian, unconscious. Just moments before the car exploded, she managed to drag the man, who was much larger than her, to safety. In the process, she fractured her right hand. The injury left her with a permanent side effect. Every time the weather turned damp and cold, it would ache. When I first heard the story, I didn’t doubt it for a second. The Bella who had just arrived at college was sweet and kind, if a little naive. But because she came from a small town, her clothes, her accent, her mannerisms—they were all targets for the other two girls in our dorm. They mocked her relentlessly. Over time, she adapted. She became more polished, more “city.” But her personality changed, too. She grew more reserved, more sensitive. One evening, we were hanging out laundry on the balcony together. I noticed she wasn’t wearing her usual uniform of jeans and plain t-shirts anymore. “New style? It looks great on you,” I commented casually. She turned to me, a tight smile on her face. “What’s wrong? Am I not allowed to change? I bet you’d all prefer it if I stayed the little country bumpkin forever, just to make yourselves look better, right?” She threw her old clothes into the trash without a second thought, as if she were severing ties with her past once and for all.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394036”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After seven years with Noah, I was still waiting for a proposal. Instead, during a wedding rehearsal I was coordinating, I saw the bride-to-be walking down the aisle on the arm of my boyfriend. “Her fiancé couldn’t make it today, so I’m just helping out,” he explained with a smile, but it couldn’t hide the flicker of loss and envy in his eyes. “You’re the expert here, so make sure you give her the wedding of her dreams.” In the end, he even asked me to give her my dream wedding—the one I had poured five years of my heart and soul into creating. “We’ve got plenty of time,” he said. “I promise I’ll come up with something even better for us. It’s not going to kill you to let a client have this one, is it?” He didn’t know that I was already counting down the final days of my life. Perhaps those who witness happiness are destined never to find it for themselves. 1 My last appointment of the day was a rehearsal for a new bride. “The client’s here,” my assistant, Maya, said with a sigh. “Hopefully, we can lock this one down today.” This particular bride was notoriously demanding. We had already drafted five different wedding plans for her, and she had rejected every single one. I walked over with my tablet, but when I saw the couple on the rehearsal stage, smiling as they walked hand in hand, I froze. “Is that…?” Maya cupped her face, a dimple appearing in her cheek. “I mean, you have to admit, they’re a stunning couple! No wonder she’s so particular. If I ever marry someone that handsome, I’d want the most beautiful dress and the most gorgeous venue too!” The sound of our voices drew their attention. “Vanessa?” The man’s relaxed expression immediately tightened into a frown, a flash of panic in his eyes. “What is this? You said you were working late tonight. What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice rising with each question. I was trying to stay calm, but a fire of rage was building in my chest, making my heart ache. The woman beside him covered her mouth, her eyes welling with tears. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have… You know what, I should just go. Thank you for your help today.” But Noah grabbed her wrist, stopping her. He whispered a few comforting words to her before turning to face me. “I knew you’d misunderstand. That’s why I didn’t tell you. I was afraid you’d get upset.” “This is my college classmate, Sophia. Her fiancé is overseas and couldn’t make it back in time for the rehearsal. She asked me to stand in for him since we’re about the same height.” My face was a stone mask. I studied their expressions, trying to decide if I could believe him. Sophia stepped forward, draped in a couture wedding gown, as pale and delicate as a lily. A single tear trembled on her lashes. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice full of remorse. “I didn’t know you two were a couple. When I asked him, he told me you were a very independent and understanding woman, so I thought…” She bowed deeply, her body trembling slightly. I watched her, my expression unreadable. Understanding. Right. What normal person would be so “understanding” that they’d let their boyfriend rehearse a wedding with another woman? As I stood there, watching with cold eyes, Noah actually stepped in to stop her from bowing, his tone reproachful. “Why are you glaring at her? If you’re going to blame someone, blame her fiancé. A wedding is a huge deal, and he doesn’t even show up. He just leaves her waiting. What is he thinking?” It was rare for Noah to get so emotional in front of others. But what caught my attention was the fleeting expression on his face. It looked like loss. And regret. As the lead wedding planner, I had to maintain my professionalism. So I stood by and watched them walk down the aisle. Again and again. They didn’t stop until she was completely satisfied. A sharp, stabbing pain pulsed in my chest, and I had to sit down to catch my breath. Before he left, my boyfriend waved at me. “She came to our agency because she trusts you. You’re the best in the business, so make sure you give her a spectacular wedding.” He didn’t even notice how deathly pale I had become. This was my seventh year with Noah. In seven years, I had gone from a rookie wedding planner to one of the most sought-after experts in the industry. But my relationship with Noah had remained stagnant, stuck in the dreaded seven-year itch. 2 I finally got home after a long day of work and was resting on the sofa when my mom called. “The holidays are coming up. Is Noah coming to visit this year?” “I’m not trying to nag, sweetie, but it’s been seven years. Your cousin’s kid is about to start kindergarten! Tell me the truth, is there something wrong between you two?” The same conversation, again. I closed my eyes, my voice strained. “Everything’s fine, Mom. I’ll let you know when there’s news.” I had asked him. I had pushed. But the answers were always the same. “You’re overthinking things.” “My career is just taking off. Let’s just wait a little longer.” “Isn’t marriage something that should happen naturally? I made you a promise. Don’t you trust me?” After a while, if I brought it up again, I would be met with an impatient, weary look. So we dragged on, and on, until we hit the seven-year mark. My thoughts swirled, bringing back the familiar feeling of suffocation from the afternoon. But my mom’s voice on the other end of the line was relentless. “You’re about to turn 29. Do you have any idea how worried your father and I are? We’re only thinking of you…” At that moment, something inside me snapped. “Worried? What good does it do for me to be worried? You want to know when he’s going to propose? Why don’t you just ask him? I’m exhausted and busy every single day. Can you just give me some space to breathe?!” I was panting by the time I finished. There was silence on the other end. I frowned, my anger already softening. “I’m just tired today, Mom. I’ll handle it. I’ll call you back later.” After hanging up, I grabbed a bottle of herbal anti-anxiety pills from the table and swallowed a handful. Don’t get upset, I told myself. The doctor said it will make it worse. I had just finished washing up when I heard the front door open. Noah walked in, carrying the suit he had worn that afternoon. “Why are you still up? We agreed, with all the overtime at year-end, you shouldn’t wait up for me if I’m late.” He leaned in to kiss me. But as he got closer, I caught a whiff of a sweet, feminine perfume. The same one the woman from the afternoon had been wearing. I turned my head to avoid him. He chuckled, thinking I was being shy, and his hand moved to a familiar spot. But the moment he touched me, I cried out in pain. He looked confused. “What’s wrong? It feels… harder than usual.” I pushed his hand away, a cold sweat breaking out on my back. “Don’t… I’m not feeling well today.” Noah stopped, letting out an annoyed “tsk” before heading to the bathroom. I picked up the shirt he’d just taken off and compared its scent to the suit from the afternoon. The words I had planned to say to him tonight died in my throat. 3 Today was my follow-up appointment with the doctor. After checking in, I saw a familiar figure. Sophia. She looked surprised to see me too. She smiled and greeted me, but before we could exchange more than a few words, a man walked up behind her, carrying two large plastic bags. And what a coincidence. The man was my boyfriend, Noah. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Fancy meeting you here. Again.” His explanation was the same as before, and I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound sharp and bitter. “You could have just recommended someone online. Did you really have to bring her here personally to see your friend in the cosmetics department?” “She wants her skin to be perfect for the wedding, and she’s not familiar with the hospital. I was just helping her out! Or have you gotten so insecure that you get jealous every time you see me in the same room as another woman? Vanessa, you’ve really changed!” As the tension between us crackled, Sophia jumped in, apologizing again. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Reed. I was planning on coming by myself. Noah is just a kind person, and he was worried I wouldn’t know what to do. I promise I won’t bother you two again.” Noah… The intimacy of the name sent a pang through my heart. I heard her continue, “This might be a bit forward, but Ms. Reed, what are you here for?” It was a blatant attempt to change the subject. And it worked. Noah’s gaze shifted to me, his expression questioning. “What’s going on? Are you here buying more diet pills?” I forced a smile. I didn’t need diet pills anymore. But seeing the flicker of concern on his face, I told him the truth. “It’s a breast lump. The doctor wants me to come in for regular check-ups.” Sophia nodded. “Oh, that. It’s a minor thing. A lot of women have that problem.” Hearing this, Noah’s brow relaxed. He glanced at the stack of scans in my hand and raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, you’re being a bit dramatic.” “Well, you go on ahead. I’m heading out.” I couldn’t stop myself. As he turned to leave, I called out, “You’re already here. Aren’t you going to stay with me for my appointment?” He looked at his watch, his tone impatient. “Vanessa, you didn’t tell me about this beforehand. I don’t have time right now. I have a meeting to get to.” “Be good. I’ll bring you back your favorite honey tarts tonight.” I opened my mouth, but no words came out. That night, I didn’t eat the honey tarts he brought home. When he wasn’t looking, I threw them all in the trash. The doctor had warned me that honey was high in estrogen and I had to avoid it. If my condition got any worse, even surgery next spring would be futile. 4 I decided to take my doctor’s advice and ask my boss for some time off. But the next day, Noah somehow found out and rushed home to confront me. “Why did you take a leave of absence without telling me?” “If you quit now, at this critical moment, what about her wedding?!” It turned out Sophia was still not satisfied with any of the wedding plans. But I was so physically and emotionally drained that I couldn’t care about anyone else’s problems anymore. I told him what the doctor had recommended. His tone softened, and he came over to hug me. “It’s all my fault. I’ve been so busy with work, I haven’t been paying attention to how you’re doing.” “Baby, just do me this one last favor, okay? As soon as this is over, I’ll take you on vacation. Anywhere you want to go.” My eyes welled with tears. I remembered all the times I had begged him to take a break, and he had always used work as an excuse. A dull ache started in my chest again. Seeing my distress, he led me to the bed, placed a heating pad on my chest, and gently massaged the area, his face full of concern. When you’re vulnerable, it’s easy to give in. I remembered when he was first pursuing me, how he had sworn that I was the only woman he would ever marry. A warmth spread from my heart through my limbs. I sighed and agreed to his request. A smile, one I hadn’t seen in a long time, lit up his face. For the next three days, he made an effort to spend as much time with me as possible, and it felt like we were back in the early days of our relationship. But Sophia remained unimpressed by all the designs I sent her. A week later, she contacted me, saying she had finally found the plan she wanted. She sent me a series of images, but as I looked at them, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. This was my wedding plan. The one I had designed for myself. The dress, the venue, the decor, the European-style church… Worried that someone had stolen my ideas, I rushed to the agency to find out what had happened. Noah was there. When he saw me, he grinned, telling me excitedly that everything was finally settled. But I couldn’t smile. My face was blank as I asked him how he got the files. He said he had seen them on my computer when I was in the shower and my laptop was unlocked. He thought it was special, so he sent it to Sophia. And she, of course, loved it. I had to apologize to everyone and explain that this was my personal wedding plan and was not for sale. My colleagues praised my work, but Sophia looked as if she had just lost a priceless treasure. Her eyes were red, but she forced a smile, looking pitifully endearing. “Oh, I see. Well, I wouldn’t want to take something that belongs to you. I’ll just have to come to your wedding and see it for myself. It’s just so beautiful!” Her voice was thick with undisguised envy and regret. Noah, who had been silent until then, looked at me and said something I will never forget. “Vanessa, why don’t you just let her have it?” I stood there, stunned. He frowned. “We’ve got plenty of time. I promise I’ll come up with something even better for us. It’s not going to kill you to let a client have this one, is it?” The room fell silent. I saw the shocked and pitying looks on my colleagues’ faces. And suddenly, all the pieces of the last few weeks clicked into place. The answer had been screaming at me all along. When no one was looking, I turned my head and blinked back the tears. Then I looked at the man who had once promised to always put me first. And I smiled. “Okay.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394034”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Summer break. I used it as an excuse to move in with my naive roommate, Noah. That’s how I ended up overhearing a conversation between him and his two older brothers. The second brother, Finn, scoffed. “I’m telling you, he’s a little schemer who’d rather crash here than go home. A conniving little bottom.” He said it with such a straight face, you’d never guess he was the one who’d “accidentally” barged into my bathroom last night. Noah jumped to my defense. “Finn, his family doesn’t live in the city. He has nowhere else to go for the summer.” Then the eldest, Sebastian, cut in, his voice like ice. “Pathetic. Is this what you want to be, someone’s lapdog?” I just smiled to myself. Don’t worry. All three of you will be on your knees soon enough. A family should stick together, after all. 1 The voices from the study were sharp and clear. “Sebastian, what are you talking about? Caleb got that injury because of me!” Noah was practically shouting. A second voice, lazy and mocking, followed. It was Finn. “Trust me, my gaydar is never wrong. Caleb is one hundred percent bent. Little bro, don’t tell me… you’ve fallen for him?” He drew out the last word, dripping with insinuation. “What are you talking about? I’m a guy, why would I be into another guy?” Noah sputtered, his voice a mix of anger and embarrassment. “Tsk, what’s the rush? I was just kidding.” “No, you weren’t! You meant every word!” The sharp rap of knuckles on a desk silenced the room. Then came a voice that radiated authority. “Noah. He can stay here. But… he is not interning at the company.” “But Sebastian, why not? I already promised him.” “Because,” Sebastian’s voice was as hard as steel, “I have my doubts about his abilities.” “But he wins the national scholarship every year…” “Enough.” Outside the door, a slow smile spread across my face. The three Sterling brothers. Just as the rumors said, each one a different beast entirely. Sebastian, the eldest, was the iron-fisted CEO of the family empire. I hadn’t even met him yet. Finn, the middle child, had just returned from grad school abroad. A classic playboy with a wild streak. We’d crossed paths twice. And then there was Noah… a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse. Pure, trusting, and so easy to tease he’d blush at the drop of a hat. Interesting. Three very different breeds of puppy. A Doberman, a Beagle, and a Samoyed. I’d heard enough. I turned and headed downstairs to the dining room. 2 During my junior year, I developed a sudden obsession with basketball. It was just my luck that one afternoon, a stray ball came flying out of control and knocked me out cold. The one who carried me to the nurse’s office was Noah. After examining me, the campus doctor delivered the verdict. “A minor concussion. He just needs some rest. However, his right arm hit a tree on the way down. It’s a greenstick fracture. That’ll need a few months to heal…” I looked down at my arm, now mummified in bandages. Tsk. I’d been aiming for a minor scrape, but I might have overplayed my hand. At my bedside, Noah’s face was a mask of guilt. “I’m so sorry! It was my fault!” “It’s nothing,” I said, my voice deliberately weak. “Just a small injury.” “I’m Noah Sterling. I’m a freshman in the investment program. You are?” “Caleb Shaw. Finance, junior year.” “I’m so sorry, Caleb. I’ll take full responsibility for this!” “The arm will be fine. It’s just… my coursework…” “I’ll handle it,” he declared, his voice firm. A secret smile played on my lips. Hook, line, and sinker. The innocent little puppy had just volunteered to do my homework for the entire semester. My dedication to watching every single one of his games under the blazing sun had finally paid off. “Caleb, can I get your number?” As soon as he scanned the QR code, he looked surprised. “Hey, we’re already friends on here.” The chat history was completely blank. “Really?” I blinked, feigning innocence. “I must have added you from the freshman orientation group.” He nodded, completely buying it. For the next few weeks, he became my personal caretaker. He fed me every meal, spoonful by spoonful. He fed me fruit, piece by piece. Noah’s fingers were long and pale. He held a single grape to my lips. “Caleb, my family had these Muscadine grapes flown in. Try one.” I leaned in, my lips “accidentally” brushing against his fingertips as I gently took the grape between my teeth. “Caleb! You… you bit my hand…” A blush instantly spread from his neck to the tips of his ears. “Oh?” My teeth grazed the soft pad of his finger for a teasing moment before I pulled back. “Sorry about that.” “No… it’s fine! We’re both guys…” He was so flustered he couldn’t even look at me, his eyes darting all over the room. To make it “easier” to take care of me, he even requested a transfer to my dorm. He spent two months doting on me before summer break finally arrived. When he overheard me worrying about finding a summer internship, his eyes lit up. “Caleb, why don’t you stay at my place? You can intern at my brother’s company!” Seeing my feigned hesitation, he puffed out his chest. “Don’t worry, my brothers are really easy to get along with.” Worried? You sweet, dumb puppy. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. 3 The dining table was already laden with food. I had just washed my hands and taken a seat when Noah’s dejected voice drifted down from the stairs. “Caleb.” I looked up. Noah was there in his basketball shorts, looking like a burst of energy, but he had two others with him. The one in the trendy grey sweatshirt with a playful smirk had to be Finn. And the man next to him, impeccably dressed in a suit and radiating an aura as cold as a glacier, could only be Sebastian. I stood up and greeted them with a bright, clear voice. “Sebastian. Finn.” Finn ignored me, letting out a low whistle as he sat down across from me. Noah pulled out the chair to my right. “Caleb,” he whispered, “don’t mind my brother. He’s like that with everyone, even me.” I gave Noah a reassuring smile. I doubt that. He’s the one who called me a schemer. If you ask me, he’s the one with the most tricks up his sleeve in this entire house. My gaze drifted across the table and met Sebastian’s scrutinizing eyes. Our eyes locked. His voice was devoid of any warmth. “You’re Caleb Shaw?” “I am,” I replied. “Have we met before?” It was posed as a question, but it sounded like a statement. Before I could answer, Noah expertly placed a piece of shrimp in my bowl. “Sebastian, how would you have met Caleb? I thought you were only face-blind with women. Since when did that extend to men…?” Sebastian’s gaze remained fixed on my face, as if waiting for my answer. I smiled. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure, Sebastian.” “Is that so?” “Yes. It’s rare for a student like me to cross paths with someone of your… stature.” Finn, who had been focused on his food, let out a snort. “Suck-up.” I just kept smiling. Great. You just had to open your mouth. You’ll be the first one I deal with. Noah glared at him. “Finn, can’t you just eat and shut up for once?” Finn just shrugged and went back to his food. Finally, Sebastian looked away. I focused on my meal, but I could still feel his probing gaze on me, a persistent, lingering touch. 4 After dinner, Sebastian was the first to leave, heading back to his study. The prickling sensation on my back vanished, and I let out a quiet sigh of relief. But a second later, Finn aimed his next jab at me. “So, Caleb. Didn’t manage to find a girlfriend in college?” I tilted my head, pretending to think. “No time,” I said, drawing out the words. “I was too busy studying.” “Oh?” Finn’s eyebrow arched. “Too busy studying, but you still had time to go watch basketball games?” “It’s all about a healthy work-life balance, Finn.” Finn pouted. Noah jumped in. “Caleb, just ignore him. My brother was out drinking until he blacked out last night. He’s still not all there.” My eyes curved into crescents, my smile perfectly harmless. “It’s fine. As long as… he doesn’t ‘accidentally’ walk into my bathroom again.” The playful smirk on Finn’s face froze. A dark flush crept up from his neck, visible even in the dim light. Well, well. I thought his skin was as thick as a brick wall. Who knew he could actually blush? Noah leaned in, shocked. “Finn, you drank that much last night? You couldn’t even find your own room?” Finn slammed his chopsticks down and coughed twice. “It was an accident.” “Caleb, you should lock your door from now on,” Noah advised earnestly. “Who knows, one of these days he might try to steal your bed!” I just hummed in agreement, not saying another word. As I finished the last bite of food on my plate, Noah looked at me, his voice full of guilt. “Caleb, about the internship… I’ll try talking to Sebastian again.” Finn, wiping his mouth with a napkin, cut in coolly. “Save your breath. Once Sebastian makes a decision, he never changes his mind.” “Never?” I looked at Finn, a knowing smile playing on my lips. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” 5 That evening, I went for a jog with Noah around the neighborhood track. Afterward, he went to find Sebastian in his study, determined to plead my case one more time. I went back to my room for a shower. The warm water cascaded over my body. I closed my eyes, letting the droplets run down my face. I lathered up the body wash, my hands moving slowly over my skin. Click. The bathroom door swung open without a sound. “Want to join me?” I asked, my voice lazy and laced with steam, without even turning my head. “Finn.” The person behind me was silent for two beats. “…How did you know it was me?” I calmly turned the shower back on. The bathroom filled with hot, thick steam. Through the mist, I looked at the man leaning against the doorframe. “Because,” I chuckled, “you’re the only one here who deserves to be called a ‘schemer.’” A flicker of surprise crossed Finn’s eyes. Then he relaxed, leaning back against the door, his expression turning indolent. “So, you were eavesdropping on us?” I mimicked his tone from the dinner table. “It was an accident.” “Are you into Noah?” he asked, getting straight to the point. My voice was as light as a feather. “More than just him.” Finn’s pupils contracted. He scanned my face, searching for an answer. “Sebastian?” My smile widened, a hint of playful mischief in my eyes. “Silly boy,” I purred. “You forgot about yourself.” The casual laziness on Finn’s face vanished, his jaw tightening. Before he could react, I reached out and gave his shirt a sharp tug. “Hiss—” Finn stumbled forward, right under the spray of the shower. His grey shirt was instantly soaked, clinging to his body. “Tsk. You got wet so fast.” “Caleb, what the fuck are you…” “You’re the one who walked in here!” I didn’t give him time to think. I cupped the back of his neck with one hand and bit down on his lips, my kiss a pure act of aggression. Our breaths mingled, and the temperature in the small space shot up. Finn’s body went rigid. He started to struggle, twisting in my grasp, but his lips were pinned, unable to escape. And just then— Footsteps echoed from the hallway. I broke the kiss instantly, taking a step back. “Caleb, Sebastian said you could…” CRASH! The sharp sound of shattering glass sliced through the charged atmosphere. Noah was frozen in the doorway, a puddle of milky white liquid spreading across the floor from the glass he’d dropped. He stared, wide-eyed and in utter disbelief, at the steam-filled bathroom, at Finn’s drenched form, and at my naked body. His voice trembled. “F-Finn… what are you two… doing?” 6 I blinked, feigning confusion. “I asked him to help me scrub my back. Right, Finn?” Finn swallowed hard. “Right. Is there a problem?” Comprehension dawned on Noah’s face, and he let out a long sigh of relief. He scratched his head. “Oh. Well, for little things like that, you can just ask me next time.” I stepped out of the bathroom, drying my hair with a towel. As I passed Finn, I shot him a quick, meaningful glance. “Your room is too far away,” I said to Noah. “Finn’s is closer. It’s more convenient.” On the second floor of their house, the bedrooms were split. Mine and Finn’s were to the right of the stairs, while Sebastian’s and Noah’s were to the left. “Finn, can we switch rooms?” Noah pleaded, tugging on his brother’s arm. Finn coughed. “No. I’m used to my room.” “Please, please, please?” “Are you even thinking straight? Why would we switch?” “I just want to be closer to Caleb, so I can help if he needs anything.” “If you want to switch so badly, why don’t you ask Sebastian to switch with Caleb?” At the mention of their older brother, Noah went silent. “Hmph.” Then, as if remembering something, Noah snapped his fingers. “Oh, Caleb, Sebastian wants to see you in his room. It’s probably about the internship.” 7 In the study. “Sebastian.” He didn’t look up, his eyes glued to his computer screen. I took the hint and stood quietly to the side, taking the opportunity to survey the room. A massive, ornate desk made of rare wood dominated the center. Across from it, a towering bookshelf faced a classical oil painting that looked imposing under the lamplight. The whole room screamed power. After what felt like an eternity, Sebastian finally took off his glasses. “You’re here?” I just stared. Yeah, I’ve only been standing here long enough for my dinner to digest. Don’t pretend you just noticed me. “Noah told you I approved your internship, correct?” I nodded. “However,” Sebastian paused. “I only have one open position near me. I’m not sure if you’d be interested.” I met his gaze. “I am.” “My assistant left for our Canadian branch a few days ago. You can fill in for him temporarily.” Before he could finish, Finn pushed the door open and strode in. “Sebastian, I want to intern at the company too.” Noah trailed in behind him. “Me too! I want to help!” he added, raising his hand like a schoolboy. Sebastian’s voice was firm. “Finn, you’ll start at the bottom. Noah, don’t join the circus.” “Why?” “Why?” For once, the two brothers were in perfect sync. “Finn, you’re too impulsive. You need to learn the ropes from the ground up. And while you’re at the company, you will not reveal your identity.” Sebastian rubbed his temples. “Noah, you have years of university left.” Finn let out a groan. Noah walked behind Sebastian’s chair and started giving him a massage. “Come on, Sebastian. I just want to get some experience.” Sebastian shot him a look over his shoulder. Noah immediately fell silent. Seeing my chance, I cautiously spoke up. “Um… if you don’t mind me asking, what’s the salary…?” Sebastian’s eyes locked onto mine. “That depends on your performance.” 8 After we left the study, Noah wouldn’t stop chattering as we walked down the hall. “Caleb, I’ll come find you at the office!” “Caleb, next time you need your back scrubbed, just call me! I’ve got all this strength and nowhere to use it!” “Caleb, I’ll talk to Sebastian about getting you a bigger salary…” Finn, who had been walking ahead with his hands in his pockets, glanced back and rolled his eyes. “Whipped.” Noah bristled. “Finn, take that back! How could you say that about me?” Then he leaned in and whispered to me, “Caleb, my brother’s been extra prickly these past few days. Don’t mind him.” I rubbed my nose. “Maybe he’s on his man period.” I walked right into Finn, who had stopped dead in his tracks. His face was a thundercloud. “Are you two going to gossip about me right to my face?” Noah stepped in front of me protectively. “Finn, if you’ve got a problem, take it up with me. Don’t you dare bully Caleb.” I had to hold back a laugh at his dramatic, self-sacrificing pose. Finn tilted his head, a wicked glint in his eye. “Oh, look at you, taking his side already.” His voice rose. “And what makes you think I’m the one bullying him?” Noah scoffed. “Don’t think I didn’t see it.” Finn looked confused. “?” “At dinner. The way you were staring at him, you practically burned a hole through him.” I peeked around Noah to look at Finn. A hint of color rose in his cheeks. “I… I can’t be bothered to argue with you,” he stammered, turning on his heel. “I’m going to my room.” Two seconds later, he was gone. “Weird. What’s up with him today?” Noah wondered aloud, scratching his head. “He has a guilty conscience,” I said with a smile. 9 Noah followed me into my room and meticulously smoothed out my bedsheets. Before he left, he gave me one last, worried instruction. “Caleb, call me if you need anything.” “I will.” I pulled off my tank top and hung it on the back of a chair. Noah’s face instantly turned beet red. “C-Caleb… don’t you wear pajamas?” “I prefer to sleep naked,” I said, a slow smile spreading across my face. “What about you?” Noah’s eyes were still glued to my chest. “Naked…” he mumbled. “Hmm?” I kept smiling. “Ah,” he snapped out of it, swallowing hard. “Caleb, didn’t you always wear pajamas in the dorm?” Instead of answering, I asked a question of my own. “I always kept my bed curtain closed. How would you know what I was wearing?” “I…” Noah’s eyes darted away. I helped him out. “You must have seen me when I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, right?” “Right! That’s it.” I watched his reaction, amused. If I weren’t such a light sleeper, it would be hard to connect this innocent little puppy with the person who I knew had been peeking through my curtains at night. But it was perfect. Too much innocence is boring, anyway. “There were a lot of people in the dorm, and the AC was always blasting. I wore pajamas because I get cold easily.” “Oh, okay.” A faint thump-thump sound came from Finn’s room next door. “What is my brother doing now?” Noah grumbled. “It’s nothing.” “I swear, my mom must have forgotten to give him a brain when he was born.” Noah puffed out his cheeks like an angry little pufferfish. I laughed. “Your brother just needs to be properly trained.” He blinked, confused. “Trained?” “He needs a good beating.” Noah straightened my pillow. “Caleb, don’t worry about him at the office. Sebastian made him keep his identity a secret, so he won’t be able to give you any trouble.” 10 The moment Noah left, Finn appeared. “What is it?” I asked, half-yawning. He stood by my bed. “I… I need to borrow your shower.” Tsk. Such a terrible actor. It’s a good thing he never tried to make it in Hollywood. I raised an eyebrow. “Fine.” He let out a huff, clearly annoyed. “Aren’t you going to ask me what’s wrong with mine?” “I’m not curious. Why would I ask?” “You—!” He let out an exasperated laugh and stalked into the bathroom. A few moments later, I heard the sound of running water. I let the gentle rhythm lull me to sleep. In the hazy space between waking and sleeping, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I rubbed my eyes open to see Finn standing over my bed like the Grim Reaper. “Finn, what are you doing?” His hair was still damp. “Oh? Not calling me ‘brother’ anymore?” I rolled over, turning my back to him. “Caleb.” I ignored him. “Caleb, stop pretending.” I’d lost my patience. I sat up. “Pretending what? Why don’t you tell me what you’re pretending?” “My shower is really broken,” he blurted out, even though I hadn’t asked. “Oh, really? Broken?” He held up his hand as if taking an oath. “I swear.” “Let me guess,” I said, a smirk playing on my lips. “The showerhead is broken, right?” “How did you know?” Ha. So that’s what the thumping was about. “Well, since you’re all clean now, you can go back to your own room,” I said, dismissing him. “Caleb, this is my house. I’ll stay wherever I want.” “It may be your house, but you wouldn’t want Noah to walk in again, would you? What’s the excuse this time? Scrubbing my back again?” He finally snapped. “Caleb—don’t you dare try anything with Noah! I’m his brother! And don’t even think about Sebastian, he’s the heir to the family! If you want to mess with someone, mess with me!” A soft laugh escaped my lips. “So, you’re saying I can mess with you?” “Me?” His voice shot up. “Absolutely not! I’m a pure, untouched flower!” I just watched his one-man show, unimpressed. “Fine. You can go now.” “But on the other hand,” he said, looking away awkwardly. “You don’t have to finish that sentence.” His voice was laced with anger. “What do you mean? You kissed me. You have to take responsibility.” I burst out laughing. “Finn, you go to bars just to drink? You’ve never even kissed anyone before?” His face went rigid, as if I’d struck a nerve. “None of your business.” “Just a joke. Don’t get so sensitive.” No wonder the kiss had been so clumsy. Tsk, tsk. He hides it well. “Hmph.” Seeing that I was ignoring him again, he started sneaking glances at me. I pretended not to notice. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. “You’re supposed to comfort me.” “I don’t know how.” “Are you serious?” “I’m not in the habit of coddling people.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394033”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was working three jobs a day, all to buy my boyfriend a hearing aid. When my stepbrother, Rick, found out, his gaze turned dark. “Killing yourself working for some guy? Are you planning on moving in with him?” I shot back a cold laugh. “None of your business.” Later, I overheard my boyfriend talking to his roommate. “Faking being deaf is a hilarious way to mess with that idiot. Who gives a shit about the pocket change he makes?” “Yeah, he’s definitely pretty, but I’m not even into guys.” The room erupted in laughter. Someone asked him, “What if Evan finds out?” Liam answered, a lazy drawl in his voice. “He won’t. And even if he does, I’ll just sweet-talk him a little.” “Besides, this ear of mine? I lost my hearing saving his ass. A few nice words and he’ll melt.” Turns out, I was the only idiot. I tried to leave, but my stepbrother grabbed me by the throat and crushed his lips against mine. My voice trembled as I demanded, “…What do you think you’re doing?” His voice was a low growl. “I’m thinking about having you.” 1 I stood frozen outside Liam’s dorm room, my hand hovering in the air, a knock dying before it was ever made. The voices inside continued, sharp and clear. “It’s just for fun, faking the deaf thing to mess with the moron.” “Besides, being with a guy? Not exactly my thing.” A sudden burst of laughter echoed from the room. After it died down, someone else piped up. “What if Evan finds out?” I heard the flick of a lighter, then Liam’s voice, nonchalant and coated in smoke. “He won’t. And even if he does, a little sweet-talking is all it takes. This ear of mine? I lost my hearing saving his ass, remember? A few apologies and he’ll be eating out of my hand.” Liam’s ear. He’d been deafened in a fight, shielding me from a couple of guys who had it out for me. The guilt had been eating me alive, a debt I felt I had to repay. That’s why I’d been working myself to the bone, taking every shift I could get. I’d lost over fifteen pounds in a month, all to save up for the best hearing aid money could buy. I never imagined I was the only fool in this story. And now, the money was finally saved up. But Liam’s deafness was a lie. His poverty was a lie. He’d been playing me like a fiddle. “Seriously, Liam,” another voice chimed in, “if you’re not into guys, why’d you even get with him? I mean, the kid’s got that pretty-boy look, sure, but the second I remember he’s a dude, I go limp.” “Is being gay really that much fun?” Liam’s laugh was a low rumble. “Oh, it’s a blast. Haven’t you guys noticed how ridiculously obedient Evan is?” His roommates howled with laughter. “That’s just ‘cause you’ve got him trained, man! Hey, didn’t you ask him to move in with you last week? He shot you down, right?” He had. Last week, Liam had suddenly brought up the idea of getting a place together. I wasn’t ready, so I said no. He’d been pissed, giving me the silent treatment for three whole days before I could coax him back to normal. At the mention of it, Liam took a long drag from his cigarette. “Yeah,” he grunted, his voice muffled. “Said he wasn’t ready.” 2 Someone snickered. “You’re looking at it all wrong, man. Guys like that play hard to get. They’re all about the chase. Just keep asking. He’ll crack eventually.” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Like hell I will. I kicked the door open. The room fell silent in an instant. Liam, a cigarette still dangling from his lips, froze when he saw me. The guy who’d been mocking me was the first to recover, plastering a grin on his face. “Evan! Hey, man. Here to see Liam? You two are inseparable.” Liam finally snapped out of it. He stubbed out his cigarette and softened his voice into that familiar, gentle tone. “What’s up? I wasn’t expecting you.” I took the wad of cash from my pocket and slammed it into his face. Then, I balled my fist and swung. Liam stumbled back, stunned. His two roommates just stared, their jaws hanging open. They never thought I’d be the one to throw a punch. “Evan, what the fuck is wrong with you?” the one closest to Liam yelled. I ignored him, my eyes locked on Liam. I might be skinny, but I’m still a guy. My punch had connected hard. Liam staggered, clutching his cheek, his eyes wide with disbelief. I let out a soft, sharp laugh. “Must’ve been so hard for you, Liam. Faking deafness just to play with an idiot like me.” “You can stop pretending now.” Liam’s face went pale. He opened his mouth to explain, but no words came out. His eyes darted to the cash scattered across the floor. “Consider this your compensation,” I said, my voice dripping with ice. “After all, I know being with a guy must’ve been such a drag.” “You poor thing.” 3 Liam must have thought he could smooth this over like every other time. He didn’t expect me to block his number, his social media, everything. That must have bruised his ego, because he didn’t try to reach out again. Usually, whenever we fought, I was the one who caved first. This time, he was waiting for me to come crawling back, ready to apologize and make things right. Ready for us to go back to how things were. He was dead wrong. My heart had turned to stone. I wasn’t going to fix this. After a week of silence, Liam finally broke. He showed up at my dorm, only to be told by my roommate that I’d already moved out. He looked completely floored. Since I wouldn’t seek him out, he cornered me instead. The campus diner was packed when he blocked my path. “Move,” I said, my voice flat. Liam just stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line. After a long moment, he finally stepped aside. I found a table and had barely taken two bites of my food when he sat down across from me. “Evan, I know what I did was wrong, okay? I screwed up, and I’ve already apologized. What more do you want from me?” He was so used to being the pampered prince in our relationship, the one I always coddled. He actually thought a couple of half-assed texts counted as a sincere apology. I looked up, a mocking smile playing on my lips. “Liam, do you really think we’re just having a fight?” He flinched. He thought this was just about the lie. He thought I was just mad, and that all it would take was a little coaxing to win me back. He thought I was easy because I’d always felt guilty, because my heart ached for him. And he was right. In the past, no matter how angry I was, I would have swallowed it down and just said, “Don’t make me mad like that again.” But now, under his pleading gaze, I spelled it out for him, each word a hammer blow. “We’re broken up, you asshole.” 4 Liam and I first met in middle school. I never expected to run into him again at the same university, in the same major. The day he saw me in class, he had to rub his eyes a few times, like he couldn’t believe it was me. Back in middle school, I was an easy target. My looks were… delicate, which made me an outcast. I barely spoke to anyone, an introvert pushed to the extreme. I remember someone once called me an “autistic orphan.” After graduation, my mom and I moved away to a different city for my high school years. Seeing me again, Liam acted like he’d found a long-lost friend. He came up to me, eager to talk. Whenever he brought up our middle school days, he’d get this embarrassed look on his face. “Hey, Evan… I was a real jerk back then. Sorry about that.” I never understood what he was apologizing for. He wasn’t one of the kids who had bullied me. As we got to know each other again, he started hanging out in my dorm room all the time. One afternoon, my roommates were all out, so I decided to watch a gay film on my laptop. I didn’t hear him come in. When our eyes met, he froze, looking incredibly awkward. “You’re… uh… into guys?” he stammered out. He must have thought he’d been too blunt, because he quickly tried to backtrack. “I mean, not a lot of people watch these kinds of movies, so…” I didn’t see the point in hiding it. “Yeah, I like men.” “Oh,” he said. He didn’t say another word. As he left, he accidentally walked straight into the door. 5 Liam avoided me for a whole month after that. When he finally worked up the nerve to talk to me again, he was incredibly awkward. “It’s not a big deal, you know. Liking guys. It’s all the same,” was the first thing he said, as if he were trying to comfort me. But what was there to be comforted about? Liking men wasn’t some disease. I didn’t owe anyone an explanation. I still don’t. That dinner was doomed from the start. I lost my appetite completely. When I left, Liam followed me. He kept his distance, but he was there. By the time I reached the campus gates, he jogged to catch up. “Why did you suddenly move out?” he asked. From this angle, I could see the small, faded scar on his right ear. It was from before we were together. I’d gotten into a minor scuffle with some guys. They weren’t happy about it and decided to ambush me on my way home to teach me a lesson. Liam had shown up just as they had me pinned to the ground. He’d gone ballistic, throwing himself into the fray. But it was one against many. He was outnumbered and got roughed up badly. When one of them landed a hard blow to his right ear, blood instantly started pouring out. The sight of him on the ground, bleeding, scared them off. They only wanted to rough me up, not kill someone. They ran. And that’s when Liam went deaf. Total silence. Now, seeing that accusatory look in his eyes, I took a step back, putting space between us. “It has nothing to do with you.” 6 When I got back to my apartment, someone was sitting in the living room. My… stepbrother. Rick was still in his work clothes, a tailored suit that looked completely out of place in my tiny, rundown apartment. He’d obviously come straight from the office. I frowned slightly. “What are you doing here?” His calm eyes met mine, unreadable as always. He placed the book he’d been leafing through back on the coffee table and gave me a slow, deliberate once-over. “You’ve lost weight.” He hadn’t answered my question. I dropped my backpack by the door. He handed me a glass of water, and I drank it down. Only then did he speak again. “I came to check on you.” I looked down, sinking onto the worn-out sofa. “There’s nothing to see.” Silence fell between us, punctuated only by the chirping of crickets outside the thin walls. He didn’t belong here; he was like a marble statue in a scrapyard. “I bought you an apartment near campus. You can move in this weekend.” I finally noticed the set of keys sitting on the table. My gaze lingered on them for a moment before I looked away. “No, thanks. I’m fine here.” “You’re moving,” he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. I lifted my head and met his gaze, my own hardening. “I said,” I enunciated each word, “I don’t want to.” 7 “Why?” I didn’t want to owe his family anything. I didn’t want to take Rick’s money. I didn’t want to be indebted to them in any way. Most of all, I didn’t want to hear the whispers about how my mom had remarried into wealth, bringing her “baggage” along to fight over the inheritance. That’s why I paid for my own tuition, my own living expenses. Every cent they ever offered me, I returned untouched. My throat felt tight. Before I could figure out what to say, Rick’s voice cut through the silence, unnervingly calm. “Is it because of that boy? Working three jobs a day for him, and now you’ve moved out of the dorm. Are you planning on living with him?” His eyes were locked on me. And beneath that placid surface, I could sense something else—a flicker of an emotion I couldn’t quite name. I looked away, unable to meet his stare. “…It’s none of your business.” My relationship with Rick wasn’t exactly warm. We weren’t close, but we weren’t enemies either. We just… coexisted. He didn’t press the issue. But then a thought struck me, and I frowned again. “How do you know all that? Are you spying on me?!” A faint smile touched Rick’s lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Do I need to?” He was right. Someone like me, the stepson, the outsider—every little thing I did was fodder for gossip. Working part-time jobs would be headline news. The world of the rich was suffocating. So he knew. I didn’t care anymore. “What, are you afraid I’ll embarrass the family name?” The words were sharper than I’d intended, but I couldn’t take them back. When Rick left, the keys to the apartment were still on the table. I stared at them for a long time before finally sweeping them into a drawer and shutting it tight. 8 Now that Liam was out of the picture, I didn’t need to work myself into the ground anymore. Suddenly, I had time on my hands. Liam, however, wasn’t giving up. He tried to talk to me again and again, but it was useless. I had no interest in hearing him out. He was sticking to me like glue. “…Evan, why are you avoiding me?” he asked, blocking my path again. His persistence was grating. “I know I messed up that day… I’m sorry. But you have to at least give me a chance to explain.” Oh, wonderful. The great Liam was gracing me with an apology. Jesus. How had I never realized what a complete tool he was? Or maybe breaking up with someone just gives you a superpower for seeing them for the jackass they truly are. I looked him up and down and couldn’t stop a sneer from escaping. “Liam, people get a chance to explain. Dogs don’t.” He gritted his teeth. “Evan, that’s not fair…” My gaze turned to ice. “Fair? You think this is about fairness? That I’m being unfair by not letting you explain? Liam, do you honestly see yourself as the main character in some drama?” “Watching me work my ass off for your ‘deaf’ ear, putting up with creepy customers just to buy you that hearing aid… did that give you a thrill? Did it feed your ego?” “Seeing me suffer for you, treating you like gold… did it make you feel like I was so desperately in love with you?” “And then talking shit about me behind my back, bragging about how you were just ‘playing’ with me… did that make you feel like a big man?” “Liam, you’re a fucking joke.” With every word I spoke, the color drained from his face. When I finished, he just stood there, speechless. Finally, he choked out two words. “I’m sorry.” Sorry wasn’t going to cut it. I scoffed. A car parked by the curb honked twice. I glanced over instinctively and saw Rick’s stoic face behind the wheel. My heart skipped a beat as he got out and started walking toward me. You’ve got to be kidding me. Is he here to drag me home? “Evan.” Rick stopped beside me. “What took you so long today?” Liam’s eyes were darting back and forth between us, sizing Rick up. I glanced at Liam, and an idea sparked. I decided to play along. “Class ran late.” “I see,” Rick said, his gaze shifting to Liam. He gestured slightly. “And this is…?” Liam seemed to snap out of his daze. Before I could say anything, he blurted out, cutting Rick off. “I’m his boyfriend!” 9 The words hung in the air. Rick turned to me, his voice a low murmur as he repeated, “Boyfriend?” I was so done. This idiot. Under Rick’s intense stare, I forced out a single word. “No.” Seeing me deny it, Liam panicked. He reached for my arm, but I sidestepped him. “Evan, I never agreed to break up! How can you say that?” Liam pleaded, his voice cracking. “We just had a fight! That’s not a breakup!” He really thought he had me on a leash. How did I ever fall for this guy? I stared Liam down while Rick stood beside me, the silent, imposing third party in this pathetic scene. God, this was all so exhausting. Played for a fool, and now haunted by this parasite. My eyes flickered to Rick. Then, I made up my mind. I reached out and took his hand. Rick’s hand went rigid in mine. Liam’s jaw dropped. A triumphant smile spread across my face. “Sorry about that. I’ve got a new boyfriend now.” I paused, letting my eyes rake over Liam from head to toe, finally landing on his dumbstruck face. “I just don’t have a taste for… actors.” “So if you keep bothering me, don’t blame me for what happens next.” With that, I flashed Rick a brilliant smile and pulled him toward his car. The few steps to the car door felt like an eternity, my palm growing hot against his. Rick’s expression was unreadable, but his voice was a low rumble when he spoke. “Evan, you continue to surprise me.” My grip on his hand tightened, but I forced myself to sound casual. “What do you mean?” “Nothing,” he said. Liam’s burning stare followed us all the way. I didn’t let go of Rick’s hand until we were both inside the car. Once we drove away, and it was just the two of us, the weight of what I’d just done crashed down on me. What if Rick was disgusted by holding a guy’s hand? What if I’d just crossed a massive line? The thought was mortifying. 10 I risked a sideways glance at Rick. He was focused on the road, his expression impassive as he drove. The silence was deafening. I had to say something. “So… what brings you out here to pick me up?” Two words. That’s all I got. “Dinner.” Right. Great conversation. I decided it was better to just shut up. After a painfully quiet dinner, he drove me back to my tiny apartment. As usual, he frowned at the sight of the dilapidated building. Rick, who’d had the best of everything his entire life—the best schools, the best homes, never a worry about money—of course he’d find this place pathetic. But he was too well-mannered to say it out loud. He walked me to my door but didn’t linger. He just told me to get some rest and left. That was surprisingly… normal. I took a shower, and when I came out, my phone was buzzing nonstop. It was the group chat with my old dorm mates. Apparently, Liam had gotten drunk and stormed into our old room, screaming my name. They couldn’t get him to leave. He was just sitting at my old desk, staring into space. I typed back a quick reply. “Just throw him out. Don’t worry about being nice about it.” My roommates knew I was dating Liam. My sexuality wasn’t a secret. A moment later, my phone buzzed again. “Don’t worry, we tossed him out.” “Okay, thanks,” I replied. Then, a message popped up from one of Liam’s roommates. It was Mark, the one who’d laughed the loudest that day. The guy was a master of being two-faced—all smiles and buddy-buddy to my face, but I knew he was disgusted by me behind my back. I didn’t even bother reading it. I just blocked him.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394032”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My life is like one of those steamy web novels, and I’m just the security guard. The city’s most feared crime lord, pinned against a wall in a dark alley by his own subordinate, having a secret negotiation. I saw it. The alpha CEO, forcibly kissing his adopted son in a crowded elevator. I saw that, too. The tanned, muscular delivery guy, putting the moves on the innocent-looking student renting an apartment on the third floor. Yep. Saw that one as well. I listen with deadened ears to the chorus of… exertion… echoing from the wall of security monitors. Seriously, does nobody know that public spaces have cameras? Does anyone ever stop to think about the straight security guard’s feelings in all of this? 1 I stared helplessly at the monitor, lighting a cigarette in utter despair. A few minutes ago, the notorious crime lord Silas Thorne had appeared on camera NW-03. Thinking I was about to witness some shady back-alley deal, I snapped to attention, locking the camera onto him. But Silas looked… dazed. Gone was his usual ruthless, cold-as-ice demeanor. Instead, the subordinate trailing him, a guy with sly, narrow eyes, easily shoved him against the wall. A double-cross? I frowned, zooming in and cranking up the audio. The subordinate, Mickey, purred, “Boss, you’ve been wearing it all day. Tired?” My senses tingled. Wearing what all day? Stolen goods? Some kind of torture device? Incriminating evidence? Silas just stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. Mickey leaned in closer. “Boss, remember how I took a bullet for you? How I put down two of our rivals, all for you? Don’t you think it’s time you… returned the favor?” What the hell did that mean? And what was he digging for in his pants? A weapon? My brow furrowed, my heart pounding in my throat. My first night shift, and I’d stumbled into a mob takedown. My finger hovered over the emergency dial. A cold sweat broke out across my forehead. Zzzzip. The next sound I heard was a zipper. And then I watched, wide-eyed, as the great Silas Thorne sat down. He sat right down on the little kiddie ride his subordinate had just… unzipped. The mechanical pony rocked unsteadily, forcing the crime lord to grab Mickey’s hand for balance. A wave of despair washed over me as a cheerful, synthesized jingle filled the alley, the sound so sharp it felt like it was stabbing my eyes. That cursedly catchy tune began to play—Who’s the best daddy in the world~? Silas mumbled, his voice low and shaky, “Daddy…” Clearly, the ride was already making him dizzy. 2 I am a security guard on the brink of a complete mental breakdown. It’s my third day working in Ashton City. My supervisor noticed the dark circles under my eyes. “Kyle, you look terrible. Rough night?” I managed a weak smile. “Rough night” didn’t even begin to cover it. I’d had a nightmare that I was being chased down by a fleet of giant, sentient kiddie rides. They cornered me, their plastic eyes glowing, and demanded, “What do you call your father’s mother’s third cousin’s uncle’s second wife?” I couldn’t answer. As I started to panic, they cackled, linked hands, and locked me inside one of their horrifying, rocking bodies. I sighed, shaking my head. I had to tell myself last night was a fluke. Forget everything. Just focus on work. Just then, a man in a sharp, tailored suit and glasses stepped into the main elevator. I immediately straightened my posture, my gaze filled with respect. This was Adrian Vance, the wealthiest man in the city, a legendary CEO. He was also the man who owned the company that owned my security firm. The boss of my boss. If anything happened to him on my watch, I had to be the first one to intervene. Adrian didn’t press a floor button. He just stood there, his gaze fixed on a spot just outside the elevator. A moment later, a young man came running into the frame. “Adrian! I finally caught you! You can’t keep avoiding me!” Adrian’s face was a mask of indifference. “You should call me ‘Father.’” Oh, please, I thought, rolling my eyes at the monitor. Like you didn’t hold the door for him on purpose. The young man, Ethan, stepped into the elevator, his eyes locked on Adrian. “I’ve never seen you as a father. You were my dad’s friend. That’s it.” Okay, I got it. Classic family drama. Ethan’s real dad passed away, Adrian adopted him, and now the kid was in his rebellious phase, refusing to accept the new dynamic. I could sympathize. At his age, I was all about making it on my own, too. It was only after joining the daily grind that I realized how lucky he was. All he had to do was say “Dad,” and a billionaire would set him up for life. So, just a father-son squabble. I breathed a sigh of relief. Adrian remained cool. “What is this tantrum about?” “It’s not a tantrum! I meant everything I said! You know what? Fine. Be your cold, heartless self! I’ll just go study abroad! It’s not like there’s a shortage of men out there!” Huh? I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle. “You wouldn’t dare!” Adrian hissed. And in the next second, they were kissing. A desperate, hungry kiss, like there was no one else in the world—or, you know, a high-definition camera—watching. I was completely stunned. Wait, what? Is this even legal? I thought this was a family drama, not… this. Thirty minutes later, my phone rang. It was my supervisor, his voice tinged with annoyance. “Kyle, Elevator 2 is stuck on the top floor. There’s a huge line of employees downstairs waiting. Can you check the camera and see what the hell is going on?” I chose my words carefully. “Mr. Vance and his son are in there… having a very intense argument.” “Well, can you do something? Go talk to them or something. The complaint emails are about to start flooding in, and you know who they’ll blame.” My jaw dropped. “Me? You want me to go?” After hanging up, I stared at the monitor in despair, gingerly lifting the corner of the napkin I’d used to cover the screen. Inside the elevator, the “argument” was still raging. Adrian was on the offensive, and while Ethan was losing ground, he certainly wasn’t surrendering. They were locked in a fiery, passionate battle, and frankly, they looked like they were enjoying every second of it. My eyes burned as if someone had stuck needles in them. 3 Why does no one seem to remember that public places have security cameras? And that a security guard has to watch them! 4 I am a security guard at the end of his rope. After a month of being forced to watch an endless parade of men engage in various forms of… extreme wrestling… in alleys, elevators, and stairwells, I finally understood. There was something fundamentally wrong with this district. I went to my supervisor and requested a transfer. I wanted to work security at a residential complex. My only requirement: the older, the better. He gave me a puzzled look. “Kyle, you know the older buildings have more problems, right? You’ll be working your butt off.” I instinctively flinched when he tried to clap me on the shoulder. This past month had taught me that a single, careless touch could ignite a raging inferno of carnal combat. I looked him dead in the eye, my voice deadly serious. “I don’t mind the hard work. Sir, please, transfer me to the most rundown apartment building you’ve got.” The older the building, the more old men. And I’ll bet my life that a bunch of grandpas don’t have the energy to be doing the splits under a security camera. 5 I stared at the monitor, speechless. Why? Why did this seventy-year-old grandpa look like he could still break hearts? Why did that middle-aged man over there, with no makeup on, have the delicate grace of a weeping willow? And why were the group of old guys chatting on the exercise equipment batting their eyelashes like seasoned coquettes? What is wrong with this world? I buried my face in my hands, letting out a silent, desperate scream in front of the bank of monitors. And in that moment, I had an epiphany. It wasn’t me. It was the world. The whole world had gone insane. 6 A new young tenant moved into the complex. White shirt, blue jeans, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and a clean, handsome face. He looked like a decent kid, probably poor, who’d stumbled into this den of grandpas because the rent was cheap. The moment he arrived, the other residents swarmed him, their curiosity piqued. They started introducing themselves. “Hello there, I’m a bottom.” “And I’m a top.” Their expectant eyes landed on the young man. He froze for a second, then stammered, his voice uncertain, “…Then… am I a two?” Hearing his answer, I shot up from my chair and rushed over. “I’m a two! I’m a two, too!” I grabbed his hand, my own shaking with emotion, trying my best to hold back the tears welling up in my eyes. Three whole months! I’d finally met another straight guy! Clasping his hand felt like finding a long-lost brother-in-arms. 7 The young man’s name was Noah. “I’m Kyle,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. Noah smiled, and a small dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth. He added me as a contact, then patted my shoulder. His voice was soft. “Nice to meet you, Kyle. You can call me Noah. I guess I’ll be counting on you to keep me safe around here.” I knew it was just something a tenant says to a security guard out of politeness, but his words went straight to my heart. From then on, I kept a close watch, my eyes often sore and strained, always ready to send him a helpful tip. “Noah, try not to use the back entrance after midnight. People… walk their dogs there around that time.” “Noah, don’t wait for the elevator when you get home. It’s ‘broken’ again. Probably be out for an hour.” “Noah, be careful about opening your door for strangers.” After sending that last message, I waited. No reply. My anxiety spiked. I stared at the monitor, my body tense, sweat beading on my brow. Because standing at Noah’s door was a delivery guy. Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a tan, muscular chest that strained against his uniform. He’d somehow turned the bright yellow company jacket and helmet into a badass biker outfit. This guy did not look like a regular delivery driver. I glared at the screen. The driver, looking hot, unzipped his jacket and took off his helmet, revealing a ruggedly handsome face dripping with raw, masculine energy. He is definitely not just a delivery guy! I screamed internally. But Noah hadn’t seen my message. He opened the door. The audio on the old cameras was shot. I could only watch as Noah took the food, said a few words with a gentle smile, and the delivery guy leaned against the doorframe, not leaving, talking back. After a moment’s hesitation, Noah—my sweet, innocent, straight brother Noah—let him inside! I shot out of my chair, shoved my baton and flashlight into my belt, and sprinted towards Noah’s apartment building. 8 Noah opened the door to my frantic knocking. I was bent over, panting, unable to speak. The elevator had been… occupied… again. I’d taken the stairs. He looked pleasantly surprised. “Kyle? What are you doing here?” I waved a hand dismissively, my eyes scanning him from head to toe. Clothes were all in place. He was safe. Then I peered past him, looking for the delivery guy. “Sir, is this all the trash?” a voice called from the kitchen. The driver emerged, carrying several bags of garbage. He looked a bit dejected. It seemed Noah hadn’t fallen for his tricks. Safe! I finally relaxed. Noah saw the delivery guy out. “I’ve sent the twenty-dollar tip. Thanks again.” Twenty bucks just to take the trash downstairs? My eyes widened. I make five thousand a month as a security guard. My hourly wage is barely twenty bucks! Suddenly, my opinion of the delivery guy shifted dramatically. “Kyle, what’s wrong?” Noah asked again. I stammered, not wanting to sound like a weirdo. “Uh, I saw you didn’t reply to my text…” Understanding dawned on Noah’s face. He picked up his phone. “Oh, sorry about that, man. I sprained my ankle, so I can’t really get downstairs myself. I’ve had to ask the delivery guys to help me with the trash.” He looked down, then shyly lifted his pant leg to show me. His slender ankle was definitely swollen. It looked bad. I frowned, immediately crouching down for a closer look. “How’d you do that?” I asked, concerned. “Was walking home late the other night, didn’t see a loose stone.” “Have you put any ointment on it?” Noah bit his lip and shook his head, looking a little embarrassed. “I, uh… I don’t really know about that stuff, Kyle.” “Let me take a look. We need to make sure it’s not a fracture.” I gently took his ankle in my hand and began to probe the area. “Hiss—” Noah winced, grabbing my shoulder for support. His eyes were red at the corners. “Kyle,” he whimpered. He wasn’t as tough as me. One time, a colleague and I were chasing a thief, and my buddy accidentally tased me. I didn’t even make a sound. But then again, Noah was still a college student. He hadn’t been hardened by the real world yet. It was okay for him to be a little sensitive to pain. As the more manly big brother figure, I felt a duty to take care of him. With that in mind, I treated him with extra patience. “So, what do you do for work, Noah? You’re out late a lot.” Noah smiled. “I haven’t graduated yet, Kyle. I’m just renting a place here while I look for a job. I do some part-time work to make ends meet.” “What kind of work?” “I’m a private tutor.” My hand froze. I let go of his ankle. My entire body went on high alert.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394031”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The night before the Grand Art Competition, Leo, the boy I’d grown up with, drugged me and tied me to a chair in the studio, making me Vivian Vance’s canvas. The drug burned through me. I trembled, legs clamped shut, but my frantic breathing drew lewd whistles. Leo adjusted the spotlight, bathing me in harsh light. “Is this the expression you wanted?” he asked Vivian. “That first blush of desire?” Vivian’s pencil scratched. “Yes,” she purred. “The way she wants to curl up but can’t. Try to look natural, Nora.” Laughter erupted. “Twisted like a pretzel,” someone mocked. “Still playing the virgin?” I bit my lip bloody, glaring at Leo. “Why?” He spun a paintbrush, indifferent. “Vivian said you have good proportions. It’s for art—don’t be dramatic.” He wiped my tear, his touch a mockery. “Hold on. Don’t ruin her inspiration.” Vivian, the Vice Dean’s daughter, his campus queen. My body, my dignity—just a tool for him. For six hours, I endured the light, the stares, the laughter—a nightmare I’d never escape. Later, when they groveled, Leo would shout, “It was for art! Must you be so vindictive?” “Yes,” I’d say. “I do.” 1 Finding myself naked and bound in the center of the art studio, my mind went completely blank. My hands were tied high above my head, my body draped in a single layer of transparent chiffon that might as well have been air. Worse, a searing heat was spreading through me, my skin crawling with an itching, tingling sensation, like a thousand ants marching beneath the surface. “I always thought Nora was so plain,” a guy from my class snickered. “Who knew she was hiding a body like that under all those baggy clothes?” “If I’d known, I would’ve asked her out,” another one chimed in. “But now… everyone’s seen everything. I wouldn’t touch her now if she paid me. Damaged goods.” “Look at her, all flushed and curled up. Doesn’t she look like a boiled lobster?” The art students roared with laughter. They gestured crudely, tracing my curves in the air, their eyes violating every inch of my skin. I struggled, trying to make myself smaller, but every movement only made my breasts heave, earning a fresh wave of whistles. Leo leaned over Vivian’s easel, nodding in approval. “With this piece,” he said, his voice full of pride, “first place in the competition is a sure thing.” Vivian tilted her delicate face up at him, a coy smile playing on her lips as she stuck out the tip of her tongue. “It’s all thanks to you, Leo. After I win, we’ll celebrate at that new romantic restaurant that just opened.” I stared at Leo, praying this was all a hallucination. The person who, since we were in kindergarten, had sworn to protect me forever—how could he be part of this? Tears of humiliation streamed down my face. I begged him to let me go. His brow furrowed in annoyance. “Nora, this competition is everything for Vivian’s future. What’s the big deal with you helping out a little?” he snapped. “You’re so selfish. Nothing like Vivian. She’s so generous, she’s even willing to share her artistic inspiration with our classmates.” I was being gawked at like a circus animal, my dignity shredded and stomped into the floor, and he called it “helping out a little”? The flimsy chiffon was soaked with sweat, clinging to my body. “Damn, a wet t-shirt contest,” someone hooted, rubbing his hands together in glee. Another guy stepped forward, a disgusting grin on his face, his hand reaching for my chest. “Art demands authenticity,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just going to feel the dimensions for myself.” “Don’t touch me!” I screamed, trying to shrink away. “I’ll call the police!” But the drug had stolen the strength from my voice, turning my shriek into a pathetic, breathy plea. It only made them laugh harder. Just as his hand was about to make contact, Leo finally stepped in, grabbing the guy’s wrist. “Alright, that’s enough. We’re here to draw, not to touch.” But his tone was light, casual, without a hint of real anger. The guy shot me another hungry look before reluctantly pulling his hand back. As he turned away, I heard him mutter, “What a prude. If we can look, why can’t we touch?” Vivian giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “Alright, everyone, back to work,” she chided playfully. “Let’s appreciate this rare opportunity. It won’t be so easy to get Nora to help us out next time.” She sauntered over to me, her arms crossed, and poked my ribs with the wooden end of her paintbrush. “Hey, Nora. Look alive. Don’t lie there like a corpse.” Then, she leaned in close, her voice a venomous whisper only I could hear. “You have nothing, and you thought you could compete with me? This is what happens.” Her breath was hot against my ear. “A competition, a man… if I want it, it’s mine.” Her triumphant, blinding smile made me tremble with a rage so profound it shook my very bones. Because they had power, they could do anything they wanted? 2 I endured the torment for the entire night. It wasn’t until Vivian finally put down her pencil that Leo untied me. My arms, suspended for so long, were swollen and numb, the joints screaming in protest. My wrists were raw and bloody. Leo frowned, taking my wrist in his hand. “How did it get this bad? Why didn’t you say something if it hurt?” I glared at him, my voice cold as ice. “And you would have stopped if I had?” His eyes flickered away. He said nothing, just quietly let go of my hand. I snatched up my clothes, holding them against myself as I walked like a zombie through the campus, stepping over discarded sketches of my own body. Back in my dorm, I curled into a ball in the corner of my bed, hugging my knees and crying without a sound. Suddenly, my phone started buzzing relentlessly. Notifications from the class group chat. It was flooded with photos and videos of me from the studio. Thanks to Nora for her sacrifice! Everyone, feel free to draw some inspiration. My head spun. The air left my lungs. They were pushing me over the edge. The comments in the chat kept coming. In my own room, my roommates started talking, their voices loud and clear. “Nora is such a slut. Offering herself up as a nude model like that.” “She probably thought she could seduce someone by taking her clothes off. It’s so embarrassing for the rest of us.” “And she always acts so high and mighty. Makes me sick.” I ripped open my bed curtain. “It wasn’t my choice!” I screamed, my voice raw. “Leo drugged me!” They just stared at me, their faces masks of contempt and disbelief. My hands shaking, I dialed 911. The wail of sirens soon cut through the campus quiet. But before the police could even reach me, my student advisor was standing in front of me, his eyes full of disgust. “Nora, you’re calling the police over something this trivial? Have you given any thought to the academy’s reputation?” His voice was low and menacing. “You will tell them you consented to everything. If you don’t, your time at this academy is over.” He was worried about the school’s reputation. Who was worried about mine? Just to protect Vivian, they were threatening me, the victim? Two uniformed officers entered the classroom. “Who is Nora?” The room was split into two camps. Me, standing alone. And on the other side, Leo and Vivian, surrounded by their sycophants. I stepped forward, pointing a trembling finger at them. “I want to press charges. Leo and Vivian drugged and held me against my will. They distributed indecent images of me online. Everyone in this room is an accomplice.” A murmur went through the crowd. One of Vivian’s lackeys immediately jumped to her defense. “You’re crazy! You volunteered to help us find inspiration. What’s all this drama about?” His words sparked a chorus of agreement. “That’s right, we’re all witnesses. Nora did it willingly.” “She even said she was proud to sacrifice for her art!” Looking at the sea of faces, all twisting the truth, I started to shake uncontrollably. My teeth chattered. “Lies! You’re all lying!” Vivian buried her face in Leo’s chest, feigning fear, but her eyes shot daggers of mockery at me. Her look said it all: I’m untouchable. What are you going to do about it? Leo stroked her back soothingly. “It’s okay, Vivi,” he cooed. “I won’t let Nora hurt you.” Then he held up his phone, opening his Venmo app. “I can prove Nora was a willing participant. Here’s the evidence.” On the screen was his transaction history with me. A single payment of $0.99. The memo read: For your help, thanks! The timestamp was from that morning. He looked at me, his face a picture of feigned heartbreak. “You said you didn’t need money, that it was a favor between friends. I’m glad I insisted on paying you something, or I’d never be able to clear my name now.” A ninety-nine-cent payment was absurd, but the drugged juice I’d drank was long gone, disposed of by them. With everyone’s testimony aligned against me, the case was closed before it even opened. As the female officer left, she gave me a look of pity mixed with disapproval. “You should have more self-respect, young lady. Don’t waste our time with false reports again.” Leo sauntered over to me, his hands in his pockets. “Don’t blame me, Nora. You were the one who tried to ruin Vivian.” As Vivian passed me, she leaned in and whispered, her voice dripping with venom, “You dare cross me? Just you wait.” I stumbled back to my dorm in a daze, only to find all my belongings thrown into the hallway. My clothes had been cut to ribbons. My roommate stood there, hands on her hips. “Since you hate wearing clothes so much, we figured you didn’t need these.” Then, she and the others grabbed the tattered dress I was wearing and ripped it to shreds. The entire dorm hallway was filled with girls watching the spectacle. 3 My phone pinged. A message from my advisor. Nora, due to the disturbance you caused by filing a false police report, you are suspended, effective immediately. Outside, the sky was clear, the sun brilliant. But for me, the world had gone dark, smothered by a suffocating storm cloud. I let out a bitter laugh. Clutching the scraps of my dress to my chest, I decided to go to the studio to retrieve my competition entry from my locker. Along the way, every head turned. Every finger pointed. “Look, it’s her. The nude model. Gotta say, she has a great body. Got me worked up just looking at the pictures.” “I heard she tried to extort them for more money and when they refused, she called the cops. A real snake. Better stay away from her.” I finally understood. They hadn’t just shared the images with the class; they had spread them across the entire campus. They’d twisted their crime into an act of my own volition, and my cry for justice into an act of blackmail. The truth had been turned completely upside down, and there was nothing I could do. My father was gone, my mother was just an ordinary woman. What power did I have to defend myself? When I opened my private locker in the studio, I found my competition piece—my masterpiece—slashed and smeared with crimson paint. Besides me, only Leo had a key. In a single day, he had used my trust to destroy not only my dignity, but also my future. My hand was injured from the ropes; there was no way I could paint a new piece in time. I collapsed onto the cold floor, the last of my strength giving out, and sobbed. When the tears finally ran dry, I dragged my exhausted body to a clothing store just off campus. One after another, shopkeepers took one look at me and slammed their doors shut. Finally, one let me in, but the salesclerk spoke in a gruff, contemptuous tone. “No touching, no try-ons. Pick what you want and pay. I don’t want you getting your filth on my merchandise.” I pointed to a group of girls happily browsing the racks. “Why can they try things on, but I can’t?” The clerk snorted. “You think you can compare yourself to them? They’re decent girls. What are you?” Her words sent the other girls into a fit of giggles. My nails dug into my palms. I pointed numbly at a random outfit and paid. As I walked towards the dressing room, I heard the clerk mutter, “What’s the point of a dressing room? It’s not like there’s anything left for anyone to see.” I bit my lip so hard I could taste salt and blood, stripping off my ruined clothes in the tiny cubicle and stuffing them into the trash. Suddenly, the curtain was ripped open. The flash of a camera blinded me. I screamed, grabbing the new clothes to cover myself, but it was too late. A group of boys stood there, phones held high, leering at me. “What are you hiding? We’re just studying human anatomy for inspiration. We can even pay you.” I slapped the boy in front, my hand stinging. He just rubbed his cheek and spat on the floor. “Don’t act so innocent. You’ve probably been passed around more than a bottle of cheap wine.” I threatened to call the police again, and only then did they grudgingly delete the photos, grumbling as they left. I left the store, my face hidden behind a mask, and got on the bus home. The entire ride was torture. I felt every eye in the bus on me, judging me. When my stop came, I bolted out the door. Back in my neighborhood, the familiar, friendly faces of my neighbors offered a brief moment of relief, a loosening of the knot in my chest. I was wrong. The nightmare was just beginning. The next morning, my front door and the entire hallway were plastered with the photos. Neighbors were gathered in a small crowd, whispering amongst themselves. My face burned with shame as I tore the images down, trying to explain that I was the victim. But their eyes were filled with disbelief. “I’ve seen online what college girls are like these days,” one woman said loudly. “If I had a daughter that shameless, I’d have drowned her at birth.” Even the elders who had always been so kind to me just shook their heads in disappointment. I slammed the door and burrowed under my covers, pulling out my phone to confront Leo. “You gave Vivian my address, didn’t you? Are you trying to drive me to suicide?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394029”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

On our sixth anniversary, my workaholic fiancé gave me a childish vinyl figure—the kind teenage girls collect. Instantly, I knew: he’d fallen for his stepsister. That night, I laid out his options coldly: 1. I’d walk away quietly, but wouldn’t take blame for their scandal. 2. He’d cut ties with her, and our business marriage would proceed. He chain-smoked till dawn—a man who never smoked. Next morning, he shipped her abroad, telling me: “You’re the only one who can stand beside me, Clara. We’re equals.” At our wedding, as elites cheered our “union of the century,” Sophie burst in wearing a wedding dress, tears streaming: “Tedd, I just want to be with you!” He moved toward her instinctively. I gripped his tuxedo jacket, hissing: “One more step and we’re done.” He tore free with a muttered “Sorry”—never looking back. Left at the altar under a thousand stares, I watched them flee. My heart’s last embers turned to ash. Investment agreement: shredded. If he wanted war, I’d show no mercy. 1 The whispers from the crowd below rose like a tidal wave. “Clara Norton has the worst luck. Her own stepsister-in-law just stole her groom.” “I heard the stepsister is some kind of influencer, wrote a secret online diary about her crush for like, two thousand days. The whole internet is shipping their creepy step-sibling romance, and now they’re calling Clara the homewrecker.” “You have to admit, the girl’s got guts. Everyone knows this merger was supposed to save both their companies.” My father’s cane slammed against the marble floor, the sound echoing his rage. He looked like he was about to have a stroke. “The Crofts are grinding our family’s name into the dirt! Clara, come home with me! We are not going through with this!” I placed a hand on his trembling arm, digging my nails into my own palm to steady my voice. “Dad, wait.” I turned, facing the sea of mocking and pitying stares. With a decisive tug, I pulled the veil from my hair. “Please inform the guests that the wedding is canceled. The Norton Corporation will cover all expenses.” Tedd’s stepmother scurried over, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Clara, dear, you have to understand. Sophie has always been so dependent on Tedd. Don’t overthink this…” She’d been silent when Sophie made her grand entrance, but now that I was calling it off, she was full of excuses. “Dependent?” I sneered. “So dependent she had to crash my wedding in a wedding dress? Mrs. Croft, your stepdaughter’s little online diary is more dramatic than a soap opera. I’m afraid I’m not cut out to be her future sister-in-law.” Tedd’s father rushed to smooth things over. “Clara, in my heart, you’ve always been the perfect daughter-in-law! I’ll make this right. I’ll give you 20% of Croft Industries as compensation, and we’ll throw you an even grander wedding another day. Let’s just let this go! Any more drama will be bad for both our families!” He wanted me to swallow this humiliation. Drama? I was the one making a scene? They stood by while I was publicly shamed, but the moment I cancel the wedding, they all point their fingers at me. I laughed, a cold, sharp sound, and brushed their hands away. “I’m not interested in your scraps. You seem to forget that I was the one who pulled Tedd back from the brink. Since you clearly don’t value that, we have nothing more to discuss.” Tedd’s parents wouldn’t give up, but my father stepped in front of them. “My daughter poured her own money, two billion dollars, into Tedd Croft to save your family! She lost it all and never said a word!” he thundered. “Clients, venues, resources—do you have any idea how many times she had to beg and grovel to secure them for him? She asked for nothing in return, only the hope of a peaceful life. And this is how you repay her?” “What happened today was a slap in the face to my family! From this moment on, the Norton Corporation is cutting all ties with the Crofts!” My father’s declaration hung in the air. He took my arm and led me down from the altar. When I finally looked at my phone, Sophie’s latest social media post was already trending: 【Day 2000. I finally have my light. @TeddCroft】 The picture was of them, locked in a passionate kiss. She was wearing her wedding dress and the ring that was supposed to be mine. The comment section was a firestorm. 「Sophie is so brave! Two thousand days of secret love finally blossoming!」 「Tedd is a true romantic! Giving up a business merger for true love. This is a real-life fairy tale!」 「I knew it! The way they look at each other… I wish I had a brother who loved me like that!」 And then there were the comments about me. “Wicked witch,” “gold digger,” “old hag.” The words crawled across my screen like maggots. I scrolled, a bitter smile on my face. Sophie was a full seven years younger than Tedd. She and her mother had joined the Croft family when she was twelve. At first, I thought she was just a sweet kid and went out of my way to be kind to her. But she had a habit of interrupting my dates with Tedd. Once, I even found thumbtacks hidden in my slippers. When I told Tedd, he berated Sophie, and their relationship became frosty. Or so I thought. Then I discovered her Instagram account, where she meticulously documented her “secret love” for her stepbrother, day after day. Last year, she posted about “my brother getting drunk and sleeping in my room by mistake,” accompanied by a photo of one of Tedd’s shirts. The post went viral, and I was bombarded with messages from strangers asking when the “old hag” was going to die. Three months ago, she posted a picture of herself in a drenched white dress, with the caption, “Waiting for my brother to bring me an umbrella outside his office in the storm.” That was the day Tedd had used a “work emergency” as an excuse to ditch me at a contract signing and rush to pick her up. Her followers ate it up. “He’s totally into you! Make a move!” “No brother looks at his sister like that. Just get married already!” That’s when I realized her innocent act was just that—an act. But I wasn’t worried. Tedd was always a pragmatist, putting his family’s business interests above all else. A scandal like this would be bad for both of us. I trusted him to be sensible. Until today. Until she stood in my place, in a wedding dress, turning me into the villain who stood in the way of true love for the whole world to see. It turned out Tedd’s feelings for his stepsister were far from simple. 2 The runaway groom scandal spread like a virus. Croft Industries’ stock went into a freefall, and sponsors began pulling out one after another. After three days of this, the Crofts finally broke. Tedd’s father brought him to our home to apologize. “Clara,” Mr. Croft began, his face a mask of sycophantic smiles, “it was all a misunderstanding. I’ve arranged a dinner for Tedd to make it up to you. And I’ve punished that insolent girl, don’t you worry! Once you’re married, you’ll be the lady of the house. She won’t dare step out of line!” I looked at Tedd’s face, which was a thundercloud of resentment, and almost laughed. “Mr. Croft, do you really think I need that title?” My father slammed his teacup down on the table. “Make it up to us? Or are you just worried about your stock price hitting rock bottom?” Mr. Croft’s smile faltered. “Arthur, you jest. The children’s happiness is what’s most important. Tedd, apologize to Clara. Now.” Tedd jerked his head away, his eyes blazing. “I did nothing wrong!” “Shut your mouth!” his father hissed, kicking him sharply behind the knee. “You’re destroying this family! Do you think Sophie’s little online following can save the company? Our investors are pulling out!” Tedd’s jaw was clenched, his knuckles white. “Why? I’ve lived my whole life by your rules! Why can’t I have this one thing for myself, this one chance at real love?” “You—!” His father trembled with rage. He turned to me, his voice pleading. “Clara, for the sake of our families’ long friendship, give Tedd one more chance. If you forgive him, we’ll give you half of the profits from the Croft’s main project. And once you’re married, you’ll have full control of the overseas expansion!” I paused. The overseas expansion was a massive prize, one my family had been trying and failing to secure for years. If the Crofts were willing to let us in, holding a grudge was pointless from a business perspective. My father saw the look on my face and knew I was considering it. He took a deep breath. “We have three conditions. First, Sophie is to be sent abroad permanently. She is never to return.” Before he could finish, Tedd cut him off. “Impossible! I’ll marry Clara, but Sophie must live with us. I’ll take care of her for the rest of her life. She can’t leave me!” “What did you say?” My nails dug into my palms. “I said,” his voice was like shards of ice, “you can be Mrs. Croft. She won’t challenge you. But I will never send her away again!” Crack. I slapped him across the face. Tedd pointed a shaking finger at me. “Clara Norton, don’t push it! If you back me into a corner, I’ll take everyone down with me. Your precious overseas project is still in our hands.” My father shot to his feet, pointing his cane at the door. “Get out! Don’t think you can threaten us with that! You didn’t come here to negotiate in good faith!” Mr. Croft tried to argue, but my father jabbed the cane in his direction. “From now on, not even a dog from the Croft family is welcome in this house!” As I watched them scramble away, I had a moment of clarity. With people like this, there was no need for decency. 3 The night after I threw the Crofts out, I was working late. The lights of the office building were winking out one by one. As I turned into the parking garage, several men in baseball caps lunged out of the shadows. They clamped a hand over my mouth and dragged me into a blind spot, away from the security cameras. I struggled wildly. “Don’t touch me! I have money, I can give you anything!” But no matter how much I begged, they wouldn’t stop. They pawed at me, their hands rough and violating. Pain shot through my body, leaving me trembling. Just as I thought it was over, a security guard’s flashlight cut through the darkness. The men cursed and threw me aside like a piece of trash. At 3 a.m., the photos hit the internet. Me, disheveled and slumped against a wall, with the headline: 【NORTON CORP CEO’S LATE-NIGHT TRYST: CAUGHT IN DARK ALLEY WITH MULTIPLE MEN】 Sophie’s social media was updated almost instantly. A video of her, crying prettily. “I can’t believe it… what Tedd must have gone through all these years…” Tedd retweeted it, his caption oozing with the quiet suffering of a victim: 「Let the past be the past. I only hope Ms. Norton will conduct herself with more dignity in the future.」 The comments were daggers. 【And I used to admire her as a role model. Turns out she just slept her way to the top.】 【Tedd is such a class act, defending her even after she cheated! No wonder he ran from that wedding. Who would want to marry a woman like that?】 【Boycott Norton Corp! If the boss is that morally corrupt, the company can’t be clean.】 【I wouldn’t even marry a woman like her if it was my second marriage!】 My assistant, Alex, stood beside me, his face pale with panic. “Ms. Norton, the stock has plummeted 15%. Several partners have sent termination letters…” He was trying to keep his voice from shaking. On the financial news channel, a bold headline flashed across the screen: 【NORTON CORP ENGULFED IN SCANDAL, MARKET VALUE EVAPORATES BY BILLIONS】 “The protestors and reporters downstairs are getting out of control! Security can’t hold them!” my secretary gasped, rushing in with sweat beading on her forehead. Just then, the revolving doors swished open. My father’s car pulled up to the steps, and a team of black-suited bodyguards swiftly formed a protective perimeter. The sharp crack of his cane on the marble floor instantly quieted the mob. “Who sent you?” My father’s voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the crowd with an undeniable authority. “If you are here to stir up trouble without cause, we will investigate this to the fullest extent of the law.” A man at the front of the crowd suddenly jumped forward, brandishing something in his hand. “Cut the crap, old man! You and your daughter are both trash! If you have nothing to hide, why won’t you come out and explain yourselves?” I started to step forward, but my father held me back. He walked slowly toward the man, his expression grave. “The Norton family has been in business for fifty years, and we have always acted with integrity. If you have any legitimate concerns, I welcome you to report them to the proper authorities. But if you cannot substantiate your claims here today, I will sue every single one of you for defamation.” The man was speechless. The crowd shifted uneasily. His eyes darted around, and then he suddenly lunged at my father before trying to flee. The bodyguards moved to intercept, but they only managed to block part of the impact. The force of the push sent my father stumbling backward into the crowd. He fell, and was instantly swallowed by the surging mob, trampled underfoot. “DAD!” My vision tunneled. I shoved my way through the bodies and threw myself over him. The lobby erupted into chaos. People screamed and tried to run, but the bodyguards held them fast. I felt for his hand; it was already growing cold. My voice shook. “Alex, call an ambulance! And get the legal team on the phone. I want every frame of security footage reviewed. Find out who that man was and who he works for. Dig up everything!” The ambulance wailed its way to us. My father was rushed to the hospital. When the doctor emerged with the CT scans, his white coat was spattered with blood. “Acute cerebral hemorrhage, compounded by the shock. We need to operate immediately.” I sat on a bench outside the ICU, staring at my phone. The hashtag #ArthurNortonAttacked was trending. The comments were a cesspool of “serves him right” and “karma.” With my father in a coma, I couldn’t afford to care about public opinion. I stayed by his side for three days before he finally woke up. He pulled off his oxygen mask, his frail hand gripping mine. “Clara… I believe you…” “Dad, don’t talk…” I wiped away my tears, but he shook his head stubbornly and had a nurse bring him a pen and paper. The seventy-year-old man’s hand trembled so much he could barely hold the pen, but he wrote, stroke by painful stroke: 【I, Arthur Norton, wish to make a statement regarding the rumors about my daughter, Clara Norton. All claims of her infidelity and promiscuity are false. The Norton family reserves the right to pursue legal action against all perpetrators of these lies, including but not limited to public apologies and financial compensation. The internet is not above the law. I urge you all to act with decency.】 He insisted on using his own name to clear mine. “Don’t be afraid,” he rasped. “I’m here.” In that moment, even the sterile smell of the hospital seemed to fade. This proud man, who had never bowed to anyone in his life, was humbling himself before the world for my sake. A knot of grief and rage tightened in my chest. Tedd Croft, you should never, ever have touched my family. 4 My father’s statement was like a single ice cube dropped into a boiling pot; it made barely a ripple. The internet trolls jeered. 【It’s sweet that the old man wants to protect his daughter, but you can’t just lie with a straight face!】 【He’s desperate to save his company, but the evidence is undeniable!】 【@TeddCroft, come look at this! Your ex-father-in-law is so desperate he’s started talking nonsense!】 In stark contrast, Tedd and Sophie launched a “sweetheart offensive.” They dominated the trending topics for three straight days. Day one was “cozy domestic life,” featuring a photo of Sophie tying an apron on Tedd. Day two was a “surprise diamond ring,” with the caption, 【Making up for all the lost time.】 On the third day, Sophie posted her pregnancy test results, announcing she was “six weeks along.” Croft Industries’ stock skyrocketed, surpassing even its previous peak. The same business partners who had once bowed and scraped before me were now falling over themselves to curry favor with Tedd. Even Tedd’s parents, who had initially condemned him, were now making frequent, loving appearances in Sophie’s vlogs, looking every bit the doting in-laws. “Ms. Norton, the other companies are sending letters, officially withdrawing all their promised resource support…” Alex’s voice trailed off. “The Crofts are also kicking us while we’re down. They’re telling everyone that Norton Corp’s current predicament is ‘all our own doing.’” I scrolled through my phone. The image of their happy family in Sophie’s latest video was a blinding glare. A text from an unknown number buzzed on my screen. It was Sophie. 【Clara, have you seen my wedding photos with Tedd? He said he’s going to upgrade everything to be ten times grander than what he planned for you!】 【I saw your father’s statement. Too bad no one believes it. Everyone’s saying he’s gone senile!】 【Oh, and I forgot to tell you. My darling Tedd is now the second-largest shareholder in the hospital where your father is staying. It took him three days to wake up this time. Who knows if he’ll even open his eyes next time?】 【You have to come to our wedding! Don’t worry, Tedd spoils me so much~】 At the bottom of the text was a photo: Sophie, lounging on the custom-designed wedding bed that was supposed to be mine, while Tedd fed her a cherry. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the phone. “Ms. Norton, the board has made a decision. They’re asking you to take a temporary leave of absence…” Alex placed a document in front of me. “They said, after the situation calms down…” I didn’t even look at the file. I walked out of the office. The sound of disciplined footsteps echoed down the hallway. A dozen bodyguards in black suits escorted a group of people toward me. At the lead was a world-renowned neurosurgeon. Behind him were officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission, clutching thick briefcases. They all bowed respectfully. “Miss Norton.” I stared at the “wedding vlog” Sophie had just posted, my voice as cold as ice. “Their wedding is in seven days. I’m going to give them a gift they’ll never forget.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394028”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

There are two moments of profound vulnerability in love. The first is when you’re consumed by a burning passion for someone, desperate to make them yours, chasing them with everything you have. The second is when you know they don’t love you anymore, but you still can’t let go. I spent six years in the first moment. I spent five years in the second. 1 My husband’s first love came back to town. He sent me away on a business trip, then threw a lavish welcome-home party for her under the guise of a class reunion. When I arrived, I found him locked in a passionate, lingering kiss with Lydia. In a corner simmering with unspoken history, my sudden appearance cast a chilling frost over the warm reunion. The air grew thick and still. In the suffocating silence, Caleb dragged me into the restroom. His expression was glacial. “Are you trying to humiliate me on purpose, Julia?” I stared at his lips, swollen and red from the kiss, and my heart clenched. “Caleb, do you even see me as your wife?” He scoffed. “You really haven’t changed at all, have you? So damn needy.” His voice dripped with contempt. “I told you from the very beginning. There’s only one woman I’ll ever call my wife, and that’s Lydia.” “But Lydia’s already—” A slap, swift and merciless, cut me off. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, as if I were the one forcing him into this humiliating display of devotion to another woman. Utterly drained, I let out a slow breath. “Caleb, let’s get a divorce.” A flicker of surprise crossed his face before it hardened back into a sneer. “If anyone’s filing for divorce, it’ll be me.” His voice was low and menacing. “You, Julia, don’t have the right.” 2 I didn’t have the right. Any rights I had were scraps he’d thrown me from the start. Caleb had married me out of spite. Five years ago, after a fight with Lydia, he’d made a grand, public spectacle of confessing his feelings for me. The very next day, he received news of Lydia’s engagement—to his own cousin. Blinded by rage, he crashed their engagement party and then dragged me straight to City Hall. Why me? Because I was at my lowest point, a convenient prop to slap Lydia in the face with. Everyone said I was just the rebound, a pathetic second choice. I didn’t care. Because I loved Caleb. I’d loved him since I was seventeen. I loved him for shouting, “The cops are here!” in that dark alleyway. I loved the sound of the wind chime on his backpack, tinkling in the evening breeze. Most of all, I loved him for keeping my secret for two long years. I loved him, even knowing his heart belonged to someone else. After we married, I bent over backward for him. I was deferential, accommodating, managing every detail of our lives with meticulous care. In five years, his parents had come to adore me, showering me with praise. But Caleb remained as cold as ice. My sin? The day Lydia left the country, I’d locked him in our bedroom. He had been planning to follow her, but as the sole heir to the Sterling family, he was bound to stay. With nowhere to channel his fury, he dumped it all on me. I grew accustomed to his cruel words, his endless humiliations. But on those nights when he was drunk, when he’d cling to me, a drunken, weeping mess, crying out Lydia’s name… each syllable was a silver needle piercing my heart. In those moments, I’d lie to myself. I’d kiss him to silence his lips, and in the muffled sounds, I could pretend he was calling my name, pretend it was me he loved. But the fantasy would shatter the next morning with the sting of a careless slap, a brutal reminder of reality. Every glare, every word, was proof: he didn’t love me. He never would. In his eyes, my love was something shameful, something to be hidden. That’s why, for five years, he’d been relentlessly trying to divorce me. He used every trick in the book. He was photographed leaving exclusive clubs with models, spotted at karaoke bars with rising starlets. On our third anniversary, he staged a “drunken” call while I was away on business. I drove through the night, frantic with worry, only to walk in on a live show playing out in our living room. I flew into a rage, physically throwing the woman out. When I turned back, Caleb was lounging elegantly on the sofa in a silk robe. His mocking gaze cut through the haze of cigarette smoke, a blade twisting in my chest. He gestured lazily towards our marriage certificate on the coffee table. “Let’s find some time to take care of this.” He knew I’d rush back. He had orchestrated the whole thing. He wasn’t incapable of touching someone; he just didn’t want to touch me. His indifference was a net, closing in around me, condemning my love to a slow death. “If you’re tired, go rest,” I said, my voice steady as I took off my coat and began cleaning up the mess. “Make sure you shower. Women like that are filthy.” “Julia!” Caleb’s voice turned hard. “If you have any shred of dignity, you’ll sign the damn papers.” I ignored him. “If you’re hungry, I can make you some—” A sharp slap cut through my words. Caleb’s eyes were bloodshot, his tone dripping with scorn. “God, you’re pathetic, Julia! You think this will get you control of Sterling Corp? That clinging to this marriage will hand you the company?” He stared at me, his teeth clenched. “Keep dreaming.” He looked at me as if I were his mortal enemy. That day, staring at our marriage certificate, my world tilted. Dreaming. I had been dreaming all along. I thought my years of silent devotion had finally paid off, that I could finally love him out in the open. I was so sure that, with time, he would see my love was fiercer, more real than Lydia’s. How utterly ridiculous it all was. 3 I woke up in an unfamiliar room. My head felt like it was splitting open. “You’re awake?” The door opened and a man walked in. “Here, drink this. It’ll help with the hangover.” I looked at him, then down at my own naked body under the sheets. A cold sweat prickled my skin. He seemed to notice my panic. “What are you thinking?” he said, walking closer. He gently turned my face towards him, his eyes deep and knowing. “What, you’ve forgotten me already?” I stared at his face for a long moment before two words escaped my lips. “Liam…?” He smiled. “Long time no see, Julia.” Seeing him wasn’t strange in itself; he was Lydia’s husband. But seeing him here, now, was beyond strange. “How did I get here?” “You were wasted last night. I found you passed out on the street. Figured I’d carry you home before you froze to death.” Right. I remembered now. After storming out of the reunion, I’d called my friend Chloe and we’d gone drinking. “Where’s Chloe?” “Sleeping in the guest room.” “And… this?” I gestured to my state of undress. “You threw up all over yourself. I had someone help clean you up.” He said it so casually that I felt foolish for my suspicion. I managed an embarrassed laugh. “Thank you.” He shrugged. “Buy me dinner sometime.” I didn’t know much about Liam. He was Caleb’s cousin, a transfer student our sophomore year of high school. He was always quiet and shy, trailing after Caleb like a shadow, a habit that continued all the way through college. He handed me a set of clothes. “Borrowed these from my downstairs neighbor.” After a bit of small talk, he asked about Caleb and me. I guessed he hadn’t been at the reunion either. “We’re fine.” A faint smile played on his lips. “Fine? The two of them were practically devouring each other, and you call that fine?” I froze, then gave a bitter laugh. “Look who’s talking. Neither of us is in a position to judge the other.” “That’s where we’re different,” he said nonchalantly. “I don’t love Lydia.” “Then why did you marry her?” He pursed his lips. “Caleb doesn’t love you, but he married you, didn’t he?” He was always brutally honest. I fell silent. “So,” he began, his tone suddenly hesitant, “are you really going to divorce him?” I looked at him, surprised. “I was in the restroom yesterday. I… overheard you two talking.” His voice got quieter and quieter, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Just angry words.” He looked vaguely disappointed. I didn’t stay long. I stopped by the office, then went home. Caleb was in the living room, eating lunch alone. He looked me up and down. “You weren’t home last night. Or at the office. Where were you?” “Meeting a client,” I said, shrugging off the ill-fitting coat. His face darkened. “Julia, if you dare cheat on me, I’ll make sure everyone pays.” How ironic. He could cheat, but I couldn’t. “If you can’t handle it, let’s just get divorced,” I said wearily. “Are you threatening me, Julia?” He slammed his fork on the table. “Don’t you dare use my father against me!” He was the one who wanted a divorce, and now he was the one fighting it. I glanced at his furious face and turned towards the bedroom. “Whatever you want, Caleb.” “Julia, you get back here! You—” The bedroom door clicked shut, silencing his shouts. I collapsed onto the bed, a strange emptiness hollowing me out. They say that with enough time, a man can mistake constant companionship and care for love. Why didn’t that work for me? Until yesterday, I’d never seriously considered divorcing him. Or rather, I never thought I needed his love to sustain our marriage. I was content to be the one who loved without reciprocation, to keep the peace by always backing down. I just wanted to be by his side, at least until something truly unforgivable happened. Just like that year in the alley, when he stood silhouetted against the light, neither stepping forward nor walking away… The ringing of my phone shattered my thoughts. It was my sister, her voice choked with sobs. “Julia… Mom’s not going to make it.” In that instant, everything else faded away. I bolted out the door, not even hearing whatever Caleb was shouting behind me. 4 The hospital room was filled with muffled sobs, and the heavy scent of antiseptic stung my hungover senses. My mother lay peacefully on the bed. For a moment, I was transported back to those nights eleven years ago, when I’d stood guard outside her room with a knife in my hand. Back then, my father’s business had failed, leaving us with a mountain of debt before he jumped from a building. My mother cried herself sick, and soon the debt collectors had her hospitalized. My sister, to pay off the debts, married a much older man and was thrown into the vipers’ nest of his family’s internal power struggles. And I was seventeen. Powerless. Caleb’s mother was comforting my sister. Caleb himself handed me a cup of hot water. “If you need anything, just ask.” He had already done so much. The money he’d donated had given my mother eleven more years with me. “Thank you.” He seemed unsatisfied with my reply. “If you need to cry, I can—” Overwhelmed, I pulled him into a hug. “Caleb, thank you.” He didn’t push me away. He just gently patted my back, a tenderness I’d never felt from him before. After that, Caleb changed. The sarcasm and coldness vanished, replaced by patience and even warmth. He started accompanying me to corporate events, would playfully whine for my attention in public, and even made me porridge when my stomach ached from drinking too much at business dinners. When rumors started to spread, he posted a picture of himself stealing a kiss from me on social media. He was showing the world how much he loved me. But I knew the truth. It was all a calculated performance to make Lydia jealous. At the charity gala, he was radiant in a custom-tailored suit. Even Lydia, who usually ignored him, couldn’t help but steal a few glances. As the top donor, he stood on stage with Lydia, the event’s host. They were a picture-perfect couple, their witty banter earning thunderous applause. Everyone was whispering what a perfect match they were. When the host teased them, Lydia basked in the attention, but Caleb shook his head. “My wife is actually here tonight,” he announced. A spotlight swung onto me, forcing me to my feet. Under the intense glare of the crowd, Caleb recounted the story of our five years together, a curated tale of struggles and affection, culminating in another heartfelt confession of his love for me. Beside him, Lydia’s smile tightened. After the speeches, they both approached me. “Mrs. Sterling, good to see you again,” Lydia said. Her tone was technically polite, but the formality was a deliberate jab. “I didn’t get a chance to catch up with you at the reunion. Caleb was so disappointed.” I offered a tight smile. “You’ve just returned, Ms. Vance. I’m sure you’re busy. If there’s anything you need, please let us know.” The rumor was that Lydia’s company was in financial trouble. She arched an eyebrow. “Actually, there is a small favor I’d like to ask.” Her gaze shifted to Caleb. “When I was abroad, my mother spoke of Caleb constantly. She’s fallen ill recently, and I was wondering if you might be free tonight?” Caleb’s expression was unreadable. “Tonight, I’m afraid…” “Caleb?” Lydia ignored me, her voice softening as she spoke his name. “You know how frail my mother is. She just wants to see you.” Her hand crept to his waist, a subtle, possessive touch. I looked at Caleb, then tightened my grip on the hand I was holding. He looked down, hesitated, then his gaze hardened. I felt the warmth in my palm slowly drain away until I was holding nothing but air. Without a word of explanation, he turned and walked away, the grand declaration of love from moments before dissolving like a scene from a play. “That’s a pretty flimsy excuse.” Liam had appeared out of nowhere, swirling the wine in his glass as he watched Caleb’s retreating figure. He clicked his tongue. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. It wasn’t the first time he’d abandoned me, so why did my stupid heart still ache? I snatched the glass from Liam’s hand and downed it in one go. “I’m buying you dinner tonight. You in?” 5 Liam agreed without hesitation. After the gala, we met at a restaurant. He’d changed into a wine-red silk shirt that, with his slightly wavy hair, looked incredibly charming. In the flickering candlelight, I let my words become dangerously playful. “I never realized you had such a flamboyant side,” I teased. He smiled sideways at me. “You used to have eyes only for Caleb. There was no room for anyone else.” “Was I that obvious?” He chuckled and pulled out his phone, opening his photo album. As he spoke, he swiped through picture after picture, presenting them like evidence. In each one, a younger me stared wistfully at Caleb’s back, a lonely outsider on the fringes of his life. The space between us shrank. The intoxicating scent of his cologne filled my senses. On impulse, I reached out and touched his face, so strikingly similar to Caleb’s. “Do you love me?” I whispered. A blush crept up his neck to the tips of his ears. He pulled back, popping a spicy pepper into his mouth. It was so hot his eyes started to water. He dodged the question. “Caleb can handle spice this intense?” I realized I’d crossed a line. I reined in my emotions and handed him a glass of water. “Oh, him? He can’t live without it.” “And you? Do you love it?” he asked, the question hanging in the air. “I mean, do you love spicy food?” I shook my head with a small smile. “What about sweets? Like cake? Cookies?” In high school, Caleb would sometimes give me things like that, little acts of charity. “I don’t mind them.” “You have to come over to my place sometime, then. Try my baking.” He looked at me, his smile as tempting as a dew-kissed rose. As if possessed, I heard myself agree. As we were leaving, he pointed to the bouquet of roses on the passenger seat of my car. “If no one wants those, can I have them?” He cradled the flowers with a look of pure contentment. “I remember, today is your fifth anniversary with Caleb.” A day that everyone else remembered. I felt a pang of guilt. “Sorry for dragging you into my drama tonight.” “I had a great time,” he said, holding up the roses. “It’s been a while since I got flowers.” “Doesn’t Lydia love sending flowers to men?” Liam gently stroked a petal. “She and I divorced two years ago,” he said quietly. “…That’s good,” I murmured, my eyes on the roses. “A one-sided marriage never lasts long.” He gave me a meaningful smile. “No, it doesn’t. And a one-sided love is always bound to be… vulnerable.” 6 I’d heard it said there are two moments of profound vulnerability in love. The first is when you’re consumed by a burning passion for someone, desperate to make them yours, chasing them with everything you have. The second is when you know they don’t love you anymore, but you still can’t let go. I spent six years in the first moment. I spent five years in the second. I presented the divorce agreement during a Sterling family dinner, right in front of Caleb’s parents. The two of them looked grave; Caleb, as usual, was a mask of cold indifference. He broke the silence by pulling me into the bedroom. “Do you really think this is amusing?” No. It wasn’t amusing at all. “You know my dad will never agree. Is being Vice President not enough for you anymore? Are you after my position, too?” “Caleb,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “That year, in the alley… why did you help me?” He frowned. “And the donation money… it was from you, wasn’t it? Why did you tell me it was a fundraiser?” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” It seemed he wouldn’t grant me even a sliver of warmth to hold onto. A lump formed in my throat. “I just want to know. In these five years, have you ever loved me? Even for a second, did you ever feel anything?” I knew it was a stupid, self-defeating question, but I needed an answer—either to soothe my soul or to finally kill it. His anger subsided, replaced by a complicated look. “The day we got our license, I made it very clear. We live our own lives. We don’t interfere with each other.” “Then why didn’t you bring that up when you were enjoying—exploiting—my care and devotion?” “That was your choice!” he snapped, pulling his hand away from mine. “You were the one who insisted! Am I supposed to be responsible for your one-sided obsession forever?” The cheapest things in the world, I realized, are the things freely given. A sincere heart that costs nothing. A gentle nature that achieves nothing. A love that never wavers. I laughed at myself, a bitter, hollow sound. But with the laughter came a surprising sense of release. “You gave me a chance to repay my debt. When we divorce, I won’t take a single thing.” I’d always refused to divorce him, partly because I still held onto a sliver of hope, and partly because his father wouldn’t let me go—five years ago, when Sterling Corp was on the brink of collapse, I had worked myself to the bone for over a year to bring it back. Now, the company was stable. The debt was repaid. And my love had been worn to nothing. “I told you, I’m the only one who can initiate a divorce.” He always had to have the upper hand. I had no energy left to argue. I turned to leave. “I’ll speak to your father about—” “Lydia’s pregnant!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394027”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Ever since my brother found out I wasn’t his biological sister, he’s been treating me like I’m made of ice. The heartbreak was unbearable. As I was packing my bags to get out of his life, I stumbled upon his journal. 【I’m so screwed. She’s not my real sister. I can’t control myself anymore.】 【God, I want to kiss my sister’s… her.】 【She crawled into my bed tonight, her face flushed from the heat, whispering ‘brother’ in that soft, sleepy voice. It almost sent me over the edge.】 【She can’t even solve a simple calculus problem. It drives me insane. Makes me want to take a whip to her.】 【The shower is tiny, but she still has to squeeze in with me. Doesn’t she know I could slam her against the wall until she can’t see straight?】 【If she calls me ‘brother’ one more time, I’m going to banish her to the Arctic.】 I closed the journal. Silently, I walked down to the basement. My trembling hands reached for the chains, the candles, the leather whip. Brother, you get to punish me during the day. But tonight… tonight it’s my turn. … When I got home from class, Liam was doing laundry. He stood there in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong, veined forearms. Broad shoulders, narrow waist—the picture of perfection. “Brother, you’re home early,” I said, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind and resting my head against his back. His whole body went rigid. After a moment, he resumed his task, his voice cold as steel. “Sophie, let go.” That’s when I saw them. My lace bra and camisole, tossed to the side, separate from the rest of the laundry. A lump formed in my throat. Just a few days ago, before the DNA results came back, he wasn’t like this. Was blood really that important to him? When my biological parents showed up, I refused to acknowledge them. They abandoned me eighteen years ago; what right did they have to reclaim me now that I was grown? My adoptive parents insisted on not even doing a test, saying I would always be their daughter. But Liam, my brother, had to know for sure. He had to shatter that last glimmer of hope, cementing the fact that we shared no blood. And in just a few days, we’d become such strangers that he couldn’t even wash our clothes together. “Fine! Let go, then! I’ll move out tomorrow!” I snapped, giving his leg a petulant kick. “You can have this whole mansion to yourself! I’m tired of feeling like a charity case!” I snatched my things and stormed off. Tears streamed down my face as I washed my clothes in the sink. But wait… where were my panties? They must have gotten lost in the shuffle. At dinner, neither of us mentioned the fight. Liam was silent, methodically placing food on my plate. I sulked, burying my face in my bowl. Then, a red folder landed on the table beside me. “I signed the house over to you a while ago,” he said, his tone casual. “It’s yours. Don’t overthink it.” Because my university was in the same city as his company, our parents had bought this house for us to live in together. He’d drive me to and from class, a far better arrangement than living in a dorm. We’d grown up like two peas in a pod. He cooked for me, did my laundry, and spoiled me more than our parents ever did. Everyone joked that he was a cold-hearted CEO to the world, but a hopeless, doting slave to his little sister at home. I’d worked my ass off to get into a top university here, all for him. All so I could keep living with him. So that when a scary movie gave me nightmares, I could still crawl into his bed. But that single, cold piece of paper had shattered everything. He’d become distant, cold. I thought he was afraid I, the outsider, would fight him for the inheritance. But here he was, giving me the house. Maybe I was the one with the small heart. Later that night, while Liam was in the shower, I slipped into his bed, just like old times. The sheets smelled of sandalwood and oud, a scent that was as intoxicating and ascetic as he was. As I buried my face in his pillows, reveling in it, a flash of white caught my eye from under his pillow. I tugged at it. It was my lace-trimmed panties. My face instantly went crimson. They were the ones from the laundry—the unwashed ones. What were they doing here? Click. The bathroom door opened. I dove under the covers. Through a tiny gap, I saw him. His upper body was bare, water droplets tracing a path from his sharp jawline, over his Adam’s apple, and down to the V-cut lines of his hips. His silk pajama pants hung low, swaying as he towel-dried his hair. My eyes were involuntarily drawn to a certain… prominent area. Note to self: next time I buy him underwear, get a larger size. No wonder he never even opened the last pack I bought him. I felt a strange heat spreading through my body. It was probably just stuffy under the blankets. He finished with his hair and slid into bed. The cool, smooth feel of his skin against the sheets made a thrill run through me. Before he could react, I popped my head out from under the covers and gave him my sweetest smile. “Sophie! Get out!” His voice was louder than usual, sharp with authority. “Haven’t I told you? You are not allowed in my bed anymore!” He was yelling at me again. The unfairness of it all hit me, and my eyes welled with tears. “Why are you yelling at me? Didn’t you even think to ask why I’m here?” Seeing my tears, he faltered. “What is it? Don’t cry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled. Just… tell me what’s wrong.” Crying had always been my secret weapon against him. He couldn’t stand to see me cry. “I’m sorry, brother,” I sobbed. “I misunderstood you today. I shouldn’t have said those things.” He’d been so good to me, and I’d accused him of such petty motives. Strands of my hair fell across his cheek. He sighed, his hand lifting instinctively as if to tuck them behind my ear, but he froze mid-air. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hand balling into a fist as he fought for control, then pulled it back. We were inches apart, me propped up on my elbows over him. I saw his pupils dilate, his breathing growing ragged. “Brother,” I whispered. “Hmm?” I shifted uncomfortably. “Your… belt buckle is digging into me.” His arm shot out, clamping around my waist, pressing me down so I couldn’t move. “Don’t. Move.” “Brother, let me go, it’s uncomfortable.” “Don’t call me that.” What? So we couldn’t be real siblings, and now we couldn’t even be fake ones? Businessmen were so ruthless. Well, I wasn’t going to listen to him. “Brother, brother, brother…” I chanted, just to spite him. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His long lashes trembled with restraint. “You say that one more time, and I’ll make you regret it.” The last words were ground out between his teeth. I stuck my tongue out at him. “Brother! Brother!” “You asked for this.” Before I could react, he pulled me down hard against him. My eyes flew open. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his damp hair brushing against my collarbone. His hot breath sent shivers down my spine. A low, guttural groan escaped his throat. A jolt of electricity shot through me, from my scalp to my toes. His knee pushed my legs apart. “Liam!” My sharp cry broke the spell. In my panic, my nails dug into his back, leaving a long, red scratch. I heard him hiss in pain. With a final, desperate shove, Liam pushed me away and practically fled into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my mind a complete blank. A thin sliver of light escaped from under the bathroom door. Liam’s tall, powerful silhouette was a shadow play behind the frosted glass. He really did have an incredible body. The memory of his strength, the way he’d flipped me over so easily, made my face flush. If I hadn’t stopped him… His shadow disappeared from the door. I could faintly hear the shower turn on. And with it, other sounds. Low, ragged breaths. A desperate, choked-off groan, swallowed by the rush of water. Time ticked by. I decided I’d wait for him to come out, say goodnight, and go back to my own room. But he was in there for a long, long time. Was he okay? Was he going to pass out from the steam? “Are you ever coming out?” I called, a note of worry in my voice. Silence. Then, his voice, rough and strained. “Sophie.” “Yeah?” “Walk over to the door.” I did as he said. “Brother, are you sure you’re okay?” My reflection stared back at me from the steamy glass. I couldn’t see a thing inside. “Good. Stop right there. Don’t move.” His voice was getting hoarse, his breathing heavier, faster. It culminated in a single, controlled roar. And then, silence. That night, I had a dream. I dreamed I was in the shower with him. The water cascaded down as he looked down at me, coaxing me to open my mouth. I refused. The next thing I knew, his hand was cupping my jaw, forcing my mouth open, wider and wider. He covered my eyes. I couldn’t see, but my other senses were on fire. I heard the rustle of fabric, and then a column of fire was thrust into my mouth. It wasn’t his usual cold arrogance; this was molten lava flowing beneath a sheet of ice. My mouth was full. I couldn’t speak, only struggle against the burning sensation. When it was over, he finally pulled back, removing his hand from my eyes. The next morning, I woke up with a faint, sticky-white residue at the corner of my mouth. I must have been drooling in my sleep again. My mom showed up that morning, a welcome surprise. She came once a month with homemade strawberry jam and kimchi, and always ended up cleaning the whole house for us. This time, she’d also brought a dress. A butterfly-backless dress. “I saw this in the store and thought of you immediately,” she said, her eyes shining. “I told your father, our Sophie will look absolutely stunning in this.” I held it up against myself, hesitant. “It’s beautiful, Mom, but isn’t it a little… revealing? I’ve never even worn a skirt above the knee.” It was so short, I’d flash everyone if I bent over. “Oh, it’s a little sexy,” she admitted, “but you’re a college girl now! You can’t live in t-shirts and jeans forever. You should try different styles!” “But…” Just then, Liam walked out of his room. My mom immediately grabbed him. “Liam, look! Isn’t this dress perfect for your sister?” He glanced at the dress, then at me, his expression unreadable. “It’s fine,” he mumbled. My mom beamed. “You should wear this for your date with Sander this weekend! The Kensingtons just adore you. Mrs. Kensington was just telling me…” Sander was Liam’s best friend and the heir to the Kensington Group. He’d provided the start-up capital for Liam’s company. My parents had always hoped we’d get together; the alliance would be good for Liam’s business. “It’s ugly,” Liam cut in from the breakfast table. “The dress is ugly, and she’ll look even uglier in it.” “Hey! Don’t talk about your sister that way.” “She’s not my sister,” he said, his voice flat. “Liam!” My mother’s voice shot up an octave. The atmosphere in the room turned heavy. She stared him down, furious. I looked down, fiddling with the hem of my shirt. Seeing my eyes well up, my mom softened, stroking my cheek before turning back to Liam. “You say that again, and you’re no son of mine. As long as your father and I are alive, Sophie will always be your sister.” “Oh my god, Sander Kensington is going to lose his mind,” my cousin Chloe said, giddy, after I filled her in. She was inspecting the dress in my closet. “Please,” I scoffed. “A guy like that has seen it all.” “Nuh-uh,” she said, wagging a finger. “The way he looks at you? So tender. You’re totally his type.” Chloe had become something of a love expert since starting college. “He doesn’t look at me like that. His look is… predatory. Like he wants to eat me alive. Actually,” she mused, “it’s the same way Liam looks at you!” I nearly choked on my water. “You can’t just say things like that!” “Fine, don’t believe me.” She fiddled with a charm on my backpack. “The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up. Any plans?” “Liam’s teaching me how to make sweet rice dumplings. He’s got everything ready, I just need to prepare the mugwort.” Her eyes lit up, and she leaned in conspiratorially. “Ooh, he wants you to prepare the mugwort, does he?” She put a suggestive emphasis on the word. “Huh?” “Liam works out all the time, he must be in great shape. Can your little body handle it?” It clicked. “Oh my god, you have a one-track mind! He’s my brother!” “Not by blood!” she sing-songed, leaning closer. “Don’t you think the pseudo-incest thing is way hotter?” “You’re impossible.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394025”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I’d just been dropped into the body of some poor bastard in a novel. The moment I opened my eyes, my fiancée was sliding a stock transfer agreement across the desk toward me. My head was still spinning, but a series of semi-transparent messages began scrolling across my vision, like comments on a livestream. 【Come on, sign it! You have to give her everything and then jump off a building. It’s the only way she’ll wake up and see the truth!】 【Finally! This is his most devoted moment!】 【Ahhh! I can’t wait to see the female lead get her revenge on that toxic pretty boy! What are you waiting for, Adrian? Sign the papers!】 Reading these insane comments, I snatched the agreement and ripped it to shreds. Then I slapped my fiancée across the face. To hell with this tragedy porn. You want to sacrifice me for your character development? I’ll destroy you both first. 1 I’d transmigrated, and now I was the male lead in a story built on his death. The original guy, Adrian Holt, was the CEO of a major corporation. He’d fallen for the female lead, Charlotte Padel, at first sight. He plucked her from a junior position and groomed her, promoting her all the way to Vice President. Everyone in the company knew he was completely whipped—a doormat of epic proportions. Charlotte basically ran the whole show. But just one month before their wedding, she started an affair with a college intern, Leo. Ignoring Adrian’s objections, she fast-tracked the kid, making him her personal assistant. She embezzled company funds to buy him and her matching Patek Philippe watches and a six-figure sports car. When Leo got sick, she spent all night at his hospital bedside. This was a woman who’d never so much as made Adrian a cup of coffee, but for Leo, she was making him homemade soup and nursing him back to health. Once he recovered, Leo came to Adrian’s office to provoke him. Just before Charlotte walked in, he slapped himself and accused Adrian of hitting him. Charlotte flew into a rage and gave Adrian an ultimatum. One: Get on his knees and apologize to Leo. Two: Sign over all his company shares to her as a sign of his innocence. If he didn’t pick one, the wedding was off. The original Adrian, too proud to apologize, chose the latter. Two months later, Charlotte and Leo held a lavish wedding. But the ceremony was crashed by Leo’s childhood sweetheart, who showed up pregnant. She pointed a finger at Charlotte’s nose and called her a homewrecker. Only then did Charlotte see Leo for who he really was. Only then did she realize that Adrian, the man who had given her everything, was the one who truly loved her. She fled the hotel in a panic, desperate to find him. But it was too late. A heartbroken Adrian had thrown himself from the roof of that very hotel. He landed right in front of her. Devastated, Charlotte snapped. She tortured Leo to death and then lost her mind completely. And that was the grand finale. As I was recalling the plot, the ghostly comments started floating past my eyes again. 【Finally! This is his most devoted moment!】 【Come on, sign it! You have to give her everything and then jump off a building. It’s the only way she’ll wake up and see the truth!】 【Exactly! If you don’t make the ultimate sacrifice, how will she ever regret what she’s done?】 【Ahhh! I can’t wait to see the female lead get her revenge on that toxic pretty boy! What are you waiting for, Adrian? Sign the papers!】 【I’ll bet you a dollar he signs. He’s such a simp he’d die for her. What are a few shares compared to that?】 2 Seeing me zone out, Charlotte’s other assistant, a woman who always seemed to be hovering, cleared her throat and spoke with a frown. “Mr. Holt, I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you’re not being fair.” “Charlotte—Ms. Padel—is already exhausted from managing the company for you. So what if she’s a little close to Leo? It’s for work.” “But you had to go and pick a fight with him, causing her even more stress. You should really reflect on your own behavior and be more considerate of her.” She gestured at the torn papers on my desk. “You should have just signed the agreement. As an apology.” Her voice softened into a cloying, patronizing tone. “Besides, you two are getting married soon. Does it really matter whose name the shares are under?” A humorless smile touched my lips as I stared her down. She started to fidget, a flicker of unease in her eyes, but she forced a smile. “Don’t you agree, Mr. Holt?” The original Adrian really was a spineless wimp. As CEO and majority shareholder, he had one assistant. Charlotte, the VP, had two. And both of them felt entitled enough to lecture him? It was no wonder Charlotte treated him like dirt. The old Adrian might have tolerated it for her sake, but I sure as hell wouldn’t. I beckoned to the assistant with one finger. She hesitated, then leaned in reluctantly, bending at the waist. I reached out and lightly patted her cheek. “Tell me,” I said, my voice dangerously soft. “When did one of Charlotte’s lapdogs get the right to bark at me?” The color drained from her face. “Mr. Holt, I… I overstepped. I’m sorry.” She was trembling now. “Please, don’t hold it against me. I’m just an assistant.” Across the room, the intern, Leo, was still clutching his reddened cheek, fresh tears welling in his eyes. “Charlotte, you see? He’s still like this! He denied hitting me, but look at his attitude!” Charlotte’s eyes, red-rimmed and blazing with fury, locked onto mine. “Adrian Holt, that’s enough! How long are you going to keep this up?” She jabbed a finger at the shredded agreement. “Have I been too good to you? Is that it? You will sign a new agreement, or so help me, you can forget about me ever forgiving you!” I let out a short, sharp laugh. Then I took the two halves of the agreement, tore them into smaller and smaller pieces, and let them flutter to the floor like confetti. Then I slapped Charlotte across the face. “Charlotte,” I snarled, my voice dripping with contempt. “You’re nothing but a toy I’ve grown tired of. Who the hell do you think you are, raising your voice at me?!” 3 Charlotte froze, completely stunned. She stared at me, her mind refusing to process what had just happened. Me? Hitting her? My office had glass walls. The blinds were wide open. Everyone in the open-plan workspace outside could see us. A sea of faces, mouths agape, turned to watch, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. The spectral comments in my vision exploded. 【WTF!!!!】 【What is happening?! How could he do that?!】 【This isn’t how the story goes! Where’s the stock transfer?! Director, get out here and explain this!】 【What happened to my tragic romance? Is this the tragedy?!】 【If he doesn’t lose everything, how will he jump off the building? How will she have her redemption arc??】 【Adrian! Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness, you idiot! You’re just pushing her further away!】 【He hit her! How dare he? Isn’t he afraid she’ll stop loving him?】 【This is madness! The whole script is broken!】 Rage burned in Charlotte’s eyes. “Adrian Holt, are you insane?” she shrieked. “You… you actually hit me?!” She was furious, incandescent with rage. But when her eyes met my cold, indifferent gaze, a seed of panic took root. The Adrian she knew, the man who would do anything for her, was gone. This man was a stranger. An unsettling feeling, foreign and deeply uncomfortable, washed over her. She forced it down, reverting to her usual tactics. “Adrian, you will get on your knees and apologize to me right now. If you don’t, I will never forgive you.” “Apologize to my ass,” I shot back. “I pulled you up from a nobody and made you a VP, and you repay me by keeping a pretty boy on the side?” “And now you want me to sign my company over to you? Where’s your goddamn shame?!” I struck her again, this time on the other cheek. The blow was harder. She stumbled backward, landing on the floor in an undignified heap. The side of her face instantly began to swell and turn a blotchy red. Her expression darkened, her eyes filled with venom. “That’s enough, Adrian! Leo and I are just friends! How dare you accuse me of something so vile!” She struggled to her feet, her voice rising to a shout. “I’m giving you one last chance. Get on your knees and apologize, or this is over. I swear it!” 4 I laughed in her face, then delivered two more sharp slaps. “You buy him matching watches, a six-figure sports car, and you’re telling me you’re ‘just friends’?” “Do you think I’m a fucking idiot?!” 【The script is completely derailed! Adrian, snap out of it!】 【Holy crap! What kind of plot twist is this?!】 【My devoted, tragic hero! Did the writer have a stroke?】 【Adrian! Beg for her forgiveness! You’re going to turn her love into hate!】 【This is just brute force! The female lead was deceived too, it’s not her fault!】 【This feels more like a male power fantasy now…】 【Damn, those slaps were satisfying! Loud and clear! Hell yeah!】 The other assistant stood frozen by the wall, her eyes wide with terror. Charlotte’s own gaze was flickering with panic now, her bravado crumbling. “I… I was just rewarding him for his hard work,” she stammered. “Are you really going to throw a fit over something so small? What kind of man are you?!” Christ, even now, the bitch was still making excuses. My patience, already nonexistent, snapped. Leo, finally shaking off his shock, saw that I was about to move on Charlotte again. He scrambled to his feet and threw himself in front of her. “M-Mr. Holt, don’t blame her! It’s all my fault…” He put on his most pitiful face. “We just have a professional relationship, that’s all. If you’re angry, take it out on me.” I looked down at him, my expression one of pure contempt. “Leo, you’ve got ambition. I’ll give you that. And you’re a little clever.” A flash of disdain crossed Leo’s face. So, the spineless wimp has turned into a brute? He didn’t respect either version of me. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Holt. But my cleverness is nothing compared to yours.” “Too bad for you,” I said, a cruel smile spreading across my face, “you managed to piss off the one person you never should have. There’s nothing I hate more than a two-faced, manipulative snake like you…” I punctuated the sentence with a brutal kick to his stomach. The force of it sent him doubling over, gasping, before he collapsed to his knees. My gaze was cold, dismissive. “But you’re also an idiot. You were so desperate to climb the ladder, you never stopped to think about the price. Let’s see if you can afford it.” Pain contorted Leo’s features, but what stung more was the utter contempt in my eyes. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand, his expression shifting back to one of tearful martyrdom. “Mr. Holt, I know you despise me. If you’re not satisfied, you can hit me again. Just please… please don’t be angry with Charlotte anymore.” He was actually feeling smug. A beating today would earn him a deeper place in Charlotte’s heart. It was a worthy trade. 5 “Is that so? Well, since you’re asking so nicely, I won’t hold back.” A savage grin twisted my lips. I grabbed a fistful of his hair, yanking his head back, and slapped his pretty, porcelain-doll face three times. Smack. Smack. Smack. His cheeks puffed up instantly, but a crazed glint appeared in his eyes. He forced the words out through swollen lips. “Are you… satisfied now, Mr. Holt?” “We’re just getting started.” I kicked his legs out from under him. As he lay on the floor, I landed several more vicious kicks to his ribs and stomach. The entire office was watching, paralyzed. The old Adrian had been completely under Charlotte’s thumb. Even though he was the boss, everyone looked down on the pathetic pushover. But this new, violent Adrian terrified them. Charlotte finally panicked. “Stop it!” she screamed. Hearing her cry out for him, Leo felt a surge of triumph, even as tears of pain streamed down his face. The beating was working. It was all worth it. But his triumph vanished as my foot connected with his side again. And again. I wasn’t stopping. A tremor of real fear shot through him. “Charlotte, help me!” he wailed. Charlotte looked at the battered Leo, the concern on her face impossible to hide. She rushed forward and grabbed my arm. “Adrian, that’s enough! Leo is a good person. How can you do this to him?” She glared at me. “You’ve gone too far!” “A good person?” I sneered. “Charlotte, are you blind? This little snake has been trying to usurp my position from day one. He knew we were getting married, but he still clung to you every second of the day. Is that your definition of ‘good’?” I jabbed a finger toward the crumpled agreement. “And this little plan to get my shares… that was his idea, wasn’t it?” Cornered, Charlotte threw all pretense to the wind. “So what if it was?” she yelled. “Instead of giving me what I deserve, you resort to violence! Leo was right all along! You just don’t love me enough!” 6 I knew then that she was a lost cause. Sticking to my new philosophy—less talking, more doing—I slapped her again. “Love you? You were about to cheat on me and you still expect me to love you? Are you delusional?” Being hit repeatedly in front of the entire company finally made Charlotte snap. “ADRIAN HOLT!” she shrieked, her body trembling, her fists clenched. “You will get on your knees and apologize to me now!” “Or what? I’ll call the police!” Her voice dripped with a bizarre mix of rage and condescension. “I know you’re just jealous and trying to get my attention, but there’s a limit! You assaulted both of us in public. If you don’t beg for my forgiveness, I’ll have no choice but to press charges and send you to jail!” She stared at me, her eyes boring into mine, searching for any sign of fear. She found none. I calmly walked over to my leather executive chair and sat down, regarding her with an amused expression. “Go ahead, Charlotte. Call them.” My voice was casual, almost bored. “But before you do, let’s settle our accounts, shall we? In the two years you’ve been VP, you’ve embezzled… what is it? Around a million dollars in company funds? If I were to sue you for that, how many years do you think you’d get?” The comments kept streaming. 【He’s lost it! Adrian has completely lost his mind!】 【Not only is he violent, he’s nickel-and-diming her?! This male lead is such a turn-off!】 【OMG! So what if she used a little of your money?! Men are supposed to provide for women!】 【He’s just playing hard to get to grab her attention. Pfft, men.】 【He looks calm, but I bet he’s panicking inside. I give it ten seconds before he’s on his knees, begging.】 【Whoa, they really changed the script. Why do I find this new Adrian… kind of hot?】 I ignored them all. 7 The original Adrian had given Charlotte a black card with no limit. She’d refused it, claiming she wanted to make her own way in the world. He’d been so moved by her supposed integrity that he fell even harder for her. But once she had him wrapped around her finger, she started embezzling company funds for her lavish lifestyle. The original Adrian, blinded by love, had quietly covered all her tracks. She was the queen of having her cake and eating it too. My words hit her like a physical blow. Her face went ashen. “You’re… you’re lying!” she stammered, her voice trembling. “That never happened! You’re slandering me!” Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding my gaze. Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead. I just smirked. “Am I? It’s all in the records. Should I call the CFO down here to go over the books with you?” That did it. The last bit of color drained from her face. “Adrian, I’m your fiancée! So what if I used a little of your money? Why are you being so petty?” I looked at her as if she were an idiot. “Charlotte, I may be the majority shareholder, but I’m not the only shareholder. You embezzled from the company, harming the interests of everyone invested in it. You think that’s a ‘little thing’?” “It’s just a million dollars! I’ll… I’ll pay you back, okay?” I chuckled. If she had a million dollars, she wouldn’t have needed to steal it in the first place. “Fine. How would you like to make that payment, Ms. Padel?” She was stunned. She couldn’t believe I wasn’t giving her an out. “I’ll even waive the interest,” I added generously. “We’ll call it a contribution toward your and Leo’s medical bills.” “Pay up, Charlotte. Don’t tell me after all that big talk, you don’t have the cash?” She couldn’t understand how this had happened. She was supposed to be forcing me to give up my company. How did she end up being the one who owed money? She was completely cornered, but her pride wouldn’t let her admit it. “I… I don’t have it on me. Can I pay you back later?” From the open-plan office, a few snickers could be heard from employees who had long disliked her and Leo. Charlotte’s face flushed with humiliation. She stalked over to Leo, snatched the watch from his wrist and the car keys from his hand. He looked reluctant, but she leaned in and whispered something in his ear. He begrudgingly complied. I could guess what she’d told him. He’s just throwing a tantrum because we’re close and I pushed him on the shares. Just play along. I’ll smooth things over, and he’ll go back to being my pathetic lapdog. He’ll forget all about this. An empty promise to a naive kid fresh out of college. Sure enough, she walked back to my desk and placed the items on the polished wood. Her voice shifted into a sultry, cooing tone she reserved for manipulation. “Adrian, darling, I know you’re just jealous. This watch and the car… they’re worth at least three hundred thousand. I’ll pay you back the rest slowly, I promise.” She leaned closer. “Don’t be angry anymore. I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “394024”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel