During the break, I messaged my internet boyfriend: *Honey, miss you! * The whole class suddenly shrieked. I looked up and saw a message pop up on the professor’s screen, displaying his contact info. Holy crap! The content was exactly what I’d just sent! And his contact name was “Baby”? The professor smiled, a look of pure indulgence on his face. “My apologies, everyone. You saw that. Keep it our little secret, okay?” I stared at the professor, who was standing at the podium, looking seriously at his phone. I was utterly stunned. While I was still reeling, my phone buzzed with a new message: “Miss you too.” No way. I was just lonely, so I casually started an online relationship with a gaming buddy. How could he turn out to be the new professor? I steadied my breathing and sent another message: “What are you up to?” The professor closed his laptop, then looked down at his phone again. Soon after, a message arrived on my phone: “Just working.” It really was him! I shyly glanced at the new professor on the podium. I heard he’d just returned from studying abroad, having earned a Ph.D. from a top-tier international university. He was so young to already be an assistant professor. His academic background alone was impressive enough, but he also looked exactly like a movie star – tall and incredibly handsome. The moment he joined the faculty, he caused a stir among all the students and staff. If Mia hadn’t dragged me to stay up all night to snag a spot in his class, I probably wouldn’t have even had the chance to see him. But for such an amazing person to be my internet boyfriend? My head was spinning. Thinking about all the embarrassing things I’d whispered to him every night, I felt incredibly awkward. I couldn’t even sit still. “Buzz, buzz,” My phone vibrated again. I opened it. “Baby, I’m busy right now, but I’ll send you pics of my new abs tonight.” “Chloe, why is your face so red? Do you have a fever?” Mia asked. I quickly turned off my phone. “I’m fine, just a little hot.” Mia picked up a book and fanned herself. “Hmm, it does feel a bit warm.” “Such a handsome professor actually has a girlfriend. Ugh, what a shame.” “Anyway, there’s no harm in looking at handsome guys. Having a girlfriend doesn’t stop us from appreciating him.” People around me were still chattering, completely unaware that the mysterious girlfriend they were talking about was me, sitting right there among them. The class bell rang again. Julian switched to his lecture slides, looking earnestly at the students below. “Before we start the next topic, I want to ask you all a question.” “Why do we dream?” The students below began discussing amongst themselves, while I still held my phone, staring at our chat. The sheer contrast of it all made my insides burn even hotter. I’d never been in a relationship before, how was I supposed to handle this? Thinking about the photos he’d send me tonight, my throat suddenly felt dry. Just as I was lost in my own world, the professor’s face became clearer and clearer right in front of me. I unconsciously reached out and squeezed it. So soft, hahahaha. “Chloe, I asked you to share a dream, not to squeeze my face.” The class erupted in laughter. I suddenly realized this was reality and my face flushed crimson with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Professor.” Julian smiled gently. “Have you had any interesting dreams lately?” I couldn’t even look him in the eye. “I dreamed…” For a moment, I couldn’t remember any dreams. A male student nearby snickered. “Did you dream about a guy and now you’re too shy to say it?!” “Hahahahaha…” Hearing that, everyone burst out laughing. I replied decisively. “Yes, I did dream about a guy!” Professor Julian raised an eyebrow, about to say something, but I cut him off. “I dreamed my deceased grandpa missed me. Is that funny?” Silence instantly fell over the room. I pointed at the male student who’d snickered. “I don’t mind introducing you to my grandpa.” Professor Julian gave me a deep look. He hadn’t expected this seemingly delicate girl to have such a fierce personality. After class, I quickly fled the classroom. “Can I drop this class?” Mia looked bewildered. “Chloe, are you crazy? We stayed up all night to get into this class, and now you want to drop it?” Yes, before snagging it, I was only focused on the handsome professor. I never imagined it would involve *me*. If I had to face Julian every week, I was afraid I’d have a mental breakdown. “I asked around. If you want to switch classes, you need a signed waiver from the professor himself.” Thinking it over, facing him directly to ask for a waiver seemed worse than just being a regular student in his class. That night, after I’d showered and gotten into bed, my phone buzzed with multiple messages. I opened them and almost screamed. He’d sent several photos of his abs. Though I couldn’t see his face, the outline was definitely Professor Julian. “Baby, what do you think?” If I didn’t know who he was, it would be fine. But now that I knew, everything I said felt so constrained. “Looks good.” “Baby’s so cold. Didn’t you used to beg to see them?” Yes, if I didn’t know you were my elective professor, I’d be screaming and cheering right now. I sighed helplessly. “You’re so hot, babe.” “Baby, you’re being really perfunctory today.” Who would have thought? The professor who lectured us so seriously in the morning was sending messages like this in private. “I’m a bit tired today, just want to sleep.” Silence from his end. After a long time, a message came: “Good night, baby.”

These past few days, I’d tried my best to act normal and chat with him, but pretending I knew nothing was impossible. During his class, whether it was my imagination or not, I felt like his mood was low, as if he was suppressing some anger. Some girls in class would rush to give him coffee and desserts after class, asking about his day. Seeing him surrounded, I felt a pang of sadness. But who was I, anyway? I wasn’t even his friend, just an online girlfriend to confide in. I sent him a message: “Do you have a lot of people chasing you?” He looked down at his phone, the corner of his mouth curving into a beautiful smile. “Missing me, baby?” The girls around him started asking, “Professor, do you really have a girlfriend?” He nodded, still playing with his phone. “Is the professor’s girlfriend pretty?” “Duh, the professor’s so handsome, his girlfriend must be gorgeous.” I snorted quietly. *Your professor doesn’t even know what his internet girlfriend looks like.* “I’d love her no matter what she looked like.” “Wow, how enviable.” I casually sent a message: “Aren’t you afraid I’m ugly?” I looked up to see Julian still smiling at his phone. A message came through: “Then aren’t you afraid I’m ugly?” In the six months Julian and I had been chatting, he had never asked me for photos, and naturally, I hadn’t asked for his either. But I wasn’t a kid anymore. These were just adult games, who really took them seriously? Not knowing each other’s true identities was probably for the best. Julian and I always had great chemistry, whether we were chatting or gaming. I’d even imagined what it would be like to sit across from him and talk. I just never expected to “meet” him this way. I replied, “Not at all.” He replied, “Me neither.” “Chloe, quick, check the academic system! The list of thesis advisors is out!” I checked meticulously several times. After confirming that Professor Julian was my thesis advisor, I completely broke down. Mia was green with envy, but I would have gladly swapped with her. The advisor created a WhatsApp group and added us, his students. “Submit your outline to my office by Monday of next week.” Help! Pretending nothing happened was going to be incredibly difficult. After all, we’d both witnessed how open we were in private. And now we were supposed to meet as professor and student, in such a pure, innocent relationship? The thought filled me with dread. Even though we’d barely FaceTimed in six months, I couldn’t be 100% sure he wouldn’t recognize my voice. I knocked on his office door, deliberately speaking in a high-pitched voice. “Professor, this is my thesis outline.” He looked up at me. “Didn’t you answer a question in class?” “Yes, Professor.” “Then speak normally.” Being called out directly made me even more embarrassed. “Okay, Professor.” His hands were distinctly jointed, long, and especially beautiful. And his face was beyond perfect. His hooded eyes gave him a sharp look. A high nose bridge, and when he wore a coat, he just had an inherent cool vibe. His physique? Thinking of the pictures he’d sent me, my face involuntarily grew hot. His body was simply flawless. “Chloe, what are you thinking about?” How could I be thinking those things right in front of him? “Sorry, Professor, what did you just say?” “The overall framework of your thesis is fine, but the innovative point isn’t very clear yet. Go back and refine it.” “Thank you, Professor.” Just as I was about to leave, he unexpectedly asked, “Is there a student named ‘Lee Ann’ in this school?” Oh my god! I had thought, *since it’s just an online boyfriend, no need for my real name,* and made up “Lee Ann” for myself. I had hinted to him that I was a senior in college, but never mentioned which school. Since the game matched nearby players, there were only a few universities in the area. Did he recognize me and ask on purpose? No, could he have been looking for me all this time? “I don’t know anyone by that name,” I said, feigning calm. “Professor, do you need me to ask around for you?” “No need. Just revise your outline well and head back.” The moment I stepped out of his office, I sprinted back to my dorm. *No, this can’t go on. I’ll be discovered eventually.*

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The day I got my stage four cancer diagnosis, photos of my husband Asher Maddox and his mistress blew up the internet. Asher, heir to the Maddox Group, has been caught in an affair, triggering a nosedive in the company’s stock overnight. Shareholders demanded damage control. Reporters swarmed for a statement. Same old story. Then Asher called,his voice dripping with that familiar, casual arrogance. “I’m taking Luna to the theater, so don’t bother me. You know how this works. Handle it.” “And if you so much as cross her, I won’t just bankrupt your family. I’ll ruin them.” But this time, I didn’t scream. Didn’t fight. My eyes fell on the two funeral urns across my desk. “Understood,” I said, my voice quiet.  I called the PR department to prepare a press conference. Then I tore their meticulously prepared script to shreds. They say when you’re dying, you make a bucket list. Mine had just one thing on it. Divorce Asher Maddox. The moment the press conference ended, Asher’s furious call came through. “I told you to clarify the trending topic! Who gave you permission to mention divorce?!” “How is this any different from publicly announcing Luna is your mistress?!” I paused, a wave of absurdity washing over me. How could I have been mistaken, even for a second, thinking he was nervous about the end of our marriage? I pressed a hand to my aching stomach and spoke softly. “I just thought, since you love her so much, she deserves a proper title, doesn’t she?” “After all, this position was never truly mine. I’m just returning it to its rightful owner.” The other end was silent for a moment, then came a dismissive scoff. “Do you think Luna is as selfish as you? She’s always cared about me, not some title.” “Skylar Collins, don’t tell me you actually believe playing the good guy will make me soft enough to sign the papers? It’s not that easy!” “Since you stole her place, you can cry as you sit in it. You won’t get rid of me until I’m tired of playing, otherwise, forget about being free.” The call was mercilessly cut. Perhaps Asher was disappointed I hadn’t shown the usual expression of humiliation and endurance. The video of me announcing our divorce at the press conference was completely scrubbed from the internet. It didn’t matter. I no longer had time to play his game of vengeance, disguised as a marriage. In fact, I didn’t even need his signature. I drove to the family estate, where Grandpa Robert was waiting for me in his study. Hearing about my divorce, he frowned slightly and tried to dissuade me. “Skylar, I know you’ve suffered these past few years.” “Asher is just misguided. Marriage isn’t a game. You can’t divorce out of spite. Besides, your parents…” Before he could finish, I gently shook my head. “Grandpa, my parents are gone.” “Their last wish, and mine… is for me to divorce him.” Seeing the two urns before him, along with the terminal cancer diagnosis report, Grandpa Robert was shocked into silence for a long time. “Before I die, I just want a few peaceful days. Please, help me.” Asher was now the CEO of the Maddox Group. But I knew Grandpa Robert could still help me with this. After a long silence, he finally sighed. “Go, my dear, go. The Maddox family has truly wronged you. That boy… he utterly failed you.” The old man had watched Asher and me grow up. He had also witnessed how I slowly withered and faded away in this marriage. As I left, he called out to me, his eyes filled with heartache. “Skylar, no matter where you go, promise you’ll tell me. If that day truly comes, let me be there to see you on your way.” My nose stung. I wiped my eyes, managing a weak smile and a nod. After burying Mom and Dad, I packed up all my belongings at home, intending to donate them to charity. My marriage certificate slipped to the floor. In the photo, Asher held me close, his eyes curved with tenderness. Five years had passed. Now, that same face held nothing but disgust when he looked at me. It never made sense to me. I was smart enough. So how did I get it so wrong? All it would have taken was one more question. One more question to change everything. But in the end, I was just greedy for a happy ending.

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My boss Veronica offered me a promotion and then sent me out of town for a week-long business trip, all to move in on my husband. But that night, a violent thunderstorm hit, delaying my flight until the next day. I dragged my suitcase back home, and the moment I opened the door, I saw his and her clothes scattered all over the floor. I saw red. I was about to burst into the room when their voices from inside stopped me cold. “You’re so naughty, so reckless! I’m pregnant with your baby!” “What? You’re having my baby?” He burst out laughing. “This is perfect!” “That clueless idiot, Ellie! She has no idea I’m sleeping with her husband, still slaving away at work for me.” “Honey, I gave her that promotion just to clear the deck. So I could be with you every day. Pretty clever, right?” A cold, sharp fury ignited in my chest, freezing me in place outside the door. The couple inside didn’t even notice me, still locked in a passionate, never-ending kiss. “So, Mark, tell me,” she purred, “ Who knows you better? Me, or your wife?” Mark reached out. His fingers trailed down to playfully tease Veronica’s breast. “Does you even need to ask? Of course, it’s you.” “I never thought you’d be the one to have my first kid. But that idiot Ellie can’t know. With her vicious temper, she’d come for you.” Mark pressed Veronica against the wall, his mouth devouring her red lips. “So, when are we going to tell Ellie?” “Let her sign a few more big deals for you, keep her busy doing all your grunt work, so you have time to be with me like this every day. When I feel like it, I’ll tell that idiot myself.” “Hah, you’re even worse than me! She’s been in love with you for years. Don’t you feel any pity for her?” Mark kissed Veronica fiercely, making her practically squirm with impatience. “You’re so bad, so bad! Basically, you’re making Ellie a total fool, taking advantage of someone so trusting.” Hearing Mark’s cruel, heartless words, it felt like someone had squeezed my heart, a pain so intense I couldn’t breathe. I never imagined my supposedly honest and sincere husband would cheat on me, then badmouth me behind my back. He trampled all over my deep love for him. “Naughty boy, you’re truly wicked, treating Ellie, that idiot, like this.” “Heh, you just called her an idiot. Why would I willingly love an idiot? Of course, I’ll love whoever has the most money.” Standing outside the door, I couldn’t listen anymore. I kicked the door open with a resounding bang. The couple against the wall jumped, their heads snapping towards me. Their shock lasted only a moment before they regained their composure. Veronica let out a sneering laugh, then leaned up to kiss Mark, her hands shamelessly wandering over his crotch. It was a blatant power move, designed to humiliate me right there. In that moment, I snapped. Like a madwoman, I charged forward, fists flying, wanting to beat that shameless bastard to death. But before I could even reach her, Mark grabbed an iron bar from somewhere, and swung it with full force, hitting me hard on the head. “Stop! Don’t you dare touch her!” A searing pain exploded across my forehead. He had put all his strength into that swing, as if I were some sworn enemy, a wife-killer. Huh, wife-killer? How ridiculous! I was his actual wife!

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I found a box of ultra-thin condoms in Serena’s bag. Rose-scented. And half-used. My gut twisted into a knot. I was allergic to latex; I never used that stuff. Just as I was debating whether to call her, Serena beat me to it: “Honey, I have to meet a client tonight, so I won’t be home for dinner.” “Might be busy until midnight, so you go to bed early and don’t wait up.” “Love you!” I swallowed my surging emotions and asked, “Where are you meeting this client?” She hesitated for a few seconds before naming a well-known upscale hotel in the city. I snatched my car keys, didn’t waste another second, and drove straight to that hotel. Walking into the high-end restaurant on the second floor, I quickly spotted Serena by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Sitting opposite her was a man in a perfectly tailored suit, exuding an air of easy confidence. I instantly recognized him as her boss, Blake, not a “client” at all. Candlelight flickered, casting an intimate glow on their faces. The table was laden with exquisite dishes and a bottle of red wine. I discreetly found a dimly lit corner and sat down. A waiter approached, and I casually ordered a drink, my gaze locked onto them. They were deep in conversation, Serena’s face adorned with a shy smile I’d never seen before. Blake said something, and she covered her mouth, giggling softly. Her eyes, as they met his, burned with undisguised affection. Later, they even raised their glasses, linking arms for an intimate toast right there in public. They didn’t seem to care who saw them. Blake leaned in and whispered, Serena’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she gave him a coy tap. From her lip movements, I could guess it was blatant flirting. Then came an even more sickening sight. Blake’s hand, so naturally, slipped under the table, resting on Serena’s thigh, which was clad in sheer stockings, gently caressing it. Serena’s body stiffened for a brief moment but she didn’t push him away. She just shot him a mock-reproachful glance. Blake moved closer, his voice low, but from the movement of his lips and a few hushed syllables that wafted over, I caught the meaning. “Baby, tonight… don’t go back…” Serena hesitated. “No, I can’t stay out all night. He’ll get suspicious.” “He?” Blake scoffed, a sneer twisting his lips. “You mean Alex? Please. That predictable tech guy?” “What can he give you? A stable, poor life?” He paused, his disdain growing thicker. “With his meager paycheck, he can’t even make you happy, can he?” “Don’t you get bored with him?” “A man who doesn’t even know how to be exciting, does he even deserve to be called a man?” Serena didn’t object. She just lowered her head, nervously swirling the stem of her wine glass. I sat in my corner, blood rushing to my head. I wanted to storm over, smash that wine glass into Blake’s disgusting face, and grab Serena, demanding to know why. But I held back. Impulse wouldn’t solve anything. It would only make me look more pathetic and ridiculous. I would make them pay. In my own way, I’d make them regret everything they did today! They sat for a while longer, Blake’s hand never quite still. Finally, he waved for the check, then stood up, naturally slinging his arm around Serena’s waist. She half-resisted, half-yielded, and they walked out of the restaurant, heading towards the elevator to the hotel’s guest rooms. After watching their backs disappear, I waited another five minutes before picking up my phone. “How was the client meeting? I happened to be doing something nearby. When will you be done? I can pick you up.” Message sent. I placed my phone face up on the table and waited. I imagined the chaos that would erupt in one of the rooms upstairs when that message suddenly lit up the screen. Half a minute later, Serena finally called. “Honey, what are you doing here?” “Oh, just finished up some errands.” I said casually, my gaze sweeping over the empty restaurant. “You? Are you done? I’m downstairs, can come up anytime to get you.” “Ah? Co-come up?” Her voice shot up, then quickly dropped, panic almost spilling through the receiver. “No, no need! Uh… the client, the client isn’t quite finished yet. It might take a bit longer.” “How much longer?” I pressed, my tone still even. “Maybe… maybe an hour or two? I can’t really say…” She stammered. “How about you just go home first? I’ll just grab a cab when I’m done.” “It’s fine, I’m not in a hurry.” I leaned back against the booth. “I’ll wait for you in the restaurant downstairs. Just come down when you’re finished, or tell me the room number, and I’ll come up.” “No!”

She practically shrieked her refusal, then quickly realized her mistake and tried to salvage it. “I mean… the restaurant, the restaurant might be closing soon…” “How about this, I’ll ask the client if we can wrap things up early.” “Alright, then hurry. I’ll wait for your message.” Less than five minutes later, Serena came downstairs. I looked up. The dress she’d worn, perfectly pressed earlier, now had a few barely noticeable wrinkles. The nude stockings she wore had a small tear above the knee. A small patch of skin on her neck was flushed red, like she’d brushed against something, or perhaps been passionately kissed. Her usually smooth hair wasn’t as neat as when she left; a few strands had escaped their style, looking a little messy. Most striking were her eyes, filled with obvious resentment and a hint of annoyance at having her fun interrupted. I pretended not to notice, put on a warm smile, and walked towards her. “How was the client meeting? Did it go well?” She didn’t stop, walking straight out of the restaurant, her voice clipped and distant. “It was fine. What else could it be?” “I’m exhausted. Let’s just go home.” I nodded, asked no more questions, and followed her to the parking lot. All the way home, she stared out the window, her lips tightly pressed, not saying a single word. The silence in the car was suffocating. Back home, Serena kicked off her heels, tossed her bag onto the sofa, and walked straight to the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower first.” I said nothing. When she came out of the shower, drying her hair as she walked into the bedroom in her nightgown, I tried to sound as normal as possible. “Honey, it feels like… it’s been a while since we were intimate.” “Tonight? Can we?” Her hand, drying her hair, paused. She didn’t look at me, continuing towards the vanity. “Not tonight, I’m too tired.” “I was busy all day at work, then had to entertain. I really don’t have the energy.” I’d expected this, so I simply hummed in acknowledgment and didn’t push. Just then, her phone, lying on the bedside table, lit up. I wasn’t far, and I instantly saw the two words flashing on the screen. Blake. She immediately grabbed the phone, her finger sliding to answer, and said to me, “The company probably needs me for something. You go to sleep first, don’t wait for me.” As she spoke, she hurried out of the bedroom, pulling the door shut behind her. But it didn’t close completely, leaving a slight gap. I tiptoed to the door. In the living room, she was speaking in a hushed voice. “…Mm, got it… He’s not asleep yet… It’s fine…” Her voice held a softness and coquettishness I’d never heard before. “…Oh, don’t be impatient… It’s not tonight… Mm, tomorrow, I’ll definitely make it up to you, okay?” “I’ll wear my black stockings tomorrow… You can do whatever you want…” “Don’t worry, without your permission, I would never let him touch me…” Her voice trailed off, interspersed with shy, quiet giggles. I stood rooted to the spot, feeling none of the expected rage. Only a chilling stillness, and a nearly cruel clarity. About fifteen minutes later, I heard her hang up and her footsteps approaching the bedroom. I immediately got back into bed, lying down with my back to the door. Closing my eyes, I regulated my breathing, pretending to be fast asleep. She gently pushed the door open, paused for a moment at the entrance, seemingly observing me. Then, I felt the mattress on the other side slightly dip. She carefully lay down, trying to make no sound.

The next day was Saturday. I was the first to wake up. By the time I’d made a simple breakfast, she was just rubbing her eyes, emerging from the bedroom. “Any plans for today?” I took a sip of milk, asking casually. She lowered her head, stirring her oatmeal with a spoon, looking drained. “What plans could I have? Going back to the office to work overtime, of course. The project’s been hectic lately, and the client’s demands are high.” “Oh, take care of yourself.” She nodded, saying no more. She quickly finished her meal, then went to get ready, applying makeup and changing clothes. Before she left, she stood in the entryway putting on her heels. I watched her meticulously drawn brows and eyes, and her lips, a shade brighter than usual, and slowly began, “Will you be home for dinner tonight?” She opened the door, not looking back. “Not sure, depends on the progress. Don’t wait for me.” The door clicked shut. I walked to the window, looking downstairs. Soon, her familiar figure appeared at the community entrance, but she didn’t head towards the usual bus stop. Instead, she got straight into a black Mercedes that had appeared by the curb. The car windows were tinted dark; I couldn’t see inside. But I knew that car, and I knew who was driving it. I pulled out my phone and made a call: “Hey, Mark, I need a favor…” The midday sun was a bit blinding. Carrying carefully chosen gifts, I knocked on the Davies’ door without giving Serena’s parents any prior notice. Mrs. Davies’s face showed a flicker of surprise when she opened the door, quickly replaced by warmth. Mr. Davies also rose from the sofa, smiling as he came to greet me. “Alex, what a surprise! Serena’s not with you?” Mrs. Davies took the clearly expensive gifts from my hands, her tone cordial. “She’s working overtime this weekend. I thought I hadn’t visited you in a while, so I came by myself.” “Perfect timing! I’ll cook a few extra dishes. You must try my cooking!” The dining table was laden with food, and Mrs. Davies kept piling my plate. The conversation soon shifted from pleasantries to the main topic. “Alex, you and Serena have been together for years now. This wedding… isn’t it time to set a date?” Mr. Davies put down his forks, his voice tentative. I swallowed my food, a perfectly measured smile on my face. “Mr. and Mrs. Davies, don’t worry. I’ve already decided on the wedding, just waiting to discuss the exact date with Serena.” “As for the bridal gifts…” I paused, noting how they both unconsciously leaned forward. “My family and I have agreed: a million dollars cash.” I spoke calmly, as if discussing something trivial. Mr. and Mrs. Davies both froze, exchanged glances, unable to hide their astonishment. “And,” I continued, “a fully-paid luxury apartment downtown, no less than 150 square meters, and a BMW car. All registered solely in Serena’s name.” The air was silent for a moment. “A… a million? And an apartment and a car?” Mrs. Davies’s voice trembled, laced with disbelief and joy. “Alex, this… Serena never mentioned your family was so well-off?” I knew they would ask and had my answer ready. “Just lucky, I guess.” I smiled, my tone casual, with a humble air of “it’s not for public knowledge.” “A property deal back home came through recently, and we received a significant payout. My parents thought it was perfect timing for us to start our family.” The reason was simple, direct, and hard to verify. An unexpected windfall – a classic American dream, capable of explaining any sudden improvement in financial status. Their doubts vanished instantly, replaced by immense delight. Mr. Davies clapped my shoulder heartily, his face beaming. “Wonderful! Wonderful! Alex, knowing Serena is with you, we’re completely at ease!” Mrs. Davies couldn’t stop smiling, looking at me as if I were a shining goldmine. I sneered inwardly. See how realistic they are. Before, they were polite enough, but always with a hint of scrutiny and calculation towards an ordinary working-class prospective son-in-law. Now, with a million dollars, a house, and a car thrown in, their attitude completely changed. “Mr. and Mrs. Davies,” I continued to sweeten the deal, acting like the most dutiful son-in-law, “after Serena and I get married and settled, I’ll arrange a time to take you both on a trip to Europe. All expenses covered. You can browse, buy whatever you like.” “Europe?” Mrs. Davies exclaimed, her eyes sparkling even brighter. “Yes, France, Italy, Switzerland, you should see them all.” I smiled, painting a picture of a luxurious trip they’d never dared to imagine. “Oh my! This… how could we possibly accept!” Mr. Davies feigned refusal, but his face was creased with smiles. “It’s my pleasure,” I said sincerely. “To marry Serena is my good fortune, and to ensure her family lives well is my responsibility.” I spoke with such conviction, I almost believed myself.

Mrs. Davies grabbed my hand, moved. “Serena marrying you is her good fortune! Alex, you’re truly wonderful!” I smiled back, my smile flawless. Serena returned after 1 AM. Carrying the scent of smoke, alcohol, and men’s cologne. She kicked off her heels, her steps a little unsteady. Seeing me on the sofa, she paused. “Not asleep yet?” “Waiting for you.” I put down the book I hadn’t actually been reading, my voice calm. “I want to talk about the wedding.” She froze. “Why the sudden talk about this?” “It’s not sudden, we’ve been together for years.” “I went to see your parents today and discussed it with them.” She turned, her face full of surprise. “You went to my parents’? Why didn’t you tell me?” “Wanted to surprise you.” I smiled, walking towards her, observing the subtle shifts in her expression. “I told your parents my plans. Bridal gifts: a million dollars cash.” Serena’s fingers tightened around the water glass she was holding. I continued, “A fully-paid luxury apartment downtown, over 150 square meters, and I’ll buy you a BMW. All registered solely in your name.” The surprise on her face gradually morphed into barely suppressed delight, her eyes flickering. “Alex, you… where did you get all this money?” “Just happened to have an unexpected real estate windfall back home,” I said nonchalantly. “Didn’t want to say anything until it was confirmed. Now that the money’s secured, it’s time to set our wedding date.” The last trace of doubt vanished from her eyes, replaced by an almost burning glow. “You’re unbelievable, not telling me about something this big beforehand.” “However… you’ve already discussed it with my parents, so what can I say?” She took a step forward, gently leaned into my embrace, and wrapped her arms around my waist. “I’ll do whatever you want.” After her shower, Serena emerged wearing a silk nightgown. She lay beside me, her arm draped across my chest, her eyes seductively alluring. “Honey, I want…” She tilted her head, her lips actively seeking mine. I suddenly remembered Blake’s words on the phone: “Without your permission, I would never let him touch me.” My stomach churned, and I felt on the verge of throwing up right then and there. A split second before her lips touched mine, I pushed her away. She froze. I sat up, took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I really don’t feel well today. My head’s spinning.” “And… there’s a lot to prepare for tomorrow.” “Let’s just get some sleep.” In the darkness, I could feel her gaze on me, filled with astonishment and a hint of rejected anger. But she said nothing more, silently turned over, and lay with her back to me. Soon after, I heard the steady rhythm of her breathing, whether real or feigned, I couldn’t tell. I, however, had no sleep in me. My eyes remained open until the sky began to lighten. … On the morning of the engagement party, while Serena was getting her hair done, I quietly picked up her phone. The password was still the one we’d set when we first started dating; she’d never changed it. The latest messages were from Blake, sent in the early hours. “The thought of you marrying him makes me sick.” “Where’s the dressing room? I’ll come find you before the ceremony.” “Wearing that gown… I want you right there.” “Consider it an engagement gift for Alex!” I smirked, silently placing the phone back. Screen down, as if untouched. Then, I pulled out my own phone and sent a message. “Dressing room, before the ceremony.” “Everything else, as planned.”

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Eight years of marriage, eight years of biting my tongue, bending over backward to please the Albrights. All I wanted was to salvage this marriage of convenience. But it wasn’t until an unexpected pregnancy that Daniel’s family even bothered to give me a proper wedding. I foolishly believed that with a child on the way, Daniel would finally settle down. Yet here he was, right now, wrapped around Serena, kissing her with an intensity that made my stomach churn. My jaw clenched so hard it ached, my heart a raw, throbbing mess in my chest. In that instant, I was done. Done with holding back. Why did I always have to be the one to sacrifice everything? Chapter One My words clearly hit a nerve. Serena’s face drained of color, she swayed precariously, then collapsed into Daniel’s arms. “Oh, Daniel… I feel so terrible. Is my condition acting up again?” Daniel’s expression shifted instantly. He scooped Serena up and practically sprinted out of the hotel, throwing a furious glare and a parting shot at me. “Claire, you jealous shrew! If anything happens to Serena, I swear I’ll never forgive you!” Neither his parents nor my own father could stop Daniel. Camera flashes popped like firecrackers, blinding me, and the emcee stood awkwardly beside me. My father’s hand connected with my cheek with a stinging crack. “You useless girl! You can’t even control your own husband!” He then told me to sort myself out and stormed off, leaving me utterly alone. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Albright, eyed me coldly. “Claire, it’s not that I’m trying to lecture you, but what kind of scene are you making in front of everyone? You’ve chased Daniel away. Now everyone will be laughing at both our families!” In her eyes, joining the Albright family meant learning to swallow every indignity and suffer in silence. Never, ever embarrass your husband in public. How ridiculous was that? If that’s how it was, then I wanted out of this Albright family! The guests eventually dispersed. I gathered the heavy fabric of my wedding dress and walked out the door, watching car after car drive away. Lightning streaked across the sky, thunder boomed, and the rain began to pour. Behind me, the banquet hall was a vast, empty void. It wasn’t until Daniel’s family car was long gone that my father’s car pulled up in front of me. The rear window rolled down, revealing his grim face. Any trace of vulnerability I felt was instantly swallowed. I fought back the tears stinging my eyes and choked out, “Dad.” Just as I reached for the door, I heard the click of the lock. I stood frozen in shock. My father’s voice, thick with fury, warned me, “Claire Hayes, this marriage was bought with your mother’s life! You better reflect on your actions and figure out how to get Daniel back.” “You’re carrying an Albright heir now. No matter what, Serena can’t compete with that.” “Dad, what are you talking about?” I asked, utterly aghast. He ignored me, instructing the driver to go. The window rolled up, and the car sped away, leaving me splattered with mud from the puddles. Watching it disappear, my tears finally fell, hot and fast. The hotel was a resort hotel perched on a mountain, and out here, there was no signal, no taxis. I borrowed an umbrella from a hotel clerk, not missing the pity in her eyes. Then, holding the heavy umbrella, my cumbersome wedding dress, and my high heels, I started walking down the mountain road. The rain was coming down in sheets, soaking me to the bone, and every step was excruciating. My heels were rubbed raw, bleeding. When I was halfway down the mountain, my phone finally caught a signal. A dozen missed calls popped up, all from Daniel. There was also a text message, demanding to know why I couldn’t tolerate Serena, claiming he only saw her as a sister now. I let out a hollow laugh. Daniel and I were childhood sweethearts. Serena, on the other hand, was just a student I’d sponsored in high school because she was struggling financially. When I was eighteen, Daniel came to my house to play. There was a fire, and my mother, with her last ounce of strength, pushed him to safety before perishing in the flames herself. Her final words were, “Daniel, take care of Claire.” We got engaged, and he promised he’d always be good to me. But in college, he met Serena. She used the excuse of thanking me for my help, but slowly, subtly, she wormed her way between Daniel and me. Until she completely captured his heart. The one who promised to protect me now had someone else he wanted to protect more. Chapter Two I snapped back to reality when my phone buzzed with a video. It was from Serena. In the video, Daniel was holding Serena, his eyes red-rimmed, repeatedly kissing her forehead and pleading, “Serena, please don’t let anything happen to you.” My heart squeezed tight. I remembered the time I was in a car accident, my legs crushed and fractured. I lay in a pool of blood, only to be taken to the hospital by a passerby. When I woke up, I begged them to call Daniel. He just coldly said, “If you’re not dead, why are you calling me? Am I a doctor? What can I do?” I stayed in the hospital for a month that time, but Daniel never once showed up. Later, I found out why. That day, Serena and Daniel had an argument, and she accidentally tripped down the stairs, spraining her ankle. He’d transferred all his anger and worry onto me. I took a deep, shuddering breath, filled with bitter self-mockery. It was ridiculous that it took me this long to realize I’d wasted eight years on a man who wasn’t worth it. I finally reached the bottom of the mountain and was about to hail a taxi when Daniel’s call came through. The moment I answered, he started screaming. “Claire! Serena’s anxiety flared up because of you today! Get your ass over here and apologize right now!” I struggled to hold onto the umbrella, which was being tossed around by the wind. “I’m still at the hotel.” As I spoke, a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, and the rain intensified. Daniel paused, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “You’re alone at the hotel? They didn’t take you back? Where’s the driver?” “Forget it, I’ll come pick you up…” He didn’t finish his sentence. Serena’s tearful voice cut him off. “Oh, Daniel, is Claire still mad at me? It’s all my fault…” “I love you so much, I know I don’t come from a family like hers…” Daniel immediately started comforting her. A few seconds later, his voice roared through the phone. “Claire, what are you even upset about? You have to make such a big deal out of every little thing! If you could just be a bit more understanding, I wouldn’t have…” The last flicker of affection in my heart was extinguished. I forced a bitter smile and cut him off. “Daniel, let’s get a divorce.” “I won’t apologize to Serena. I’m vacating the position of Mrs. Albright for you two.” If they loved each other so much, then I’d just let that two-timing jerk and his conniving mistress have each other! He was the one who promised to take care of me forever, to love me for all eternity. That’s why I chose him so steadfastly. But why couldn’t he just control his own heart? After hanging up, I got into a taxi. When the driver asked where to, I didn’t hesitate. “The hospital.” The wind-driven rain lashed at my face through the open window. My heart, which had been numb with pain, slowly began to feel again. As I walked into the hospital, a nurse saw me in my wedding dress and asked if I needed help. I managed a small smile. “Could you help me schedule an abortion procedure?” The nurse froze, her eyes immediately filling with pity. As I was paying the surgery fee, I actually glimpsed Daniel and Serena. They didn’t see me. I overheard their conversation. Daniel said coldly, “Serena, Claire made a mistake, she needs to apologize to you!” “I’ve messed around with her for eight years, no one else would want her now. If she still wants to be Mrs. Albright, she’ll just have to obey.” I stood rooted in the corner, stunned. I thought after everything today, my heart couldn’t ache anymore. But it still did. As I lay on the operating table, I saw the child on the ultrasound screen, and tears welled in my eyes. The doctor said, “The baby is very healthy. Are you sure you don’t want to keep it?” “You can still discuss it with the father.” I thought of their faces, gritted my teeth, and said, “No, it’s fine. Please proceed.” Chapter Three After the surgery, I stayed in the hospital for two days. When I returned home, the house felt eerily silent and empty. It seemed Daniel had been with Serena all this time. Just as I thought that, Serena’s messages arrived as if on cue. It was a video. Daniel, wearing an apron, was in the kitchen, making her soup. Serena’s text read, “Claire, so what if you married Daniel? He only loves me.” I scoffed. She sent several more intimate photos. I clicked on her Ins profile. She’d posted a lot of updates these past few days: the highly sought-after Mr. Albright doting on her, taking meticulous care of her. Her followers were all gushing over how pampered she was. I screenshot all the evidence, saved it, then blocked Serena. After that, I packed my bags and moved into a hotel. I took a long bath, then collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted. I hadn’t gone to work these past few days, resting at the hotel. During this time, my father called me several times. When he found out I wasn’t with Daniel, he immediately blew up, screaming, “If you don’t get Daniel back, I don’t have a daughter!” I cut him off directly. “I won’t be with him anymore.” After hanging up, I blocked him too. When I returned to the office, I noticed my colleagues looking at me strangely. My secretary, Chloe, told me, “Ms. Hayes, it’s all over the internet! We had no idea you and Mr. Albright were married…” “Everyone thought Serena was Mrs. Albright.” Only then did I open the trending sections of various websites. The top headline blared – “High Society Wedding Drama: Bride-Snatching!” I quickly skimmed the articles. It was just the media capturing the chaos at the wedding and spinning a wildly dramatic tale of a wealthy groom abandoning his rightful wife for his mistress. Even Albright Corp. was now feeling the heat. Daniel’s call came in then. “Claire, you need to handle this online mess right away! What have you even been doing these past few days?” I let out two cold laughs. “Your own mess, Mr. Albright, you should come back and handle it yourself.” With that, I hung up decisively. In the past, I would have ungrudgingly helped him deal with any scandal. But now that I was divorcing him, what standing did I have to help? When I finished work, Daniel, uncharacteristically, was waiting for me downstairs at the company. He walked up, grabbed my arm, and without a word, shoved me into his car. “What are you still throwing a fit about? Serena almost died, and she’s not even holding it against you. Why are you so petty?” “You’re thirty years old, why are you still acting like a runaway teenager?” “Alright, I’ll take you to your favorite restaurant. Just stop being childish.” As he spoke, Daniel tossed a gift box at me. Inside was a butterfly brooch. The price tag was still attached to the box, a glaring six-figure sum in my currency that pierced my eyes. It made me think of how things used to be. Whenever Daniel and I argued, he’d buy me gifts, cook me delicious food, or make a list of things I could choose from to make up. But now, he had become so perfunctory. His affection was clearly priced, and he expected me to accept it without question. I ignored Daniel’s expression, which clearly said, “You should be grateful,” and casually tossed the gift box into the car. “I don’t like it. You should give it to Serena instead.” “After all, she’s already wearing my wedding ring from yesterday. What’s one more piece of jewelry?” At my words, Daniel’s face changed. I continued, “And I’m not ‘throwing a fit.’ I’ve just thought things through. Since you and she are so desperate to be together, I can make room for you. Just find a time to finalize our divorce.” It was funny, really. When Daniel and I first got married, he used the excuse of being “too busy” and wouldn’t give me a wedding. I didn’t mind. But at a party once, I saw him holding Serena in his arms outside the door, telling a group of friends, “I haven’t had much feeling for Claire for a long time.” “But her mother did save my life, and the Hayes family company is helpful to the Albrights, so giving her the title of Mrs. Albright is compensation enough.” “My love, though, is only for Serena.” The two of them kissed passionately amidst the cheers, and outside the door, I felt my heart being shredded. Our marriage was a calculation, a handout, an act of pity… And now, I didn’t want it. I didn’t care for it anymore.

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After graduation, the cheer captain decided to throw a bikini show to help the whole class unwind. When I saw those overly revealing bikinis, I tried to stop everyone from going. My boyfriend raised an eyebrow: “Jealous she’s hotter than you?” The whole class laughed and left. Only my best friend listened to me. That night, everyone got busted for indecent behavior and was detained. My friend looked at our locked-up classmates and shook his head: “Thank God you warned us, or we’d have missed college too.” After college, my boyfriend and the cheer captain got out and immediately got engaged. The friend who waited outside the prison turned and stabbed me in the stomach, over and over: “Why did you stop me? Don’t you know how much I loved her? “If I’d been with her that night, if I’d gone to jail with her, how could she be marrying someone else now!” Only then did I realize he’d always had a thing for the cheer captain too. When I opened my eyes again, I pushed my friend and boyfriend forward: “No problem, go ahead.”

“Violet, I organized this bikini show for everyone’s benefit.” “Do you think collecting these swimsuits all through high school was easy? And now you’re going to accuse me like this?” As soon as I came to, the cheer captain Skylar was leaning against my boyfriend, one leg crossed over the other in a bikini. The other kids nodded, especially the guys: “Yeah, Violet, swimsuit shows are a summer tradition. Are you just worried you won’t get as much attention as Skylar because you’re not as hot?” “Ha! Don’t worry, we never liked you anyway. We wouldn’t look at you even if you stripped.” My boyfriend Jaxon chuckled softly, sounding totally out of place. But I didn’t look at him like I used to. Instead, I turned to my quiet best friend Kai. In my past life, everyone thought I was just jealous of the cheer captain, even my boyfriend teased me about it. Only Kai listened when I begged him not to go, and he was the only one who stayed back. Later, we got into the same college and were even in the same research group through grad school. I thought he was the only sensible one. I never knew he was waiting all those years for Skylar to get out of jail. He hid his feelings so well, even I, his best friend, never noticed. “I get it.” I nodded, grabbed my backpack, and stepped back: “I’ll just head home then.” “Violet.” Kai suddenly grabbed my wrist. I froze. He looked at me, his expression complicated: “Take your boyfriend with you.” In that moment, it felt like an electric shock ran through me— Kai… did he remember our past life too? The way he looked at Jaxon was guarded. Yeah, in our previous life, he and Jaxon were the guys closest to Skylar. If Jaxon went this time, Kai couldn’t be sure Skylar would still choose him. “Mind your own business.” Jaxon gave me a disgusted look: “I’ve been stressed preparing for graduation. I just want to relax at a swimsuit show. Don’t project your dirty thoughts onto everyone else.” “Did I say the show was dirty?” I caught his slip-up: “I just said it wasn’t a good idea. Why would you assume I meant that? “So you secretly think this show is sketchy too?” The guys and Skylar instantly looked pissed. Jaxon’s face stiffened. Surprisingly, Kai spoke up for me: “Jaxon, you’re Violet’s boyfriend. This kind of show… isn’t really appropriate for someone in a relationship.” Jaxon shrugged carelessly: “It’s just a show. Besides, if Violet really can’t handle it, I’ll just break up with her for the day.” He winked at me.

I used to be super sensitive about his “jokes” like that. Every time he threatened to break up, I’d beg him to take it back. But this time, I just smiled: “Sure.” Then I actually turned to leave. Jaxon’s smile froze. Before he could speak, Skylar grabbed me: “Ugh, stop acting like I’m stealing your man. Hey, guys, drag Violet along.” A couple guys grabbed my arms. I struggled wildly: “I’m not going! Let me go!” “Come on, stop pretending. You were just waiting for us to invite you, right?” “If it’s so normal, why don’t you come see for yourself?” Jaxon and Kai started to say something to Skylar, but she tossed her hair, looking smug: “If I don’t let you come, you’ll probably go around saying I stole your boyfriend or something. “I usually can’t be bothered with people like you, but I won’t let you slander me either.” Jaxon and Kai hesitated, then slowly lowered their hands. “Relax, Violet. Only by going yourself will you believe Skylar’s innocent. Stop making a scene.” Others chimed in: “Yeah, you can keep an eye on your boyfriend. I’m sure Jaxon wouldn’t do anything wrong with you there.” “I broke up with him! I’m not going!!” I thrashed harder, but Jaxon laughed: “Just for one day, stop being difficult.” Then everyone hurried toward Skylar’s house, too excited to wait. I fought desperately, but more kids held me down and forced me into a car. In despair, I grabbed Kai’s shirt: “Kai! If we go, we can’t turn back! You know this isn’t just a swimsuit show! The cops will come, and we’ll all lose our college offers!” “Stop causing trouble!” Kai frowned. My breath caught— Wait, wasn’t he from the future too? Why was he so willing to accept this fate? “I know what might happen,” he whispered, so only I could hear: “But Skylar isn’t like that. Someone must be setting her up. I need to find out who.” “Nobody’s setting her up! She’s doing it on purpose— Mmmph!” A rag got shoved in my mouth. A jock snapped: “You’re ruining the music! Shut up!” Tied to the seat, I stared at Kai, hoping he’d understand my silent pleading. But he got up and took a seat where he could see Skylar, never looking back. When we finally got to Skylar’s place and everyone saw the bikinis, they all gasped.

The guys stared, mesmerized by the extremely revealing designs. The girls’ cheeks flushed pink almost in unison. Only Kai frowned— He hadn’t expected the lingerie-like swimsuits from the crime scene photos in our past life to really be picked by Skylar. Skylar locked the door and tossed the keys to Kai: “Like them? I’ll model them for you later! Any other girls want to try some on?” The girls glanced at each other. One raised her hand: “Me!” Soon, others joined in. Many girls had crushes in the class and wanted to show off in front of them. I broke free and grabbed Kai’s arm: “See?” He turned to me. I tried to signal with my eyes how wrong this was: “Give me the keys. We can still leave before the police—” “She must have a good reason,” Kai pushed me away, pocketing the keys: “Don’t badmouth her if you’re not participating.” The scented air felt heavy, making my heart race. I rushed forward and kicked over a dozen bikini-clad mannequins: “Can’t you smell something off about that scent! “Someone’s going to report us! If the police come, none of us will go to college!” Someone sniffed the air and also seemed uneasy. But Skylar pulled open the changing room curtain. A purple string bikini hugged her curves perfectly. She leaned against the wall, showing off her figure just right: “Violet, you’ll say anything to target me, won’t you? “I just wanted to throw a fun show to help everyone relax, and you can’t stand that?” The moment they saw her in that purple bikini, the doubtful guys were hypnotized. One snapped at me: “Enough! All you ever do is assume the worst about Skylar!” “You’re just jealous she’s prettier than you! But it’s true! Even your boyfriend thinks so!” The scented air made my vision blurry. My face felt hot looking at the guys. Staying here was dangerous. I had to get out. I slammed my body against the front door, kicking the lock. Skylar screamed. Several guys dragged me back. Jaxon stepped in front of Skylar: “She’s lost it! Lock her in the storage room! Don’t let her ruin Skylar’s show!” Skylar subtly linked her arm with Jaxon’s, smirking at me triumphantly. Jaxon stiffened. Seeing my panicked, tear-filled eyes, he gently removed Skylar’s hand and touched my cheek: “Be good. Graduation stress has everyone on edge. It’s just a fashion show. “I’ll come get you myself when it’s over.” “No!” I shook my head wildly, kicking and screaming, but the aroused guys shoved me into the storage room and locked the door. “Let me out! You’re ruining your futures!” I beat on the door like a madwoman, my hands swelling. Deafening music blasted outside, drowning out my cries and pounding. Soon, unsettling sounds mixed with the music. The scent was taking effect. To the beat, even more disturbing rhythms reached my ears. “What the hell is going on here!” A sudden shout cut through the music. I froze— The police?

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For the thirty-eighth time, Brandon Hayes slapped Tiffany Stone’s name on my design and called it her promotion. I didn’t react hysterically as I usually would. Instead, I just shrugged, “Whatever makes you happy.” He always said his grandfather found me to make the family money. That I was a placeholder who’d stolen the fiancée title meant for Tiffany. It wasn’t until Tiffany tore up a cherished painting of mine, only to be falsely accused myself, that I finally understood why he was so obsessed with her. If he was so blind he mistook the wrong person for his ‘destiny,’ why should I keep suffering for nothing? When my best friend, Chloe Miller, found out I was planning to leave Brandon, she was ecstatic, practically incoherent. “Let’s order eighteen male models tonight to celebrate your escape from that hell!” I chuckled, glanced at the growing shadow on the table, and hung up. Turning around, I saw Brandon casually asking, “Eighteen male models for what?” I suppressed a smile, vaguely replying, “New models the company just hired.” He didn’t press, but my gaze lingered on the bubble tea in his hand, and I felt a pang of something. “Craving it, aren’t you? It’s for you.” That fall, my SnapChat feed was flooded with couples flaunting their bubble teas. I’d begged Brandon for ages, but he never bought me one. I thought he was saving it to make up for it on a colder day, for winter. My heart fluttered for a second. I pulled open the drawer, my hand brushing against my allergy medicine, when Tiffany’s sweet, innocent laugh echoed in the air. “Brandon, thank you for the bubble tea! It’s even better than the first one you bought me last fall.” His eyes were brimming with affection. “You can ask me to buy it for you anytime you want.” “Consider this bubble tea your treat for the whole company. As for your promotion gift, we’ll think of something else.” I froze, taking a long moment to process what he’d said. This bubble tea wasn’t because he’d listened to me, but because it was part of someone else’s celebration. Tiffany raised an eyebrow, “Maya, I specifically added double milk to yours. Hurry and try it!” Brandon, who never liked sweets, held the bubble tea cup that looked completely out of place in his hands, and explained to me. “Tiffany has brought in a lot of revenue for the company these past two months. The company decided to promote her to Design Director. From now on, she’s your boss.” “You must obey her without question.” I nodded, not arguing. But I pushed the bubble tea in front of me away. “I’m allergic to dairy. I can’t drink even a drop.” The moment the words left my mouth, Brandon’s face darkened. “And here I thought you’d finally learned to behave. Tiffany just started, and you’re already trying to pull rank and show her who’s boss just because she’s new?” Tiffany quickly stepped between us, her voice a tearful sob that would melt anyone’s heart. “Brandon, please don’t argue because of me. I understand. It’s hard for people to accept someone like me, who’s only been working for less than a year, becoming a director.” Brandon tenderly wiped away her tears. “With me here, no one will dare spread rumors.” When he looked at me again, his eyes were filled with blame for my “misbehavior.” “You were whining about wanting one earlier, and now you’re playing games again. Why do you always have to be so dramatic, always trying to make things difficult for others?” My eyelids twitched. So he remembered. He just didn’t want to buy it for me. My mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. The thought of wanting to have a normal boyfriend-girlfriend interaction with him, even knowing the allergic reaction would be awful… I scoffed at myself. I was being dramatic. Brandon left, cradling a sobbing Tiffany who looked close to fainting. I sighed, suppressing the bitterness in my heart. Just as I finished typing my resignation letter, a colleague brought me a freshly bought lemonade. “Mr. Hayes said these drinks are a treat for everyone because of Director Stone’s promotion. He specifically told me to record you drinking it as proof, Maya. Please, help me out.” Not wanting to make things difficult for my colleague, I took a sip. But not long after, my body started to feel hot, and red splotches appeared on my skin.

At the hospital, I was told all the doctors were busy. After waiting for ages, an intern nurse finally came. “Your allergy is quite severe. I’ll arrange an IV drip for you right away.” Bored, I pulled out my phone and saw a SnapChat story Tiffany had posted five minutes ago. “OMG! Boss spends ten grand on high-concentration, colorless, odorless creamer just to get back at an employee!” The comments below were all praising her. “Director Stone, you should have seen Maya, she looked like a giant lobster.” “Director Stone, Mr. Hayes spoils you so much, are you two getting serious?” My heart gave a sharp pang, and my eyes welled up with tears. Brandon was strictly against office romance. Outside of work hours or official business, I was never allowed to even set foot in his office. If we met in the hallway, I had to stay at least three feet away. Once, eager to share some good news with him, I accidentally smiled and looked at him. He deleted and blocked all my contacts, and even changed the locks on our apartment. I had to live in a hotel for a month before he finally forgave me. “Don’t do that again. I don’t like it.” So I tried my best to become the person he wanted, becoming the “ice queen of the office” that colleagues secretly joked about. However, ever since Tiffany arrived, all his so-called principles vanished overnight. They were inseparable, having afternoon tea and watching movies in his office, laughing and chatting. They even orchestrated a poll that named them the most compatible couple in the office building. Five years of my life meant nothing compared to three months with her. He wasn’t against office romance; he just hated me getting too close. While I was on the IV, I overheard a few nurses talking. “Is that Mr. Hayes’ girlfriend? She cried until her eyes were red, and he booked every doctor in the hospital to be on standby. Oh my god! It’s like a romance novel CEO coming to life, so dramatic!” I stared at the dripping IV, suddenly remembering a stormy night a year ago. I’d been hit by an electric scooter while delivering documents to Brandon, scraping my face. When I finally limped to him, he just pressed a napkin to my wound, his brows furrowed. “Go home quickly. Don’t scare anyone.” Since then, no matter how badly I was hurt, I’d hide it well. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony of his indifference. Back home, I started packing. While sifting through some books in his study, a yellowed drawing slipped out and fluttered to the floor. The background was an amusement park, and the figures were two children. A wave of familiarity washed over me. Before I could think about it further, an angry shout came from the doorway. “Who told you to touch my things!” Brandon slammed into me, sending books tumbling from the shelves, raining down on my head with heavy thuds. My vision blurred, streaks of black dancing before my eyes. Along with it, a memory from my childhood flickered into focus. Brandon’s eyes were red-rimmed as he made sure the painting wasn’t damaged, then finally let out a sigh of relief. “This painting…” I started to speak, but he cut me off. “Tiffany gave this to me when she was a kid. It’s priceless. You couldn’t repay that, not in a hundred lifetimes.” Standing behind him, a flicker of guilt crossed Tiffany’s eyes. She tugged at Brandon’s sleeve, urging him. “Brandon, let’s just grab your things and go. Mr. Davies is waiting for us for dinner.” As they turned to leave, I called out to Brandon. “Are you sure that painting is Tiffany’s?”

Brandon frowned, about to speak, when Tiffany’s tears started flowing like a broken faucet. “Maya, why do you always have to fight me for everything? If it’s not mine, then whose is it?” As she ran out the door, Brandon’s flicker of doubt vanished. “Your lies are getting more ridiculous by the day.” He shot me a cutting glare. “I’ll deal with you when I get back.” Then he chased after her. I stood there for a while before continuing to pack. There wasn’t a huge amount, but not little either. My heart felt heavy. I tossed our shared mementos into a box, slapping a “junk” label on it. By the time I finished organizing everything, it was past midnight. My head felt light, the images of the amusement park from my childhood swirling repeatedly in my mind. I finally drifted off to sleep as dawn approached. But I was woken up not long after by the sound of a door being forced open. I opened my eyes to see several unfamiliar men rushing into the room. They dragged me out of bed. My face went chalk-white. Trying to suppress my panic, I said, “Who are you people? You know trespassing is against the law, right? Leave now, and I can pretend nothing happened.” But instead of letting go, their eyes shamelessly raked over my body. “Mr. Hayes sent us to bring you back to the company. You messed with him, you’re gonna pay the price.” Hearing they were Brandon’s men, my heart eased a little. He was probably still mad about Tiffany crying last night. After a night of restless sleep, all the repressed memories had resurfaced. I wasn’t afraid to confront them about the painting’s origin. “Wait outside. I need to get dressed.” The men smirked. “Why bother? You look good just like that.” They ignored my struggles and forcefully pushed me into the car. I was wearing only a thin nightgown, and colleagues in the office building pointed and whispered as I was led through. Seeing my disheveled state, Brandon’s face showed a hint of displeasure. But just as his hand reached for his suit button, Tiffany, her voice laced with fury, accused me. “Maya Reed, you’ve gone too far! I put up with you targeting me, but how could you tear up the painting I gave Brandon?” The painting? Didn’t Brandon take it with him last night? I was confused. I looked up, meeting Brandon’s dark, menacing gaze. Any fleeting pity I’d thought I saw earlier must have been my imagination. I shook my head at him, calmly saying, “I didn’t do it. Don’t accuse me baselessly.” Brandon raised a hand. Soon, two people walked in. One was the colleague who’d given me the lemonade yesterday. Tiffany stepped in front of them, her voice gentle, but her eyes full of menace. “Don’t be scared. Just tell us what you saw last night.” As if on cue, they started speaking over each other. “Around eleven, we were just finishing overtime and about to leave when we saw Maya come back.” “She stormed into Mr. Hayes’ office, came out with something, and headed straight for the shredder.” “A few minutes later, she went back into Mr. Hayes’ office.” I listened in disbelief to their fabrications. But clearly, Brandon believed them. He picked up the shredded pieces, his eyes bloodshot, and kicked me hard in the chest. “With both witnesses and evidence, what more do you have to say?” I gasped for air. These so-called “proofs” were nothing but a baseless accusation. “I wasn’t even at the company last night. You can check the security footage to see if I did any of that.” Brandon seemed to have anticipated my words, and the surveillance footage was played. One glance, and my face went stark white.

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He was just a bloodied street kid when he tattooed my name over his heart. Years later, he ruled the East Side—and called me his queen. Until his little starlet walked into our home, flaunting a fake belly. I told them to test it. She bled. He raged. He pressed a knife to my throat— So I pressed my gun to his heart. “You’ve changed, Silas. Good thing I haven’t.” Bang. The one who fell was Jax, Silas’s loyal, limping subordinate. “So you care that much? Right. That little starlet? Jax groomed her, carefully, perfectly, just to send her your way. To make you this furious with me, she must have some real talent.” My gaze dropped to the glint of silver at my throat. I scoffed. “Still hesitating? Silas, you weren’t this indecisive before.” “What’s wrong? Your hand’s shaking just holding a knife?” My mocking gaze cut him deep. In the silent standoff between our eyes, he finally broke. He tossed the knife aside and slumped back onto the sofa. “Jax has been with me for ten years. What you did… it’s ruthless.” I offered a sweet smile and had Jax dragged away. “He’s not you.” “I only go soft when it comes to you.” Silas looked at me, his eyes clouded with complex emotions. “I want to keep Skylar.” “This life, Raven, it’s been nothing but blood and brutality. I’m tired. Skylar… she’s like a quiet window, a breath of fresh air. She makes me feel like a regular guy, someone who could just… live a normal life. Go grocery shopping, cook dinner.” I didn’t rush to speak, setting my gun down beside me. I lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag before I spoke. “Normal?” “Silas, have you told her about the blood on your hands, the dirty money in your ledgers, the enemies knocking on our door in the dead of night? You drag her little world of quiet domesticity into our world? That’s not normal, Silas. That’s a death wish.” Silas frowned, clearly annoyed by my retort. “Raven, I’m not asking for your permission.” “I’m informing you.” He stood up, heading to the inner room to cradle a pale, still-unconscious Skylar Bell, whose bleeding had stopped. Her face, nestled in his arms, looked eerily like a younger me in the flickering light – maybe seventy percent there. “Raven, just settle into your role as the lady of the house.” “This is your last chance. If you dare touch Skylar again, I won’t hold back.” Silas strode away with his men. The wide-open door funneled a draft through the house, extinguishing the cigarette between my fingers. Dominic Cross approached from behind me, bowing slightly to relight it. He asked, “Your aim shifted. Did you go soft, Raven?” Through the swirling smoke. I repeated the word, my tone laced with mockery. “Soft? I never intended to kill him.” “Silas’s life? One bullet would be enough. What I want is the password to his Swiss bank accounts, the ledgers of his illicit dealings, and every single one of his legitimate businesses.” “Death, honestly, would be too easy for him.” Dominic’s heart, which had sunk at my supposed “softness,” now thrummed with the chill of my ruthless declaration. He asked a somewhat naive question. “Don’t you… don’t you love him?” Countless memories flashed through my eyes, leaving behind only a faint shadow of fatigue or nostalgia. “Love? Of course, I love him.” “Otherwise, these past ten years, following him through firefights and bloodshed, what else would it have been? A game?” “But, Dominic, love is a painkiller. Power? Power is oxygen. You can skip the pills and still live. But cut off the oxygen? You’re dead in minutes.” The moment I finished speaking. The mechanical clock in the living room chimed a few crisp notes. Dominic glanced at his phone, a new message displayed, and reported to me. “Latest news, Augustus Stone, the boss of the North Side, is dead. They’re calling it… a heart attack.” “Mm.” My single-syllable response was cold, almost indifferent. Dominic couldn’t help but step half a pace closer, his voice tinged with confusion. “Aren’t you surprised, Raven? He was your father.” The corner of my mouth curved slightly, something like a smile. “Why would I be surprised?” “I did it.” Dominic’s breathing hitched, his pupils constricted, the color draining from his face. I watched his pale face, my tone as calm as if discussing the weather. “I’ve cleared enough obstacles from my path.” “Even a biological father… isn’t an exception.” The orange glow at my fingertip burned to its end, and I casually crushed it in the ashtray. I looked at Dominic. “Now, any more questions?” Dominic lowered his head, not daring to ask anything further. I stood up, picked up the gun from the table, and casually gestured toward a room. “Didn’t Silas say he wanted to keep Skylar? Then let her stay.” “The show, it’s not too short for one more act.”

The crisp sound of footsteps echoed from the foyer. Skylar Bell’s sickly sweet voice carried through, as she bossed Silas’s men around, directing their every move with her luggage. “Careful!” “Silas bought this for me at auction, don’t you dare scratch it!” She stood in the luxurious villa, scanning her surroundings, her eyes filled with undisguised greed and provocation. Her gaze finally landed on my back, as I sat on the sofa, flipping through documents. She sashayed over to me. “Raven,” she cooed, “Silas said it’s such a lovely place here, and he wants me to move in, get along with you. You don’t mind, do you?” I didn’t even look up. I turned another page of the financial report, my voice flat and emotionless. “I do mind.” Skylar didn’t expect me to be so direct, unwilling to even bother with pleasantries. She froze for a moment, then her smile widened, now a smug, utterly foolish sneer. “It doesn’t matter if you mind.” “This is what Silas wants. He said that once I get familiar with company management, I’ll be the lady of the house.” She walked to the liquor cabinet, talking to herself. She picked up one of my collector’s crystal glasses. “This glass is lovely. Perfect for my smoothies.” Seeing that I still wouldn’t acknowledge her. Skylar simply sat down beside me, snatching the documents from my hand. “What are you looking at?” “You’re not allowed to look at these! From now on, only I get to see these files!” The crisp edge of the freshly printed page. Yanked from my grasp, it sliced a stinging line across my palm, a bead of blood blooming. Only then did I finally turn my gaze to Skylar Bell, my eyes cold and devoid of emotion, as if looking at an insignificant piece of trash. Honestly, it had been years since I’d seen someone so desperate to die. “Who let you in?” “Silas, of course! You’re just a…” I cut Skylar off, my voice still soft, but carrying an unshakeable pressure. “There’s only one master in this house.” Skylar was momentarily cowed by my aura. But then she stood up again, puffing out her chest. She looked down at me, triumphantly. “You’d dare touch me?” “Silas said yesterday was his absolute last warning. Lay a hand on me again, and he’ll kick you out so fast your head will spin!” I let out a soft laugh. The smile didn’t touch my eyes, and to Skylar Bell, it was a chill that went straight to her bones. I stood up, pulled the gun from my waistband, and reloaded it in front of her. “Touch you?” “That would just dirty my hands.” I suddenly raised my hand. Skylar shrieked, cowering, her hands over her head, eyes squeezed shut. The expected death didn’t come. My gun wasn’t aimed at her. It was aimed at the liquor cabinet behind her. The next second – CRACK! A crisp shattering sound exploded, and flying fragments even grazed Skylar Bell’s leg, leaving a deep, bloody mark. She froze in place, her face bloodless, forgetting even how to cry. “Filthy.” “Have it cleaned up.” Dominic immediately responded. I looked at the trembling Skylar Bell, then bent down. I warned her, word by word. “The last person who dared to throw a tantrum like that in front of me was Jax. I sent him to meet his maker yesterday. If you don’t believe me, I can arrange for you to join him and ask.” Finished, I straightened up and pulled out my phone, calling Silas. I put it on speaker. “You have twenty minutes to get your people and her trash out of my house.” “Otherwise, you can start planning a funeral.”

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My foster mother shoved me out of the car when she fled. I hit my head hard, leaving me with the mind of a five-year-old. After that, I became even more docile, more obedient. When my birth parents finally found me, the fake daughter wouldn’t let me in, throwing a fit and threatening to kill herself. She stood by the shallow pool, barely a foot deep, wailing about jumping in, “If this family can’t accept me, then I’ll just die!” But she just stood there, hesitating. I innocently walked over, cautiously extending my hands, and pushed her in. “Scarlett, I’ll help you.” A splash! My mom and dad stared at me, their eyes wide with shock. When my birth parents finally found me and brought me home, I hadn’t even stepped through the door yet. Scarlett, the fake daughter, was already standing by the villa’s pool, sobbing hysterically. “Mom, Dad, I’m the daughter you raised for fifteen years! Are you abandoning me?” Seeing her cry, Mom’s eyes immediately welled up with sympathetic tears. “Scarlett, it’s not like that.” “You’ll always be our good daughter, we’ll always love you.” Scarlett shook her head frantically, tearing at her own hair. “Then why did you bring her back? Send her away!” She pointed at me, her gaze filled with pure hatred. I clutched my teddy bear, shrinking behind Dad, terrified. Dad spoke with a troubled voice, “Scarlett, didn’t the orphanage and the police contact us after they found her? Please don’t blame Mom and Dad, okay?” “Now that Alyssa is found, it wouldn’t be right not to bring her home, would it?” Hearing this, Scarlett calmed down slightly. I hated it when adults argued. When my foster mom and dad fought when I was little, they would beat me. Brenda would grab me, her teeth gritted, and hit my bottom hard. “It’s all your fault, you good-for-nothing!” “Why aren’t you dead yet?” Frank wouldn’t be outdone. He’d grab the leather belt nearby and lash my back like a madman. “Don’t you dare cry, you’re so annoying!” As they beat me, they’d even compete to see who left the deepest red marks. So, I learned to please adults very early on. Every day, I had to be extra careful, afraid they’d be in a bad mood, afraid they’d suddenly start fighting. Watching Scarlett and Mom and Dad argue, their faces flushed with anger, I was so scared. Wanting to change the subject, I cautiously spoke. “Mom, Dad, is Scarlett really Foster Mom’s biological daughter? Foster Mom used to miss Scarlett a lot.” Mom immediately squeezed her eyes shut at me. I didn’t understand. “Mom, are your eyes hurting?” Scarlett looked at Mom and Dad, tears streaming down her face. Mom looked anxious, pulling me out from behind Dad. “Don’t talk nonsense! Go apologize to Scarlett!” I was confused. “But you said…” Before I could finish, Mom pushed me towards Scarlett. Scarlett looked at Mom and Dad, her voice trembling with injustice, “Mom, Dad, it’s all my fault for not being your real daughter. I shouldn’t be taking Alyssa’s place.” “If this family can’t accept me, then I’ll just die!” She edged little by little towards the pool. But she still didn’t jump. I hugged my teddy bear, walked over obediently, and carefully, tremblingly, reached out and pushed her in. “Scarlett, I’ll help you.” A splash! Mom and Dad stared at me, their eyes wide with shock.

“Ah! Help me!” Scarlett tumbled into the water, bobbing up and down, struggling desperately. I smiled, stroking my teddy bear’s head. “Beary, don’t be scared. We helped Scarlett.” “Now Scarlett will be happy.” Mom and Dad were still frozen, staring blankly at me. “Dad! Mom! Help!” Scarlett’s cries rang out again, jolting Dad into action. He plunged into the pool and pulled Scarlett out. As soon as Scarlett was out, she pushed me away violently, throwing herself into Mom’s arms. I was shoved to the ground. My little bear rolled right into the pool. Scarlett, her eyes brimming with tears, wailed, “Mom, Dad, Alyssa tried to kill me! Wahhh! I don’t know what I did to make her hate me so much!” Mom and Dad quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped her up tightly, comforting her with worried faces. They didn’t even notice my favorite bear had been pushed into the pool. I stood by the edge of the pool, crying anxiously. “Beary, don’t be scared! I’m coming to save you!” Splash! I jumped into the pool. I desperately swam towards my sinking bear, forgetting I couldn’t swim. I finally grabbed Beary. But I couldn’t breathe. I slowly sank, just like when Brenda threw me into the river before, watching the surface of the water get farther and farther away. Mom and Dad on the bank didn’t notice me at all. Once again, I quietly closed my eyes. When I was little, I was washing clothes by the river in winter. The water was so cold my hands went numb. I accidentally let a piece of clothing get swept away by the current. When Brenda found out, she simply threw me into the icy river. I struggled frantically, while Brenda stood on the bank, yelling angrily. “You worthless brat! I’m going to teach you a lesson today!” “Let’s see if you dare to be lazy again!” But I was always so obedient, I never was lazy. That day, as I sank into the icy river, scenes from my life flashed before my eyes like a movie. Tiny me, cooking on the stove. Being beaten savagely by my foster parents. And endless, hateful curses… When I vaguely woke up, I found myself in a hospital bed. The doctor next to me spoke regretfully, “The head trauma has left Alyssa with the intelligence of a five-year-old. But if she receives proper training, there’s a chance she might recover in the future.” Dad sighed deeply. “Doctor, please take care of Alyssa’s rehabilitation from now on.” The doctor hesitated. “There’s one more thing. We just examined Alyssa and found her body covered in injuries. Should we report it to the police?” Hearing this, Mom walked closer to me. She pulled up my clothes. The moment they saw my body covered in scars, Mom and Dad froze, their eyes both reddening.

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At the altar, through the delicate lace of the veil, I saw it. My fiancée, the woman I was supposed to marry, had been replaced. Instead of exploding, I gave the fake bride the wedding of a lifetime. Because in my previous life, I’d publicly exposed the stand-in bride, tearing the whole ceremony apart. Forcing Celeste, who was practically glued to her childhood sweetheart, Felix, in his hospital room, to reluctantly return and marry me. But her beloved Felix, refusing treatment, died on the operating table. When the devastating news hit, I urged Celeste to see him one last time. She refused, her voice chillingly dismissive: “Blame his bad luck, then. Not mine.” After the wedding, we seemed blissfully happy. I kept pouring money from my family’s fortune into her company, pulling it back from the brink of collapse. But on Felix’s death anniversary, my wife pushed me from the top floor of our company building. I plummeted, crashing onto the pavement below, my body utterly mangled. As I plunged, the wind tearing at me, I saw her face – awash with tears: “If you hadn’t forced me to marry me, Felix wouldn’t have died!” “You took me, but I lost Felix forever. How dare you live so happily?” It all clicked into place. She had always resented me for Felix’s death, never showing me an ounce of genuine affection. Then, I opened my eyes, and I was back at my wedding to Celeste.

“Bride, do you take this handsome man beside you to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer…” “I… I do.” The woman’s voice, muffled through the veil, sounded tight, almost strained. The guests whispered, full of praise. They believed Celeste Vance, from the prominent Vance family, was so deeply in love that she was pushing through a terrible cold just to finish this grand wedding, terrified of upsetting me. “Hold on.” The woman beneath the veil, her eyes darting nervously, had fine beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. I smiled, my voice laced with fake concern. “Celeste, you don’t look too good. Are you feeling overwhelmed?” She nervously cleared her throat. “Yes, I…” I subtly signaled the Officiant to halt the proceedings, then gently led the bride into a private lounge. On the table, my phone vibrated. More than a dozen unread messages, all from Felix. 【You know the bride’s a fake now, right? Surprise! Celeste and I are watching your wedding livestream together.】 Attached was a photo: Celeste, her head nestled intimately on Felix’s shoulder, looking completely relaxed and at ease. 【Oh, and I forgot to mention, this whole ‘stand-in bride’ idea? It was mine. This wedding is just a little game she’s playing to keep me entertained.】 I quickly typed a reply and hit send. 【Really? Want to bet that one call from me, and she’ll ditch you and come crawling back, begging for my forgiveness?】 Just as I expected, the other end of the line went completely silent. Perfect. The bait was taken. I tucked away my phone and turned to the silent bride beside me. She looked at me, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes. “Actually, I… I…” I patted her shoulder. “Aria, relax.” A wave of relief washed over her. “So, you knew all along.” After a moment of silence, she seemed to steel herself, taking a deep breath. “Celeste isn’t worth marrying. She only arranged this today to deliberately humiliate you.” I leaned closer. “I didn’t stop the wedding to expose you. I just need you to play a part with me.” Only after I died in my previous life did I learn that Aria had quietly watched over me for years. When news of my death broke, she was the only one who didn’t believe it was an accident. Later, she discovered Celeste was the killer, but without concrete proof, she chose to confront Celeste on my death anniversary, dragging her down with her in a final act of vengeance. Tears inexplicably welled in my eyes. Aria, seeing them, started to reach out, then hesitated, her hand freezing in mid-air. “If you feel… wronged by this, I could…” I looked at her, my gaze unwavering. “Aria, listen carefully. You are the woman I want to marry.” When we returned to the ballroom, the Officiant smiled, announcing, “Now, the exchange of rings, please.” I picked up the ring, and as I slid it onto her finger, I deliberately made it catch, stopping just before her knuckle. She looked embarrassed, trying to push it further, but I gently held her hand, stopping her. Below us, the guests began to murmur, their whispers buzzing like a hive of disturbed bees. “What’s going on? Is the ring the wrong size?” “How could they mess up something so important? The Sterling and Vance families are usually so meticulous!” In the audience, Celeste’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vance, instantly blanched. They exchanged a frantic glance, panic and unease flashing in their eyes. Clearly, they’d known about Celeste’s little farce all along, but hadn’t stopped it. My own mother, Mrs. Sterling, frowned deeply, her gaze filled with worry as she looked at me. I gave her a reassuring look, a silent promise that everything was under control. Then, under the stunned, uncertain gazes of everyone present, I lifted Aria’s veil. “Oh my God! The bride isn’t Celeste!” “Then where’s the real bride?”

Celeste’s mother, Mrs. Vance, was the first to react. She stormed onto the stage, completely abandoning all decorum. “What in the world is going on?! Who are you?!” Mr. Vance’s face was ashen with fury. He bellowed at the chaotic crowd of guests and reporters, “Everyone, quiet down! There’s been a minor hiccup with the wedding, it will be resolved immediately!” How utterly delightful. In my previous life, I was the one panicking on this stage. Now, it was Celeste’s parents. My mother, Mrs. Sterling, had also risen, clearly alarmed, her eyes fixed on me. “Liam, what is happening?” I turned and gave my parents a reassuring glance. Under the stunned gaze of everyone present, I took Aria’s hand. “Thank you all for coming today to celebrate the wedding of Aria and myself. Due to a minor oversight, there was a mix-up with the wedding invitations and the rings.” I paused, then continued, “However, it’s nothing serious. The wedding will proceed as planned.” Beside me, Aria straightened, her head held high, meeting the bewildered gazes of the crowd with serene confidence. Mrs. Vance, shaking with rage, glared at me. “Liam, you’re insane! Do you have any idea what you’re doing?!” Mr. Vance rushed forward too, hissing at me under his breath, “Liam, stop this nonsense! Call off the wedding, now!” I ignored them, instead turning and handing the microphone to the stand-in beside me. “Aria, tell everyone why you’re standing here today.” Aria exchanged a knowing look with me, her voice calm and clear as she spoke into the mic. “I’m standing here today because Celeste offered me fifty thousand dollars to impersonate her at the wedding.” At her words, the entire ballroom erupted in a collective gasp, then a furious uproar. “What?! She paid someone to marry in her place?” “My God, is Celeste insane?” Exposed so publicly, Mr. and Mrs. Vance’s faces drained of all color, leaving them ghostly white. My father, Mr. Sterling, exploded in a fit of rage. He pointed a trembling finger at Mr. Vance, yelling, “So this is the Vance family?! This is Celeste?! To treat my son’s future, his life, as some pathetic game?! This is an absolute outrage! You’ve gone too far!” My mother, Mrs. Sterling, her eyes blazing red with fury, stormed onto the stage. She pulled me behind her, then turned to the Vances, her voice cutting like ice. “This wedding is off! From this day forward, the Sterling family will have absolutely no ties, no connection, with the Vance family!” Seeing the lucrative family alliance crumble before her eyes, Mrs. Vance panicked. “Liam, Celeste was just being foolish, a silly prank! I’ll call her right now, she’ll come immediately to apologize to you.” I smirked, a cold smile playing on my lips. “Fine. I’ll give her one more chance. If you can get her on the phone, I’ll pretend none of this ever happened.” Aria’s hand tightened in mine. I leaned down, whispering, “Don’t worry. Celeste won’t be coming back.” Mrs. Vance, clinging to that last desperate lifeline, frantically dialed Celeste’s number. Once, twice, a third time… Each time, the same cold, automated female voice answered: “We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is currently switched off.” I feigned disappointment. “Well, it seems Miss Vance isn’t interested in returning.” “Security, escort these irrelevant individuals out.” Mr. and Mrs. Vance were practically dragged out by security, their faces illuminated by the frantic flashes of countless excited reporters, shoved right into their faces. My mother squeezed my hand, not asking a single question, only repeating, “Liam, whatever decision you make, your father and I will support you.” My father simply clapped my shoulder, and a warmth spread through my chest. In my previous life, my insistence on marrying Celeste had caused a deep rift with my family. After my death, they’d aged decades overnight from grief. This time, I wouldn’t make the same mistake. And as for Celeste, the real mastermind behind all this, I wouldn’t let her off easy. As soon as the altered wedding ceremony concluded, I called my assistant. “Immediately terminate all partnerships with the Vance family, and withdraw every single penny of our invested capital. Leave nothing behind.”

The news of my marriage to Aria didn’t spread quickly. The Vance family, desperate to stabilize their plummeting stock, had someone suppress the news. Right after the wedding, Aria and I rushed to get legally married. Afterward, she told me she had to go out of the country for a few days on urgent business. Meanwhile, a completely oblivious Celeste had spent two blissful days living it up with Felix in their lavish villa. It wasn’t until later that she finally, belatedly, realized something was off. Usually, by now, I would have made a massive scene, practically dragging her back home. But there was nothing. Complete silence. Celeste absently scrolled through her phone, not even registering Felix’s voice calling her name. No, this man must be playing hard to get. A smug smile curled on Celeste’s lips. I’ve spoiled him too much, clearly. I hadn’t expected to run into those two utterly infuriating individuals at my father’s business gala. Celeste noticed me first. But when she saw me chatting with another woman, her expression instantly clouded over, dark as a storm. Felix, seeing me, subtly leaned against Celeste, feigning weakness. “Celeste, I’m not feeling so good. My head is spinning.” Celeste solicitously helped him, but her gaze, seemingly casual, kept flickering towards me. She was probably waiting for me to approach her. Too bad. I was happy to disappoint her. From start to finish, I didn’t spare her so much as a sidelong glance. She finally couldn’t take it anymore. She strode over to our table, slammed her wine glass down, and declared, “Liam, are you still mad because I hired a stand-in for our wedding?” I didn’t even bother to look at her, making to leave. “I missed the last wedding because Felix was sick, it was an emergency, that’s why I wasn’t there!” Felix, feigning instability, lurched forward and blocked my path. “Mr. Sterling, please don’t blame Celeste. It’s all my fault, my weak body messed up your wedding…” Celeste, listening to him, scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as she looked at me. “Liam, I never realized how petty you were! It was just a wedding, for crying out loud!” As she spoke, she reached out, a sense of entitlement in her gesture, to grab my arm. My eyes turned to ice. I sharply yanked my arm away. “Miss Vance, show some self-respect.” “Didn’t your parents tell you about the wedding?” Celeste froze. “Tell me what?” Felix, a panicked look on his face, grabbed my wrist. “Mr. Sterling, don’t do this! Celeste was only looking out for you…” He spouted conciliatory words, but his nails dug sharply into my skin, making me gasp in pain. I violently flung his hand off. “Get lost!” “Ah—!” Felix stumbled backward, collapsing onto the floor in an undignified heap. Celeste’s eyes blazed with fury. She rushed to help Felix up, then rounded on me, screaming, “You lunatic! Apologize to Felix right now!” I sneered, then gestured to the security guards rushing over. “Security, throw them out!” Celeste’s face was livid with rage. “Don’t think this pathetic stunt will get my attention! If you just behave, I’ll go get the marriage license with you in a few days.” She genuinely believed that if she just ‘returned,’ I’d immediately fall at her feet, overflowing with gratitude. I smiled. “But I’m already married.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “301961”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring