Dominic Hayes had a chilling obsession: curating the moans of women. He was a genius music producer. For eight years of marriage, he’d brought home one woman after another, yet he’d never once touched me. On the anniversary of my mother’s death, he actually brought home my stepsister, Seraphina Thorne, the woman who had caused my mother’s demise. The sounds of their passion were so loud, they echoed through the entire floor. By morning, Seraphina purposefully showed off the lingering marks of their intimacy. “Oh, Amy, being Dominic’s woman is absolutely divine.” She giggled, “Oops, I forgot you’re mute, Amy. Can’t make a sound, can you? Or are you still a virgin?” Ten years ago, that fire stole my voice, and with it, my chance to charm Dominic. I’d gone mad, made scenes, but he’d only coldly retorted, “If it wasn’t for your mother guilt-tripping me into this marriage, why would I ever marry you?” I ignored Seraphina’s taunts, calmly opening my laptop to import audio for editing. Dominic, emerging from the bathroom, roughly shoved my chair aside. “These sounds are exquisite. I’ll handle this myself.” He tossed a black card at me. “I’m busy on our anniversary. Figure something out for yourself.” But he probably forgot. The divorce agreement he’d handed me on our wedding night was set to expire in just ten days.

I sent an email to the person I’d never met. “Does your promise from back then still stand? I’ll come find you abroad in ten days.” “What are you being so secretive about? Who are you emailing?” Dominic’s voice cut through the silence from behind me, making me jump and snap my laptop shut. He didn’t probe further, just impatiently waved his hand. “Don’t dawdle. Come out with me.” The car stopped in front of a high-end bridal boutique. He sat down, flipping through catalogs leisurely for almost half an hour, finally pointing to two wedding dresses. “Hey, which one do you think looks better?” Staring at those two gorgeous white gowns, my heart fluttered with a ridiculous hope. Eight years of marriage, and all we had was a marriage certificate. No wedding photos, no ceremony. He once said that weddings were the most hypocritical form of performative nonsense. Was he, now…? Before that ridiculous hope could even fully form in my mind, he clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Sera has such a great figure, she’d look stunning in anything. It’s so hard to choose.” My heart instantly sank. So, he didn’t hate performative nonsense. He just hated performing it for me. I dug my nails into my palms, just barely keeping my emotions in check. He glanced at me sideways, his tone mocking. “Stop looking like a wronged woman. If I hadn’t married you, she’d have had my name years ago. Now I can only compensate her with a bridal photoshoot. What else do you have to be unhappy about?” Just then, his phone rang. His assistant must have said something urgent because Dominic’s face instantly darkened. He shot up from his seat. “Send me the link! Get everyone in PR to the conference room, immediately!” He hung up, staring at his phone screen, his eyes chillingly grim. #Rising Starlet Seraphina Thorne Secretly Meets Acclaimed Director, Spends Three Hours Together At Hotel# Below, there were several blurry, intimate photos of Seraphina. He cursed under his breath, grabbed his car keys, and stormed out. I followed him to the garage. Before I could even buckle up, the car lurched forward. My forehead slammed hard against the window, and my vision swam. As soon as we arrived at the company, Seraphina burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms. “Dominic, I’m ruined! Those photos…” Dominic patted her back, his voice a gentle murmur I’d never heard directed at me. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here. The sky won’t fall.” During the emergency meeting, the head of PR nervously proposed a plan. “Mr. Hayes, the only way now is to find someone with a similar build to Miss Thorne, and have them claim the person in the photos is themselves.” The moment he finished speaking, everyone’s eyes simultaneously landed on me. Dominic’s eyes lit up. For the first time, he took my hand and led me into his office. “Amy, you and Sera are half-sisters, you look six parts alike. For Sera’s acting career, would you make this sacrifice for her?” I felt a chilling numbness spread through me, staring at him in disbelief. He knew, he knew that Seraphina and her mother were the ones who drove my mother to her grave! I shook my head frantically, trying to run out, but he grabbed me from behind. “Just a few photos to cover it up! It won’t kill you! I won’t shortchange you once it’s done.” I struggled, shaking my head even harder, but he ignored me, roughly throwing me onto the sofa. He leaned over me, pinning my legs with his knee, one hand tearing at my clothes, the other holding his phone. Eight years of marriage, and this was the first time he’d been this close to me, our breaths mingling. But it was to force me to take degrading photos, to cover for my enemy. Tears streamed down my face, disappearing into my hair. After he got the photos he wanted, he looked down at me, sprawled like a broken doll. “Be obedient. The position of Mrs. Hayes will always be yours.” A cold laugh echoed in my heart. Mrs. Hayes? I didn’t want that position anymore. And you, Dominic, I didn’t want you either.

At the press conference, Dominic Hayes held Seraphina Thorne tightly. “Ladies and gentlemen, regarding the baseless rumors circulating online, I want to clarify something here. Yes, someone acted improperly. And yes, someone took inappropriate photos. But that person wasn’t Seraphina. It was her half-sister, Amelia Vance.” Seraphina’s eyes welled up, looking on the verge of tears, her face a picture of wronged innocence. “Amy felt I took away our father’s love, but I never imagined she would try to ruin me this way. Still, no matter what, she’s my sister, and I don’t blame her…” He held Seraphina close, walking away without a backward glance, leaving me alone on the stage. All the cameras and microphones instantly swiveled to face me. “Miss Vance, are you jealous of your sister? Is that why you’re trying to frame her?” “What is your purpose behind such a despicable act?” “Please answer! Why aren’t you speaking?” I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. In despair, I climbed the steps, urgently signing with my hands. “I am Dominic Hayes’ legal wife. We’ve been married for eight years. Since his true love is her, I will step aside and let them be together. Dominic Hayes, let’s get a divorce!” A reporter in the crowd who understood sign language gasped, quickly translating to those around her. “Eight years? Dominic has been married for eight years?” “Then Seraphina is officially the mistress?” “Oh my God! They were just twisting the truth and trying to pin all the blame on the original wife!” The tide of public opinion instantly turned. My phone vibrated non-stop, Dominic Hayes’ calls flashing across the screen. In eight years of marriage, he hadn’t called me this many times in half an hour combined. He was panicking. As soon as I got home, Dominic, absolutely furious, violently slammed me against the wall in the entryway. “Amelia, you’ve gotten bold, haven’t you? Who gave you permission to spout nonsense out there?” My back throbbed with pain, but I stubbornly looked up, signing my retort. “Whether I’m your wife or not is for the law to decide.” Dominic laughed, a cruel, mirthless sound, as if I’d told the greatest joke. “Have I ever touched you? This ‘wife’ title is nothing more than your mother’s dying wish, guilt-tripping me into marriage!” He took a deep breath, trying to control his anger. “Yes, I married you! But Sera saved my life. Without her, I’d be dead! I owe her my life, so it’s only right that I treat her well!” My heart felt as if it had been pierced by a thousand needles, a dense, throbbing ache. “I’m sorry for wasting so many years of your life. Dominic, let’s get a divorce!” Dominic roughly pulled me closer, his fingers digging into my chin. “Why now, Amelia? If you want a divorce, fine, but don’t expect a single penny from me!” “I’ll walk away with absolutely nothing!” He was no longer the man I remembered, and he had long forgotten our unspoken promise. I expected him to agree immediately, but to my surprise, he fell silent. “Amelia, marriage isn’t a game. Let’s talk once you’ve calmed down.” Watching his retreating back, I couldn’t help but laugh, but as I laughed, tears streamed down my face. He said marriage wasn’t a game, yet on our wedding night, he handed me a divorce agreement. “My heart already belongs to someone else. I won’t touch you. After eight years, you’ll know when to leave gracefully.” I thought true love could conquer all, but after eight years of struggling, I was exhausted. With only five days left until the agreement took effect, I began to pack my bags. Going downstairs to take out the trash, I ran into Dominic and Seraphina, deep in an intimate moment. “Dominic, your birthday is coming up. What kind of gift do you want?” Dominic chuckled softly, leaning in to kiss Seraphina’s forehead. “I want to hear you sing. Could you record ‘Every Tomorrow’ for me? You sang it before, and I loved it.” Seraphina was tone-deaf; she couldn’t sing at all. “Dominic, my throat has been a little scratchy lately. How about I record it in a few days?” “Every Tomorrow” – that was my favorite song.

On our first wedding anniversary, I had edited and packaged that very song, recorded when my voice was still good, as a birthday gift for him. But he hadn’t even looked at it, casually tossing it into the deepest part of his closet. And that very night, he’d brought home his first woman, beginning his absurd string of affairs. Four days before my departure, I went to the cemetery to visit my mother. She had been a renowned composer, and her greatest regret on her deathbed was leaving her magnum opus unfinished. Before I left, I wanted to fulfill her final wish. I locked myself in my room, pouring three days and nights into the composition, finally completing it. “Whispers of Moonlight”—a song overflowing with my mother’s selfless love for me. Exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep, cradling the sheet music. When I woke, the internet was ablaze with entertainment headlines. #Genius Music Prodigy Seraphina Thorne Releases New Original Song ‘Whispers Of Moonlight’—Allegedly ATribute To Parents’ Love!# That was my song, the one I had just finished. My hands trembling, I clicked on the video. Seraphina, dressed in a white gown, sat at a piano, playing “Whispers of Moonlight,” the song my mother and I had co-created. “This song is dedicated to my beloved father and mother, commemorating their unwavering love…” The comment section was filled with praise. “So touching! Seraphina’s parents must have such an amazing love story!” “This is a true ode to love!” My blood ran cold, my mouth agape, unable to breathe. My mother was hospitalized, the doctor saying she needed complete rest. While I was away, Seraphina brought a tablet to my mother’s bedside. “Don’t Dad and my mom look so good together?” On the screen, my father and Seraphina’s mother were entangled on my mother’s very bed! My mother instantly coughed up blood. Without a word, she breathed her last. Seraphina and her mother—they were the murderers who had driven my mother to her death. How dared she use that song to glorify their filthy affair? How dared she desecrate my mother’s final masterpiece? Rage burned away my reason. I stormed out of the house, heading straight for Seraphina’s apartment. “That piece is mine! How dare you steal it?” Seraphina crossed her arms, a malicious, triumphant smile on her face. “That trashy song? Oh, Dominic gave it to me. He said a mute like you had no use for it, so why not let me put it to good use?” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Amy, don’t waste your energy. No matter what I do, Dominic will always be on my side. Want to bet?” The moment she spoke, a smell of burning reached us. My body went cold and stiff, a huge fear engulfing me as memories surged back. Ten years ago, on Christmas, I went to church to pray for my mother’s health but got caught in a fire. Dominic, who was behind me, could have escaped. But when he saw me pushed down and trampled, he turned back to pull me up, only to be struck by a falling beam. He bled heavily, clinging to life, yet still shielded me with his body. To keep him conscious, I kept talking. When I ran out of things to say, I sang. Yes, I sang “Every Tomorrow,” over and over again. The thick smoke billowed, my voice growing hoarse, but I dared not stop for a second. Dominic clutched my hand tightly, promising that if we made it out, he would marry me. Finally, my singing caught the attention of firefighters. After we were rescued, I realized his entire back was burned beyond recognition. He was quickly taken away by his family, and I searched the hospital but never saw him again. My vocal cords, damaged by inhaling so much smoke, could no longer produce a sound. It wasn’t until my mother showed me his photograph that I realized the man I was marrying was Dominic. I thought it was fate, and I married him without hesitation. In the end, it was all just wishful thinking on my part. In the flickering firelight, Dominic’s figure overlapped with the person from ten years ago.

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“Ready for some fun tonight, baby?” It was a week before my wedding, and my best friend was staying at my place, helping me with the preparations. That night, she was still in the shower when her phone buzzed. I picked it up and saw the message. Below it was a photo. The picture showed a bombshell bunny suit and a pair of pink handcuffs. Then, the man sent a voice message. “I’ve been craving you for ages. How about we try these out tonight?” I froze, playing the message again. My face flushed, then went ice-cold. It wasn’t just anyone; it was my fiancé, Liam Davies. The room was warm, but the sound of water from the bathroom hammered against my chest, making it hard to breathe. I watched as Liam, using a private SnapChat account I’d never seen before, flirted with Ashley Miller. A thought flickered in my mind. Was I wrong? Could it just be a coincidence, a voice that sounded similar? After all, Ashley and I had grown up together. She’d never dated, even explicitly stated she wasn’t attracted to men. And the first time she met Liam, she’d looked utterly disgusted, blurting out, “So you’re the lowlife she’s with?” Ashley had paid no mind to my embarrassment, which made my face burn. She’d eyed Liam up and down, then told him, “You piece of trash! You better treat my princess right, or I swear I’ll make your life a living hell!” That first meeting was far from pleasant. Even now, Liam would still bring up Ashley, saying, “I only tolerate her because she’s your best friend. Otherwise, I would’ve wanted to get rid of her the moment I met her!” I stared at the SnapChat. The man with the couple’s avatar with Ashley sent another question mark. As if shocked, I instinctively put down her phone and picked up mine, finding Liam’s contact. I sent him a video call. It rang for a few seconds. “Hey, honey.” Liam’s familiar face appeared on the screen. He turned the camera, and his buddies, who were with him, waved at me. “Chloe’s doing a check-up, huh?” “Don’t worry, Chloe, we’ll keep an eye on Liam for you!” “This dog, he’s got eyes only for you, so no need to worry, honey!” They were Liam’s childhood friends, also shareholders who were with him on this business trip, expanding the company’s reach. I looked at Liam’s gentle smile. “honey, did you miss me?” He leaned closer to the camera, whispering, “I missed you so much! I’ve been rushing them to finish up so I can come back to you.” Hearing Liam call me “honey” made my face flush, a warm current flowing through my heart. I forced a smile and told him, “Your work is important.” I shouldn’t innocently doubt Liam, doubt my love, and the marriage we were about to enter. “I was just wondering.” That voice message flashed in my mind. “Liam,” I looked into his smiling eyes, “what do you think of Ashley?” It sounded like a casual, joking question. “Ashley seems to be seeing someone.” Liam’s expression stiffened for a split second before returning to normal. “Who cares about that tomboy?” His voice was filled with disgust. “I have zero interest in her affairs,” he said dismissively. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even want to hear her name.” Liam smiled at me. “honey, I have to go now. I’ll call you later.” “I’ll bring you a gift when I get back.” Liam hung up the video call. I sat on the balcony, looking at the view outside, thinking of that mysterious man in the chat. A thick fog settled over my heart, refusing to dissipate. Before I could react, someone tapped my shoulder. “Chloe.”

Ashley was already dressed. The girl who always dressed like a tomboy was now in a sexy bodycon dress, with heavy makeup. I looked at my completely unfamiliar best friend, still unable to stop myself from asking, “Ashley.” “Are you dating someone?” I wanted to tell her that the man didn’t seem right, to caution her to be careful, but I didn’t know what I said that hit a nerve. Her face suddenly darkened. “Chloe, we’re best friends, no doubt, but you can’t just be happy yourself and then stop me from finding love, can you?” “Chloe,” Ashley suddenly snapped at me, “You really can’t stand to see me happy!” “I shouldn’t have taken time off work, disregarding everything, just to help you with your wedding prep. Chloe, you’ve disappointed me so much!” Ashley grabbed her bag and stormed out. I rushed after her, calling, “Ashley!” “I didn’t mean to!” The elevator doors closed. I chased her to the parking garage, but Ashley was nowhere to be seen. Standing in the empty lot, I still couldn’t process what had just happened, why she’d blown up at me like that. Fearing I’d lose Ashley, I suddenly remembered that hotel location. I remembered the man’s photo and his message: “Tonight, let’s play something exciting.” I was afraid my best friend was being tricked, and even more afraid she’d give me the cold shoulder. She was my closest person, closer than Liam, apart from my parents. Without thinking, I grabbed my car keys and headed straight for the hotel, forgetting my jacket. As I drove up to the hotel entrance, I immediately spotted Ashley’s car. Just as I was about to jump out, my breath hitched. I saw Liam, who was supposed to be on a business trip out of state, walk out of the hotel wearing the trench coat I’d bought him. He embraced Ashley intimately, kissing her openly, oblivious to everyone around them. They kissed until they were breathless. I still couldn’t believe it—the owner of that SnapChat account was actually Liam. I still couldn’t believe Liam would be involved with my best friend. My hands trembled uncontrollably. Fear made me instinctively turn off the engine, hiding myself in the shadows, like a thief spying on someone else’s happiness. I watched Liam thoughtfully wrap Ashley’s coat tighter around her, then asked her, “Aren’t you cold?” Ashley just smiled and shook her head. “Not with you.” Liam pinched her cheek and asked, “How did you tell Chloe you were coming out tonight?” Liam was all smiles. “Chloe is practically glued to your hip; she’d never agree to let you out.” My heart felt like it was being squeezed by something, even breathing became difficult. I watched my most intimate love and my best friend wrapped in each other’s arms, listening to Ashley’s nonchalant expression. “Just throw a little fit, and she’ll come running.” Ashley bit Liam’s Adam’s apple, then added, “What, you don’t know how wrapped around my finger Chloe is?” “Don’t you believe me? She’s probably still worried sick, afraid I’m mad, afraid I won’t talk to her anymore.”

I saw the undisguised contempt on Ashley’s face. I thought back to her sudden outburst, to my frantic dash that almost made me lose my mind. I was so afraid of losing her, so deeply cared, that I had become, in Ashley’s words, something she disdained to even compare herself to. A huge crack appeared in my heart. The fissure grew wider and wider, until I watched myself bleed profusely, yet still clung to hope, waiting for Liam’s response. The Liam who had always pampered me, who would do anything for me, simply said, in an offhand way: “Alright.” “After all, you two are best friends.” I remembered when I first met Liam. He told me, “The person I despise most in this life is a snake who backstabs and steals someone else’s partner.” He said, “My mom cheated with my dad’s best friend. When my dad found out, he disowned me.” “My dad didn’t want me, and neither did my mom.” “I was like a soccer ball, kicked back and forth until they both washed their hands of me,” Liam looked at me with self-deprecation. “So, Chloe, I don’t have a happy family like yours. My life is shattered, incomplete.” “Chloe.” “Do you understand?” Back then, I felt like Liam was about to break, and my heart broke with his. I sat quietly beside him, telling him, “Liam.” “Someone will love you.” “She’ll pick up your shattered pieces, claiming each one as her own. And together, she’ll help you put yourself back together, making you whole again, so you can live happily ever after.” Later, Liam pursued me relentlessly, to the point where everyone knew. Everyone sided with Liam, speaking on his behalf. Liam would travel a grueling 36-hour train journey, hundreds of miles, just to buy me a pastry I liked, simply because I mentioned it. Liam, despite being an struggling entrepreneur, counting every single penny just to eat, would spend hundreds of dollars on a trendy, gourmet cake for my birthday. Liam, on a business trip out of state, hearing there was a thunderstorm where I was, would rush back overnight just to tell me not to be afraid, then immediately leave for his trip again after the rain stopped. One by one. Each memory. They echoed in my mind. Those details, so profound I thought I could be proud of them my whole life, now became sharp knives stabbing at me. I watched Liam wrap his arm around Ashley and enter the hotel, and my heart still ached so much that tears fell uncontrollably. I frantically grabbed my phone, found Liam’s number. Just as he was about to enter the revolving door, I dialed his phone. I sat in my car. He stood outside the door. I saw Ashley’s clearly displeased face when she saw who was calling, but Liam just smiled reassuringly. “I need to take this.” Ashley tried to hang up, but Liam held his hand high, refusing. “I told you.” “I will never refuse Chloe’s call.” Liam’s tone was cold and firm. “Ashley.” “We agreed on this a long time ago.” I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh, watching Ashley stomp her foot in frustration but remain helpless, forced to watch Liam walk aside to answer my call. “Hello?” Liam’s voice was still gentle, no different from usual. “honey.” “Miss me?” Tears streamed down my face, my suppressed sobs threatening to expose my breakdown. I heard Liam say, “I’ll be back tomorrow.” “I bought you a little gift.” Liam stood just a few feet away from me, absently twirling Ashley’s hair, and said, “You’ll definitely love it.” I couldn’t understand. I still couldn’t understand how a person’s heart could be split in two. I couldn’t understand why Liam, who had explicitly said he hated backstabbers and betrayal, who despised it, would become such a person himself. Just like I couldn’t understand. Liam. Did he ever truly love me?

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My boyfriend, Ryan, somehow bent the rules to bring his ‘helpless’ junior, Ashley, into the company. She deliberately shredded my crucial files, then intentionally drugged me. I ended up getting fired and was slapped with an astronomical compensation fee. When I confronted her, Ashley looked utterly wronged. “Was it wrong of me to kindly clean your desk and, seeing you work late, give you some sleeping pills out of concern?” Ryan, who knew the truth, not only didn’t help me but shielded Ashley, snapping at me. “Stop slandering her! If you actually worked hard, why would the boss fire you over such a minor thing?” I was absolutely livid. I wanted to drag them both to Mr. Harrison to explain everything, But they shoved me, sending me tumbling directly into oncoming traffic… Next thing I knew, Ashley, a smirk barely hidden, offered a ‘sincere’ apology. Ryan, ever the biased one, also lectured me about misplacing my files. But I wasn’t angry. Instead, a strange sense of confusion washed over me. “I had backups of my important files, and they’d already been sent to the client weeks ago!” “You didn’t happen to shred *Ryan’s* non-replaceable shipping order, the one he was responsible for, did you?”

I’m not sure how much time passed, but I was jolted awake by Ashley’s distinctive alarm. It blared like a radar, making my heart thump erratically and my head throb. I checked the time. There were still twenty minutes left of my lunch break. Ever since Ashley became my assistant, she’d acted as if she couldn’t understand a word I said. She never took a lunch break, but she always set an alarm specifically to wake *me* up. Seeing my less-than-pleasant expression, Ashley stood by, looking utterly wronged, and mumbled an apology: “Oh, I’m so sorry! I forgot to change my alarm sound and time again. I hope I didn’t disturb you too much.” Ryan, from the next office, seeing the situation, quickly stepped in: “Chloe, Ashley is still new; you shouldn’t be so hard on her.” I looked at Ashley’s face, a look of smug satisfaction barely hidden. I wasn’t angry at all. On the contrary, I felt a surge of excitement. I had been reborn. On this very day, in my previous life… Ashley had opened the drawer I’d warned her countless times not to touch, while I was away. She’d tossed the proposal inside into the shredder, and from that moment, she’d systematically pushed me towards my death. After I died, Ashley, with Ryan’s help, had solved the company’s crisis. She not only took over my position but also inherited all my contacts and clients. The two had openly admitted their relationship at the company, basking in everyone’s blessings. And now, less than an hour remained until my proposal was shredded… With that thought, I didn’t explain. Instead, I clutched my head and sighed: “I just wanted Ashley to grab me some painkillers. I wasn’t trying to criticize her.” “I know she’s your favorite little junior. How could I ever be harsh with her?” Ryan seemed to realize he’d overreacted. He asked about my well-being for a few moments, then, using the excuse that Ashley didn’t know which medicine to get, accompanied her to buy my medication. Watching their backs as they left, I opened my drawer. Seeing the proposal still safely tucked inside, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn’t long before they returned. Just as I expected, Ashley hadn’t bought the painkillers I’d asked for. Instead, she’d gotten me some cold medicine. “Chloe, too many painkillers aren’t good for you.” “I think you might have a cold, which is why your head hurts. This cold medicine will definitely help your headache, and it’s much safer.” Before I could speak, Ryan chimed in again: “See? Girls are so thoughtful. Whenever you had a headache or stomach problems before, I always just got you painkillers. You can’t rely on them too much; it’s not good.” I didn’t argue or make a scene as Ashley had expected. Instead, I gently said thank you: “Actually, not long after you left, I found my painkillers and already took them.” “You can save this cold medicine for Ryan, for the next time he has stomach problems. It’s safer for him too.” Ryan held the medicine, looking a bit awkward. But I no longer cared to engage with them. I simply gathered my meeting materials and headed straight into the conference room. After a few hours of meetings, I returned to my office and, just like in my previous life, opened my drawer. It was empty. This scene had played out dozens of times in my mind already, so I took a deep breath and bellowed: “Ashley, did you touch the proposal in my drawer?!” My voice immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. Ashley trembled like a startled bird: “No, I didn’t! I just tidied up some ‘waste paper’ on your desk and put it in the shredder. I didn’t see any proposal!” Ryan, as if on cue, walked back into my office. He wasn’t interested in understanding the situation, just said in a low voice: “Alright, alright.” “Whether there was a proposal or not, instead of wasting time arguing, you should be focused on damage control.” “Do you really think proving Ashley wrong will solve anything?”

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After using me for revenge, Liam immediately filed for divorce and kicked me out. The snow was heavy that day. I was carrying his child, dragging my lame leg—the one I’d injured saving him—as I limped away. He stood there with his new girlfriend in his arms, a cigarette between his fingers, lazily watching my humiliation. Life after that was hard. For money, I had to marry a man in his forties and become a stepmother to his eight-year-old son. But the night before the wedding, Liam kidnapped me and dragged me back to his house. His expression was terrifying, his voice icy as he demanded: “You hid my child from me, killed it, and went to play stepmom to some old man’s brat.” “Ava, how dare you?” The day Liam kicked me out, the snow was falling thick and fast. As I walked toward the door with my six-year-old sister Emma, the butler Thomas stopped me: “Miss Ava, Mr. Liam said you can’t take anything that belongs to the family.” “That down jacket and those snow boots you’re wearing—he bought them.” I understood. I lowered my gaze and silently took off the coat and shoes. Outside, the wind whipped snow into my face. I shivered uncontrollably. Barefoot in the deep snow, I looked back at the second floor of the villa. Liam stood there lazily, holding Chloe with one arm and a cigarette in the other, enjoying my misery. Chloe’s eyes gleamed with triumph. She tossed a gray wool scarf down from the balcony, laughing: “This trash doesn’t suit Liam. Thomas, throw it in the garbage.” That scarf was one I’d knitted for Liam with my own hands two months ago. Back then, he’d wrapped it around his neck, kissed my hand, and said, “My wife has such clever hands.” Everything changed in a blink. My family went bankrupt, my father went to prison. Liam didn’t bother pretending anymore. The day he forced me to sign the divorce papers, he glared at me and spat venom: “Ava, know why I never face you when we have sex?” “Know why I always soak in the bath for an hour after?” “Because you disgust me. The sight of your face makes me sick, let alone touching you.” “If it weren’t for destroying your family, you think someone like you could ever catch my eye?” Each word felt like a dull knife carving me up, the pain so intense I could barely breathe. Tears streamed down my face. I finally accepted he’d never loved me. So I didn’t tell him I was pregnant. What was the point? With all the blood and hatred between us, we were doomed from the start. This child never should have existed.

Broke, I went to a cheap clinic for an abortion. My luck was rotten—I hemorrhaged during the procedure and almost died on the table. When I woke up, Emma was crying by my bedside. I stroked her soft hair and whispered, “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m fine.” But I was shaken. If I died, what would happen to Emma? We only had each other now. I had to survive, to raise her. Making money was hard. All I knew was dancing, but after the car crash four years ago—the one where I saved Liam and wrecked my leg—my left foot was permanently slightly lame. Not obvious, but noticeable if you looked closely. I could never dance on stage again. To survive, I decided to sell dumplings at a street stall. I’d been spoiled growing up, never lifted a finger, but I learned to make dumplings because Liam loved them. Now that skill was mine and Emma’s lifeline. The stall did well. Even though I stood in the freezing cold until late, my fingers raw with frostbite, I never complained. Then one day, Liam and Chloe showed up at my stall. Dressed in expensive clothes, arm in arm, they looked perfect together. And I looked pathetic. Chloe eyed me and sneered: “Who’d have thought the great Miss Ava would end up like a beggar.” I needed the business, so I kept calm. “If you’re not buying, leave. Don’t block my customers.” Chloe instantly played victim. “Liam, she’s being mean to me!” Liam coddled her. His gaze turned icy as he warned me: “Watch your tone with Chloe. Or I can’t guarantee your stall will be here tomorrow.” A blatant threat. But Liam had all the power now. I couldn’t fight him. I clenched my fists inside my sleeves, bit my lip, and stayed silent. Chloe smirked in triumph. Liam turned to her, voice soft. “You said you wanted dumplings. Still hungry?” She nodded. “Yes.” Business was business. I needed the money. I took a deep breath and pointed to the QR code. “Pay first.” After the PayPal notification chimed for $15, I dropped the dumplings into the boiling water.

I thought that night was just a fluke. But the next day, Liam’s men trashed my stall. Reason? Chloe had food poisoning and landed in the hospital. She’d only eaten my dumplings the night before. No doubt she’d set me up. I didn’t get it—she’d already won Liam, crushed me completely. Why not let me be? From then on, Liam’s thugs harassed me daily. Even when I moved locations, they always found me. My business was ruined. I couldn’t even cover next month’s rent. Desperate, I called Liam, begging him to back off: “Chloe’s food poisoning wasn’t my fault. Liam, please believe me, just this once.” He didn’t budge. His tone was hard: “I’ll let it go if you kneel and apologize to Chloe.” “Kneel for twelve hours straight, and we’re done. Otherwise, your stall is finished.” The man who once promised me the stars if I cried now humiliated me for another woman. But no matter how low I’d fallen, I wouldn’t be his dog. I wiped my tears and spat back: “Liam, bullying a woman? You’re pathetic.” “I was blind to ever love you.” His breathing turned ragged, furious words hissing through his teeth: “You think I wanted your love?” “Ava, you were just a tool for revenge.” The words stung, but my heart was too numb to feel more pain. Gritting my teeth, I shot back: “Well, you were just a vibrator to me.” I hung up before he could respond.

Back home, Emma saw my red, swollen eyes. She touched my cheek, worried: “Ava, did someone bully you again?” “I wish I could grow up faster. Then I could protect you.” Our mom died young after having Emma. Dad was never around. So Emma clung to me, always listened to me. I ruffled her hair softly. “What if we leave this place?” She nodded. “Wherever you go, I go.” Then she hesitated. “What about Dad? Is he coming too?” She was too young to understand he was in prison. I thought for a moment. “Dad made a mistake. He’s being punished. He won’t be back for a long time.” She tilted her head. “What did he do? Was it bad?” Yes, very bad. Over twenty years ago, to seize land from Liam’s family, he set fire to their factory. Liam’s father happened to be sleeping inside that night and died in the blaze. So Liam’s hatred for my dad, for my whole family, made sense. He’d changed his name, bided his time for revenge—all for his father. My dad committed a crime, and he got what he deserved. I wouldn’t defend him, but I couldn’t help resenting Liam. He had so many ways to get revenge. Why use my feelings? Even after winning, Liam kept pushing me. I was powerless against him. If I couldn’t fight, I’d run. To save money, I booked a slow train to Cloud City. But on the bus to the station, Emma fainted. I rushed her to the hospital and got the worst news. Emma had leukemia. My world collapsed. I sat by her bed, crying uncontrollably. Emma held my hand, her voice small: “Ava, don’t be sad. I’m not hurting, really.” “I hate hospitals. I don’t want shots or medicine. Can we go home?” I knew she said it because we had no money. My sister was too sensible for her age. I hated myself for being useless, unable to afford her treatment.

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In my previous life, my sister Scarlett chose to bind with the Beauty System, while I chose the Fertility System. With the system’s gift, Scarlett leveraged her beauty into a marriage with Julian, the elite businessman she had long coveted. But less than a month into their marriage, Julian tragically died in a plane crash during an overseas business trip. Scarlett became a stunning widow, with nothing but her beauty left. Eventually, she was abducted and brutally murdered by a depraved vagrant. Meanwhile, my innate fertility caught the attention of Xander, a powerful magnate. I bore him four sets of twins in three years, securing my status as a woman of immense wealth and influence. Consumed by bitter jealousy for the system she had forsaken, Scarlett’s vengeful spirit haunted me, finally pushing me into a pool to drown. The next time I opened my eyes, we were back to the day we chose which system to bind with. This time, Scarlett unhesitatingly chose the Fertility System. Then, turning to me with a cruel smile, she said,”Violet, you can have this Beauty System!” In that moment, I knew she had been reborn too. …

I smiled. Scarlett believed that with this fertile physique, she could secure her position as a revered socialite. But she had no idea how much effort I poured into that family over the years. On the day of the exclusive gala where Xander would choose his fiancée, Scarlett dressed to impress. In the last life, Scarlett, being infatuated with Julian, feigned illness and didn’t show up when Xander hosted his banquet. This time, she wore exquisite makeup and a sexy gown. Scarlett threw her old clothes at me and ordered me to change. She even confiscated all my makeup, forbidding me from wearing any. Yet even completely barefaced, I was still noticeably prettier than her. My mother looked at me with extreme distaste. “Look at what you’re wearing! You’re an embarrassment to our family!” Father was also displeased. “Violet, with that attitude, maybe you shouldn’t even participate. Don’t make our family a laughingstock in front of tonight’s guests.” I didn’t speak. Xander’s assistant, however, spoke up. “Since you’re already here, just sit down and watch.” Scarlett shot me a disdainful glance, brimming with confidence. Mother, pulling Xander’s assistant aside, strongly advocated for Scarlett. “Our Scarlett is kind, graceful, and carries herself with such poise. She’s the perfect candidate for Xander’s fiancée.” Xander’s assistant sat on the couch, sizing up both Scarlett and me. Just as his hand was about to point at me, Scarlett couldn’t sit still any longer. She looked up and declared loudly, “I have a unique physique, incredibly fertile. I can solve the succession problem for Xander’s family!” Xander’s assistant’s eyes lit up. He told Scarlett, “Follow me to meet Mr. Kincaid.” My parents tearfully embraced Scarlett, overjoyed. “That’s wonderful, Scarlett! Your mother knew you’d be chosen!” Scarlett grinned from ear to ear, still not forgetting to sneer at me. “Violet, sorry, but I’m off to meet Mr. Kincaid.” Mother also looked at me with disdain. “You embarrassment! Get back to your room now. Don’t stand there bothering us!” It was the same in the last life. Mother despised me, but Scarlett feigned illness and refused to show up, so they were forced to put me forward just to fill a spot. Who would have thought I’d actually be chosen? This life, with Scarlett present, they naturally looked down on me even more, despite me being prettier than her. As I was about to leave, Xander’s assistant called out to me again. “Wait, what’s your name?” My mother quickly answered. “She’s my second daughter, Violet. She’s reclusive and unlikable.” To my surprise, Xander’s assistant walked up to me and said with a smile. “Miss Violet, I think you have a certain grace about you. Would you come with me to meet Mr. Kincaid?”

As soon as we arrived at Xander’s estate, Scarlett, thanks to her Fertility System, was summoned by Xander that very night. The next day, she was moved into a separate villa next to the main estate, treated almost like the lady of the house. Such immense favor quickly spread to every corner of Xander’s estate, reaching even the guest house where I resided. In this life, without the Fertility System, I hadn’t been summoned by Xander. I was just a regular “backup option,” sharing an apartment with a few other girls who had also been sent here. The sun was nice, so I was basking outside when I happened to run into Scarlett. She was accompanied by seven or eight maids and two personal assistants, an impressive entourage that almost crowded my small courtyard. Scarlett approached me, dramatically covering her nose and mouth, her face a mask of disgust. “Honestly, Violet, are you still wearing those old clothes?” With that, she motioned to a maid next to her, who threw an old suitcase at my feet. “Don’t say I never help you. Xander gave me all these. There’s just too much for me to use, so I’m giving them to you.” I looked down. They were all used, old handbags and jewelry. Some of the leather goods were even moldy, covered in mildew. I chuckled. “Scarlett, Xander gave you these kinds of things?” Scarlett just walked up and slapped me. “I’m trying to be kind, and you’re completely ungrateful!” My face instantly turned red and swollen. Scarlett finally smiled, satisfied. “Violet, don’t think that just because you have a pretty face, you can turn your life around. With me here, you’ll never get close to Xander, not in this lifetime.” I watched her with a blank expression, then glanced at her entourage behind her. She was just as arrogant, overbearing, and self-absorbed as she was in the last life. “Scarlett, maybe you should worry about yourself.” Scarlett swept a contemptuous gaze over me. “You’re just jealous, that’s what it is! I’m already pregnant, and my child will be the heir. What can you possibly compare with?” I watched her, blinded by Xander’s favor, and remained silent. Seeing that I said nothing, like punching a pillow, Scarlett couldn’t be bothered to waste her breath on me and left. In my previous life, just like Scarlett, thanks to the Fertility System’s boost, I conceived twins the very first night I was with Xander. But that twin pregnancy almost killed me. I watched Scarlett’s retreating back and sneered. She had no idea the enemies lurking in the shadows were already targeting her. … Soon, news of Scarlett’s pregnancy spread. Xander had been with so many girlfriends over the years, yet none had conceived. Scarlett got pregnant as soon as she arrived, and the private medical team confirmed it was another set of twin boys. But I knew her triumph wouldn’t last long. A few days later, I received notice that Xander intended to give me to his business partner, Julian, a man notorious for his ruthless tactics. I knew this had to be Scarlett’s doing. She didn’t want me to see Xander. Sending me away would not only remove me from Xander’s estate but also marry me off to that unfortunate Julian. It was a clever move on her part, but by now, I doubted she even cared about me. At the same time, word spread that Scarlett was showing signs of a miscarriage. Xander was furious, firing several top-tier private doctors. Suddenly, my meeting with Julian was postponed. In the last life, when my twins were seven months along, my pregnancy became unstable. It was only thanks to the obstetrician’s proprietary remedy that the pregnancy was saved. After giving birth to two sons, I officially became Xander’s wife. But this life, Scarlett, enraged by the pain, constantly berated the doctors in front of Xander. Some were even dragged out by bodyguards before they could properly examine her. Soon, the entire medical team was terrified; no one wanted to be responsible for her. Scarlett eventually miscarried, barely clinging to life. I knew this day would come for her. Given her personality, it was only a matter of time before someone targeted her. I didn’t pity her. I just thought she got what she deserved. “Bad news! Bad news! Miss Violet, there are a lot of bodyguards outside, saying they’re here to arrest you!” The maid ran in, shouting. I never thought Scarlett would tell Xander I poisoned her, causing her to lose her baby. Soon, bodyguards apprehended me. Xander, without even investigating the truth, intended to kill me. “Violet, in this life, you still couldn’t escape death. Go on and rest easy; I’ll enjoy the rest of your good fortune for you.” In the room where I was temporarily confined, I slowly calmed down. I couldn’t let Scarlett kill me again. And it was high time my Beauty System proved its worth.

I pleaded with the head bodyguard to take me to Xander. With my naturally captivating eyes, I smiled at him ingratiatingly. He was captivated by my exquisite beauty, and as if under a spell, he agreed. I secretly went to the living room of Scarlett’s recuperation villa. When Scarlett saw me, she was first surprised, then enraged. “What are you doing here! Are you here to gloat? You evil woman, you’re the one who killed my baby! How are you still walking around free?” Xander patiently stroked her back, trying to calm her down, not even glancing at me. I looked at Xander, my husband from my last life. He was just as authoritative and handsome as before. If it weren’t for his absolute need for an heir, he would undoubtedly be a wonderful partner. Unfortunately, marriages in high society were always complicated. Scarlett, seeing me staring intently at Xander, fainted from anger. “Doctor! Call the doctor quickly!” The villa was thrown into complete chaos. The doctors nervously checked her, terrified one wrong move would cost them their job. Xander carefully covered Scarlett with a blanket, then finally noticed me. “You’re Scarlett’s sister? Look up.” I obeyed, slowly raising my head. My hair, disheveled in the chaos, fell around my face, my eyes brimming with tears. My tear-filled, pitiful demeanor, combined with the power of the Beauty System, made Xander freeze the moment he saw my face. His eyes were filled with absolute awe. I subtly pinched myself, and tears streamed down my face like a broken string of pearls. “Mr. Kincaid, I didn’t harm Scarlett…” Scarlett’s personal maid interrupted me. “It was you! Miss Scarlett is your sister, yet you poisoned her out of jealousy!” I sneered inwardly, but my tears continued to flow uncontrollably. My captivating eyes, with my crying, added a touch of vulnerability. “Yes, I didn’t want to marry Mr. Julian, because my heart has always longed for you. Though it pains me that you would give me to another, I would never, ever poison Scarlett because of it.” Through my blurry tears, I caught Xander’s gaze, and his eyes softened, filling with a tenderness I hadn’t seen before. Scarlett woke up. Seeing Xander mesmerized by me, she gritted her teeth, pulled Xander away from me, and sobbed uncontrollably into his arms. “Xander, my poor babies…” Her accusations were aimed directly at me, but Xander, however, looked at me with a rare flicker of hesitation. I seized the opportunity. “I know who harmed Scarlett’s babies!” At my words, every eye in the room turned to me. “Who harmed them?” Xander asked. I pointed to a delicate bracelet on Scarlett’s wrist and said, “It’s the incense embedded in this bracelet. It contains a scent that could cause a miscarriage.” Scarlett’s eyes widened in shock. She tore off the bracelet and threw it at my feet. “Still saying it wasn’t you? If it wasn’t you, how would you know so much?” “And you,” she snapped, slapping her personal maid. Her voice was harsh. “You traitor! You colluded with outsiders to give me this bracelet and harm me, didn’t you?” The maid who had just spoken up for her had, in an instant, personally sealed her own doom. I sneered. Scarlett was just like this in the last life. Naturally arrogant and overbearing, treating her staff like mere tools, even dismissing her loyal servants. In the end, no one stood up for her, and no one truly cared for her. In this life, she still hadn’t learned, continuing to act recklessly. After the maid was dragged away, Scarlett still wanted the bodyguards to take me too, but Xander stopped them. “First, let’s hear what she has to say.” Scarlett could only bite her lip, glaring at me. I took a deep breath and began my explanation. “This bracelet was a gift from Willow. All the other ladies received one. However, Scarlett’s bracelet contained a special scent that could cause a miscarriage, which led to her miscarriage.” In my previous life, I almost miscarried because of this very bracelet. At the time, I thought since Willow had given identical bracelets to everyone, there shouldn’t be a problem. But later, I realized my bracelet’s scent was particularly strong. The doctor had said that excessive inhalation of this specially formulated scent could cause severe harm to a pregnant woman. “That conniving Willow!” Seeing her plot against me had failed, Scarlett cried out again, demanding Xander punish Willow. After Xander left, Scarlett looked at me coldly. “You knew I would miscarry, and you deliberately didn’t tell me?” I scoffed softly. “I warned you long ago, but you just wouldn’t listen. Scarlett, I told you not to get too smug too soon. Do you really think having the Fertility System means you can survive in this ruthless high society? This time, it was just your babies. Next time, it might be you.” Scarlett’s face turned ashen, her voice hoarse. “Violet, how dare you curse me! I swear, I’ll drag you down with my unborn child!” Even like that, she still didn’t forget to threaten me. “I have the Fertility System, I can always have more children. Using these babies to get rid of that malicious Willow? Their deaths weren’t for nothing. Next time, it’ll be your turn.” I frowned. “Scarlett, doing too many evil deeds will catch up to you. Don’t forget, I have a system too.”

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In my past life, I sacrificed everything for my brother, remaining unmarried to care for him. This time, we’ve both been reborn. His first act upon rebirth was to get rid of me, making way for the fated child swap – the fake heiress. He threw me, still a newborn in swaddling clothes, onto the street. “Don’t blame me for being cruel. You’re the one who caused Serena’s death.” **01** The day I was born, the South was caught in a dreary, rainy season. Julian Blake, the eldest son of the prominent Blake family, took three days off from school. He rushed back to his family estate from his boarding school, still in his crisp uniform. No one knew. That young student, posture ramrod straight, gaze steady. His soul carried the memories of two lifetimes. He had just been reborn, returning with a lifetime of overwhelming regret from his past. He didn’t spare a glance for me, his biological sister. Instead, he secretly paid off the attending nurse, ensuring the child who was meant to be swapped in his past life was legitimately presented to our parents. I was carried out of the hospital by him. Stuffed into a crude cardboard box. He took a bus with me to the city outskirts. And that other baby, crying louder than me in her swaddling clothes. She would claim the Blake family’s bloodline, and in the future, become “Little Sister Serena,” cherished by everyone. Julian’s biggest regret from his previous life. Decades had eroded his life away, causing him to miss the girl who became a flight medic for him. While I, his actual sister, only returned home at eighteen. I never married, willingly studying rehabilitation medicine for him. I pulled him, paralyzed, from his wheelchair. Yet, his heart longed only for the fake heiress I had given up. The Blake family, from a prominent southern state like Texas, was celebrated for their distinguished military service in the past. They were a family honored by the nation, with their heroism featured repeatedly in military publications. This life, he wanted to rewrite everything. No matter the cost. I lay in my swaddling clothes, quietly opening my eyes. This life, I had been reborn too. **02** In my past life, the fake heiress and I were swapped at the hospital. She became the Blake family’s cherished daughter. As for me, I was sent to a working-class family. At three years old, a car accident left me completely alone. I was sent to an orphanage. From then on, I lived in constant anxiety and fear for over a decade. The fake heiress, however, grew up pampered and privileged in the Blake mansion, enjoying every luxury. She became Serena Blake. She was the jewel in the Blake family’s eyes, and the only sister in my brother’s. She went to prestigious schools, learned to dance and play the piano. She studied abroad, earning everyone’s affection. I, on the other hand, was only brought back to the Blake family at eighteen. That year, I wore worn-out canvas shoes and a faded, plain dress from the orphanage. I carried a broken leather suitcase as I stepped through the Blake family estate’s grand gates. I saw my brother standing in the courtyard. His figure tall and straight, clad in his military uniform, silhouetted against the sunlight. But he frowned as he looked at me: “You’re Paisley? Why do you seem so unsophisticated?” My brother was an elite pilot, groomed for leadership by the nation. Serena became an excellent flight medic. In photographs, they stood shoulder to shoulder, their smiles radiant. Until that year, when I visited him at the military base. His plane crashed, and both my brother and Serena were pinned under the aircraft’s wing, waiting for rescue. The doctor anxiously told me: “I’m sorry, we can only save one first.” I hesitated for a second, then said: “Save my brother.” Everyone blamed me, accusing me of causing the fake heiress’s death. But I didn’t regret it. I began to self-study rehabilitation medicine, nursing him day and night. It took me ten years to get my brother out of his wheelchair and help him regain his dignity. I never married, caring for my brother until his twilight years. On his deathbed, his pale hand covered my fingertips. His voice was weak, but every word pierced my heart. “Paisley… I’d rather you saved Serena back then.” I froze on the spot. Like a ton of bricks had slammed into me. So, even until the very end. He never once offered me a single word of thanks. **03** He carried the box for a long way. From the hospital, he took a bus through the old city district. He walked to the most desolate part of town, on the outskirts of East Avenue. Finally, he crouched down at the mouth of an overgrown, dilapidated alleyway. He gazed at me in the box, his face slightly pale, his lips tightly pressed. “Paisley.” He spoke in a low voice, his hand trembling. “Don’t blame me” “Serena, she died so tragically. In our past life, she died because of you… I don’t blame you, but she… she really deserved to live a carefree life.” He placed me in the shadows of the alley mouth. With his small hand, he carefully covered my swaddling clothes. “Someone will surely pass by here. You’ll just be an ordinary person in this life.” He stood up, his eyes a little red, but he stubbornly turned his face away: “Paisley, I only ask that you never reappear in this life.” He left. Without looking back. My consciousness, reborn, had long been awake. But I was powerless to speak. I lay in the shadows. Watching his figure gradually disappear into the distance, my heart was only cold.

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I have a scar on my face, so I found a boyfriend in a game. He said he was short and couldn’t find a date in real life. I said I was ugly, so we were perfect for each other. When I went to meet my online crush in person, I never expected to see the department’s heartthrob at our agreed-upon meeting spot. I touched the scar on my face, nervously dialing my online boyfriend’s FaceTime number. Then, I watched the heartthrob pull out his phone and tap “answer.” “Hello?” A clear voice came through the phone. “…Are you here?” I asked softly. “Yep, already by the lake.” He straightened up, tucked his book away, and scanned the main road, clearly looking for me. Something unexpected came up today, so I rushed back to my dorm to change and grab a book. By then, it was almost our meeting time, so I took a shortcut. That’s how I ended up seeing Landon Reed, the department’s heartthrob, at our meeting spot. Landon was by the lake, leaning against a sycamore tree, reading. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, making him look relaxed and gentle. A faint smile played on his lips. He wore a black jacket and held a book. Those were our agreed-upon identifiers. And there was no one else by the lake. I didn’t dare approach, hiding behind a tree. Nervously, I dialed my online boyfriend’s FaceTime number. Then… “Are you here yet?” the voice on the other end asked again. I ducked further behind the tree and whispered, “Something… something came up. I’ll be a little late.” The voice on the other end had a soft chuckle in it. “No worries, take your time.” My online boyfriend never rushed me, just like always. I hung up, still reeling. Wait, didn’t my online boyfriend say he was short? He had to be at least 6’1″ or taller. How was that short at all!? And you can’t find a date in real life? Didn’t you reject a long line of girls confessing to you back in freshman year? I tapped open my online boyfriend’s SnapChat profile, but there was no information there. I stared blankly at my phone, then back at the guy by the lake, utterly baffled. Seriously, how did my perfectly normal boyfriend turn into the department heartthrob? I was still hesitating whether to go out and introduce myself when a girl walked up to Landon. I recognized her as Audrey Davies, the campus beauty. Audrey was two years ahead of us and, like us, was in the Computer Science department. She’d just returned from an exchange program abroad and already had her master’s program guaranteed. Tall and slender, with fair skin and waist-length hair gently swaying in the breeze, she looked soft and elegant. Audrey walked up to Landon and started chatting. She talked and laughed, and Landon occasionally nodded. Landon had his back to me, so I couldn’t see his expression. A knot tightened in my chest. Handsome guys are meant for beautiful girls. That’s what a perfect first meeting in real life should look like, right? I touched the scar on my face, covered by makeup, then glanced at my white jacket and the book in my hand. I forced a wry smile, then quietly slipped away. On my way back to the dorm, I saw a poster for a game-themed collaboration at the bubble tea shop. Thoughts rushed through my mind. Originally, after our meeting, we were going to go for bubble tea. Because that’s where we met and started our online romance: in that game. I didn’t look at the poster again. I turned and left.

When I got back to my dorm, my roommate, Chloe Miller, was just about to leave. She saw my face and scoffed, “Scarlett, you can put on all the makeup you want, but you can’t hide that scar. It’s so uneven. You might as well just show it off.” When we first started college, Chloe had acted shocked when she saw my scar, asking about its cause and even offering comfort. At the time, I thought she was a good person. I even thanked her, explaining that I’d gotten used to the scar over the years, that makeup covered a lot of it, and that I didn’t care. I usually went out with makeup on. While it couldn’t completely hide the scar, you wouldn’t notice it unless you looked closely. But later, she brought it up repeatedly and inappropriately, especially in front of newly met guys. “She was slashed by some thugs when she was a kid. Scarlett is so pitiful,” Chloe would say, looking at me with pity. The result was that everyone in the department knew about my scar. I told her I didn’t like it, but after she apologized, she’d bring it up again eventually. “Oops, I didn’t mean to,” she’d say, grasping my hand. I got annoyed and started avoiding spending time with her. One time, I was just about to enter the dorm when I heard her whispering to our other roommates. “That scar on Scarlett’s face, it’s so terrifying. When school started, it scared me so much I couldn’t sleep at night.” I pushed the door open. “If you can’t sleep, why don’t you apply to switch dorms?” From then on, our relationship plummeted to an all-time low. We barely spoke in the dorm, except when she occasionally sniped at me about my scar. I never told her about my online romance. “None of your business. Mind your own,” I usually wouldn’t respond to her, but today I was in a bad mood, so I snapped back. Chloe raised an eyebrow, seeing me retort. “Oh, can’t take a few words? You used to say you didn’t care.” I looked at Chloe, who was wearing a full face of makeup, and said coolly, “You like my scar so much, why don’t you get a couple for yourself?” Chloe stopped talking, glared at me, and left the dorm. I walked into the bathroom to remove my makeup. After washing my face, I looked up at myself in the mirror. Two deep scars etched my face: one stretched from below my right eye across my entire cheek, and another on my forehead, extending from the right side of my forehead to my temple. The scars were from when I was in second grade, cut by a bad guy. On my way home from school, I saw a kid, about my age, being pushed into an alley by some older guys. They were shaking him down for money, then they threw him to the ground and started kicking and punching him. Probably influenced by the martial arts dramas often on TV back then, I rushed in to stop them. During the scuffle, I felt a sharp pain in my face, and then my face went numb. The bad guys all ran off, leaving blood all over the ground. The kid was terrified, frozen solid. Eventually, I was taken to the hospital. My mom cried and yelled at me for being nosy, while my dad chain-smoked. The bad guys were caught and sent to juvenile detention. But from then on, I was disfigured.

I looked at the scars on my face, a wave of bitterness washing over me. Did I ever regret it? Probably. I’d thought a million times, if I hadn’t rushed in that day, I wouldn’t have been disfigured. …But there were no ‘ifs’. I had to accept it. I could only pour my heart into my studies, working harder than others to get better grades. As if that would make people notice my face less. But it didn’t really help. There was a guy in our Computer Science department whose grades were on par with mine, and we were neck and neck in competitions. He was good-looking and several girls liked him. I knew this guy, Jaxson Blackwood, because of our competition training. During freshman year, I went to Professor Evans’ office to pick up a competition registration form. Passing by the lab, I overheard people discussing me. “You know, Scarlett’s scores are super close to yours. She even suggested to the professor that she should be teamed up with you for this competition. Do you think she likes you?” “Oh, please, no way. That’s terrifying. I’d be too scared to even participate then,” the speaker said with an exaggerated tone. “Yeah, it’s kinda creepy, LOL. I bet no one would dare date her.” I looked into the lab. There were two guys: one was Jaxson, the guy whose grades were similar to mine, and the other I didn’t recognize. Their laughter was sickening. I had only suggested it to the professor based on our chances of winning a prize in the competition; how the professor arranged it was out of my control. And, no one would dare date me? After returning to my dorm, I changed my status in the game I frequently played: “Looking for a partner.” A friend, someone I’d added from the school forum but had never actually spoken to, responded. I said I was ugly. Did he mind? He said he was short and couldn’t find a date in real life. We instantly clicked, and that’s how our online romance began. We had great chemistry, probably because we were both self-conscious about our appearances. We never sent photos or video called. We hadn’t even brought up meeting offline. I only knew he was also at A University; I knew nothing else about him. I didn’t dwell on it; I didn’t have many expectations anyway. But in terms of the dating experience, this boyfriend was absolutely perfect. He completely accommodated me in the game, always checked in on me, and provided plenty of emotional support. For my birthday, he even sent me a gift. I was curious: “How did you know my birthday?” His reply was quick: “Scarlett0123. I guessed the last four digits of your ID might be your birthday, right?” It was indeed my birthday, but those four digits, 0123, were too simple; most people wouldn’t guess them. I felt a little touched. For the first time, I felt curious about him too. I asked him for some information, planning to send him a gift in return. He only said he wanted to meet me in a few days and we could talk about him then. Meet in person? I felt a hint of anticipation. I didn’t really care about his appearance; I just liked an interesting, compatible soul. Even if he was 5’3″, it wouldn’t matter. But then— I snapped back to reality, looking at myself in the mirror, touching the scar on my face. Why was it the department heartthrob? I admit, I care about my appearance. I chickened out.

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Liam Davies, Ashley Wilson, and I grew up together, a close trio. Liam and Ashley had always been at odds, arguing the moment they saw each other. Then Liam became my fiancé, and Ashley became my best friend. A week before Liam and my wedding, I scrolled past a post online. The bride’s back in the photo, and that wedding dress, looked eerily familiar. The caption read: 【I had this dress before her, and I had him first. After all these years, I finally won against her, just once.】 【Ms. Miller, I’m so sorry. The wedding dress won’t be ready until tomorrow; some details still need adjustment.】 Reading the message from the studio, I clicked on that picture from the post again. I zoomed in. The diamond arrangement on the skirt was my design. An hour earlier, Liam had messaged me: 【Chloe, sorry, something came up. I can’t go with you to pick up the dress today.】 Ashley: 【So sorry, Chloe, I have a last-minute appointment today. Can’t help you with the fitting.】 Why was everyone apologizing to me first thing in the morning? I shook my head, trying to dismiss those far-fetched suspicions. Under the post, a comment was pinned: 【Even if it’s just her back, you can tell they’re a perfect match, right?! Childhood sweethearts, girls, if you both love him, you should fight for him!】 I replied beneath it: 【Why would you need to fight for it if you both love each other? Just curious, dying for the full story.】 That evening, Liam and Ashley showed up together. Bickering as usual. “What kind of fiancé are you? You said you’d go with Chloe to pick up the dress. What could be more important than that?” “What about you? You said you’d help her with the fitting, but you disappeared too!” I watched these two people I’d grown up with, one my fiancé, the other my best friend. That post… maybe it was just a coincidence. “Alright, you two. You fight every time you meet. Haven’t you gotten tired of it after all these years?” I feigned a headache. They exchanged a glance, a slight smile playing on their lips. My heart felt a chill right to my core. “The studio said it’ll be ready tomorrow, so it’s fine today.” “Still, we broke our promise. Let’s go out for dinner. To make it up to you, dinner’s on me.” Ashley suggested. “On you? Don’t always try to steal my thunder.” “If anyone’s apologizing, it should be me first.” Liam rolled his eyes at her. He got a playful tap on the shoulder, or rather, a lingering touch on his neck. I saw him freeze. A blush spread across Ashley’s face. “Ashley, what’s wrong? Why is your face so red? Are you not feeling well?” I asked, concerned. “Oh, it’s nothing, nothing. Let’s go.” At the restaurant, Liam and I sat on one side, Ashley sat opposite me. After she came back from the restroom, she naturally sat across from Liam. His hand froze as he reached for my plate, and under the table, Liam’s leg brushed against hers, a subtle, shared signal. Ashley’s expression was delighted. She had a bit too much to drink and insisted on sleeping over at my place. When we arrived, Liam looked at a slurring Ashley, his brows furrowed. “Chloe, maybe I should just take her home. Look at the state she’s in, she’ll just disrupt your sleep.” I nodded. “Drive carefully then.” After washing up, my comment had a reply. 【The three of us grew up together, but I spent more time with him. We were always like a bickering couple. But she liked him too, and he, out of a life-saving debt, promised himself to her. I could only silently bless their union. He couldn’t bear to see me hurt, so he brought her custom-designed wedding dress for me to wear first, giving me an unconventional wedding, just for the two of us. I’m already so content. Tonight is even our wedding night.】 Attached was a picture showing four legs poking out from under the duvet. The nail polish on the feet was a style I’d picked out for her.

The comment section was absolutely wild, shipping them hard, even giving her all sorts of advice. 【Don’t let love slip away like this! Happiness must be fought for. Forget being engaged, even if they were married, they can still divorce!】 【A life-saving debt shouldn’t be confused with love, be brave and make the male lead realize what he’s missing.】 【How about we live stream you stopping the wedding? ~】 【+1!】 Reply: 【Oh no! She’s my best friend too. I can’t betray her for a guy. Honestly, she’s more important to me than he is! As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters~】 【I feel so bad for her, it’s true, the quiet ones never get what they want. Those who understand are crying】 … I remembered playing house in the local park when we were kids. Liam said he wanted me to be his bride. Ashley immediately burst into tears. “No, no! I want to be your bride!” Liam said: “Then both of you can be my brides.” This earned a chuckle from the adults watching. I tried to FaceTime Liam, but he quickly hung up. An hour later, he messaged me: 【Chloe, she’s drunk and disorderly, threw up everywhere. I just finished cleaning up after her.】 Soon, that post was updated again. Sharing a wave of wedding night sweetness. 【After tonight, I have no regrets. I’ll stand on the same stage as you, as a bridesmaid. Wishing you, wishing them, eternal happiness!】 Those words and photos made me dry heave instantly, but the comment section was a different scene entirely. 【Ugh, imagining this, it’s so heartbreaking. Watching your loved one marry your best friend up close, and still having to smile and wish them well.】 【I think the guy should be braver, break off the engagement with the other woman, and marry the blogger.】 【It’s also possible that the other woman isn’t someone to mess with; maybe the blogger and the guy are afraid to take the risk.】 【I hate people who force things like this. You can’t force love. And the blogger puts her first, but she only thinks of herself.】 They jumped to conclusions, and the discussion intensified, painting me as some evil antagonist. Why? Ashley’s father had once been caught up in a huge scandal, and my dad pulled every string, gathered evidence from all sides to clear his name. That period was the darkest phase of her life. I took her into my home, we ate and slept together, I comforted and reassured her. I told her every update my father had immediately. Liam even complained that I’d been neglecting him for Ashley for a long time. “Can you get your priorities straight? Look at the situation right now.” After sending Liam away, she hugged me, crying hysterically: “Chloe… how can you be so good? Without you, I don’t know what I would do. If Liam ever dares to treat you badly, I’ll be the first to go after him.” Twenty years of friendship, and she had two faces. Saying blessings and support to my face, but behind my back, she was a total snake. I felt a chill right to my core. The next day, I went to pick up my wedding dress. “Why are there two diamonds missing here?” The staff exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a timid young woman, finally spoke up, her voice barely a whisper: “Mr. Davies said this design was better.” I immediately called Liam and asked him to come over. He looked at the wedding dress, a flicker of panic in his eyes. “Chloe, why did you come to pick it up yourself?” “There are two diamonds missing here. They said it was your idea?” My tone was flat. “Ah, yes. I thought it would be simpler, less cluttered.” “Then why didn’t you tell me?” “It was Ash—” Liam caught himself, stopping just in time.

“Chloe, are you mad?” I shook my head. “I just think it’s bad luck, like it’s damaged.” “No, it’s not!” His voice was a bit loud, then softened. “Chloe, don’t overthink it. The wedding is almost here. We’ll be officially together soon. Aren’t you happy?” I stroked the wedding dress, not answering him. No matter how much effort I’d put into it, something that had been “used” by someone else, I couldn’t want it anymore. With the wedding drawing near, Ashley’s account updates became more frequent. A countdown series to the wedding. Countdown: Day Five. 【Today he made me my favorite sandwich. She’s never even had it. If I can’t be the only one, then I’ll be the first.】 The picture showed Liam, apron on, busy in the kitchen. I once asked him to cook for me, and he repeatedly refused: “Your princess palate is too refined for my cooking.” Countdown: Day Four. 【He gave her the title, but he gave me that special diamond ring, the one people buy when they swear their one true love. Find me in the next life with this keepsake.】 The picture showed Liam kissing the diamond ring on her ring finger. Even with the blur, the tenderness in that moment was undeniable. 【I can’t take this anymore, can you two just be together? Let’s get a petition going, thousands of us, telling her to let you two be together!】 【Let’s make it happen!】 【Count me in.】 Reply: 【She loves him a lot too. I can’t bear to hurt her, or our years of friendship.】 【But she hurt you, girl! Her silence as the one who benefits is just as bad, no excuses!】 【Exactly! If it comes down to it, let’s all chip in and make her disappear! Ahhh, don’t call me evil, I just can’t stand seeing such a wonderful girl denied her happiness.】(Author liked this comment) 【Seconded.】 Reading these comments, I felt like I’d fallen into an ice pit. If they truly loved each other, they could have just told me. Though it would hurt, I knew what was more important. I could have stepped aside gracefully. But they chose such a low and malicious way to stab me in the back. After I calmed down, I saved all the content. Scrolling further back, it turned out Liam had already been with Ashley three years ago when she was traveling the world. Her photos often showed a blurry half-shoulder, and the reflection of a man in her sunglasses. There were also videos that looked like they were shot from a boyfriend’s perspective. Back then, she’d said love wasn’t important in her world; she valued freedom more. She claimed those people were just fellow travelers she met along the way. At the same time, Liam was on assignment at the European branch of his company. I was completely blind. Three years, and I had no idea. If the algorithm hadn’t led me to her burner account… Countdown: Day Three. I reconfirmed the schedule and details with the wedding planner. Liam glanced at his phone, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Chloe, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here alone.” “I’m heading back to the office to deal with something.” Before I could reply, he walked out with a light step. “Liam!” He turned back, looking puzzled. “There are only three days left. There are some details you need to know; I can’t manage them alone.” He smiled, giving me a thumbs-up. “You can do it. Just update me later.” Liam might have forgotten. When his family, once prominent in public service, had shifted to entrepreneurship, they were targeted by an old rival. Realizing the danger, he dragged me, running frantically through the endless night. In my panic, I instinctively looked back and saw someone pull out a gun. In a split second, I lunged, shielding his back. Fortunately, the shooter wasn’t very good, and the bullet only hit my shoulder blade. But that bone-deep pain, I’d never forget, not as long as I lived.

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After I left the country, every woman Liam Shaw dated was just like me. When my name came up, his friends would always say, “She’s Liam’s unforgettable first love. If Audrey ever returns, none of these other women would stand a chance.” That was until Liam started seeing a rising young actress who who didn’t resemble me at all. Yet, she was the first girlfriend he ever publicly acknowledged. That year, I rushed back home. Everyone waited, expecting to see the ‘first love’ regret everything, hoping for the whole ‘prodigal son returns’ drama. Even Liam subtly probed me, “Audrey, you’ve come back at the wrong time.” But they didn’t know. I wasn’t here to win Liam back. I was here to get married. The moment I stepped out of the airport, I spotted Liam in the crowd. He wore a trench coat, his face looking much more mature than when I’d left years ago. But the expression on his face was too complicated. “They said you were coming back. I thought it was just a rumor.” I came to a stop, my grip tightening on my suitcase. “I’m back to take care of some things,” I replied evenly. Liam took the suitcase from me. “Mr. Miller asked me to pick you up. Don’t get the wrong idea.” I nodded and followed him to the underground parking garage. On the way, I checked my phone. Our group chat, silent for ages, had absolutely blown up. “Liam actually went to pick up Audrey? Is this for real? Audrey’s back in town?” “What about Liam’s current girlfriend, that actress Chloe? Will he dump her?” “Duh! And why do you think Audrey suddenly came back? She’s definitely here to snatch him back!” “Chloe? Please. She’s probably just a fleeting thrill for Liam. Now that Audrey’s back, Chloe would be lucky to even get a glance from him, mark my words.” “I’ve met Chloe. Don’t underestimate her. Anyone who could snag Liam was a force to be reckoned with.” Liam also noticed his phone vibrating non-stop. He quickly checked his messages and said to me, “Audrey, you’ve really picked the wrong time to come back. “I already have a girlfriend.” My hand, halfway to the passenger door, froze mid-air. Instead, I opened the back door. “Congratulations.” The single word slipped from my lips. Liam slammed the car door shut with a noticeable force. Only then did I realize that after all these years, he’d picked up smoking. The Liam I once knew was a model of self-control -he never drank, never smoked, and kept a clear distance from the party scene. But in the years I’d been abroad, I’d heard of at least a dozen different flings he’d had. Liam’s phone rang, and a sickly sweet voice came through. “Liam, I’m so exhausted at the set, can you please come pick me up?” “Send me the address.” “Love you!” Liam hung up, smiling as he looked at me. “You don’t mind if I make a detour to pick up my girlfriend, do you?” “Of course not.” I should have never gotten in his car.

Liam parked near the film set. In the bustling crowd, I spotted Chloe instantly. She stood out too much. Even bundled up, she was immediately recognizable. Fans were taking pictures, and Chloe pulled down her mask a bit, smiling brightly. “Thanks, guys! My boyfriend isn’t famous, so can you please not take pictures of him?” The fans cheered, “We heard your boyfriend is Liam from the Shaw family, is that true?” Chloe didn’t deny it, just held up an index finger to her lips, signaling them to be quiet. Once she was in the car, she took off her sunglasses and gave Liam a quick kiss on the cheek. “Liam, have you been waiting long?” Her eyes darted to me. “And you are?” I offered a polite smile. “Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Audrey, a friend of Liam’s.” Chloe’s smile deepened. “Audrey? I’ve heard a lot about you.” Liam naturally buckled her seatbelt. “Sit tight, I’m about to drive.” Chloe pouted playfully. “Oh, me, always so forgetful! You always have to do it for me.” I turned my gaze to the window, avoiding their display of affection. The car hadn’t been driving long before Chloe started chatting with me. “Audrey, did you ever date anyone while you were abroad all these years?” I answered frankly, “I did.” “I knew it! Audrey, you’re as beautiful as a celebrity, you must have had plenty of admirers, right? “Like Liam, he pursued me. All his friends say I’m different to him, I’m his one true love. “But I just don’t understand, do they mean Liam has a first love or something? I heard you and Liam grew up together. You must know who his first love is, right? Tell me.” She looked at me, her gaze more scrutinizing than curious. Liam frowned. “I don’t have a ‘first love,’ they’re just messing around.” Chloe pouted and started playing on her phone, clearly displeased. The rest of the ride was silent. When Liam dropped me off at home, he didn’t even get out of the car. He rolled down the window and casually said, “My girlfriend’s mad, I need to make it up to her. I won’t come in. Say hi to your parents for me.” I was about to leave when Chloe suddenly called out, “Audrey, let’s connect on SnapChat.” I offered my Snapcode, but she shook her head. “You scan mine. That way you won’t block me.”

My friends threw me a welcome-home party. No one expected Liam to bring Chloe along. Chloe had thoughtfully prepared gifts for everyone. Especially for me. “I heard Liam considers you like family. When Liam and I get married, Audrey, you have to be my bridesmaid.” A few friends’ faces changed. One turned to Liam. “Liam, aren’t you going to say anything?” Liam chuckled. “You want me to be in the doghouse?” Chloe covered her mouth, blushing shyly. She suggested we play Truth or Dare. The bottle spun and landed on me. Everyone was eager, but Chloe stopped them. “Let my boyfriend ask first!” Liam took a sip of his drink, then looked at me. “Did you date anyone abroad?” I nodded. “Yes.” A collective gasp went through the room. Jason, one of Liam’s good friends, teased me, “Come on, Audrey, you know you don’t mean that.” He reached for my glass. “I’ll take this one for you.” The next round, it was Liam’s turn to spin the bottle, and it landed on me again. He asked, “What’s his name?” I replied, “I’d rather not say.” Chloe laughed loudly. “Hah, Audrey, good thing you’re not an actress, otherwise, your acting would be terrible. Men might not notice, but as women, I can tell you’re lying in an instant!” Liam’s usual flings would never dare to speak like that. But sitting beside him now was Chloe. His only acknowledged girlfriend. Liam’s silence indicated his indulgence. I pulled back my hair and smiled. “I’m no actress. I don’t know how to play coy or put on a show like Ms. Chloe.” Chloe’s smile froze. I always prided myself on having a good temper, but I also had a sharp tongue. Liam, it seemed, hadn’t had time to tell Chloe that. However, she had remarkably thick skin. In a flash, she was smiling and pouring me a drink. “A bet’s a bet. If you can’t answer, you drink. Go on.” “Fine.” I generously drained the glass. The bottle in Liam’s hand seemed to have a mind of its own; the next round, it landed on me again. He asked without hesitation, “Why did you come back this time?”

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No one knew that Julian Reed, the aloof and privileged heir, was in truth consumed by insatiable desire, yet crippled by severe germaphobia. But the Reed family’s reputation, their inheritance, couldn’t have the slightest blemish. To keep this secret buried, Julian adopted me from a remote orphanage. He groomed me to be his most exquisite kept woman. To the public, I was his adoptive sister. But when night fell, he’d consume me completely, his touch a desperate entanglement. Ten years passed. He told me countless times that I could only be his, that I had to love him. I did. I thought he felt the same. Until Sloane Hastings appeared, shattering every single one of my illusions. She could lie beside Julian without the meticulous, dozens-of-times full-body disinfection I endured. She could openly accept Julian’s marriage proposal and declarations of love. That’s when I finally understood. I was never his only one. Not before, and certainly not now. I turned, pulled out my phone, and dialed that unfamiliar number. “Vincent, I want to marry you!”

After I was rudely thrown out of the room, Julian carelessly tossed my clothes after me. Then, as if shooing a stray dog, he threw a stack of cash at me. “Don’t come back tonight! Go find a hotel to crash in!” “Sloane doesn’t like outsiders in the house!” He didn’t even bother to close the door properly before quickly tearing off his own clothes, pinning the dirty girl to the bed. Their intimate moans filled the air. My eyes burned with tears, my heart felt like it was stuffed with damp cotton, suffocating me. He had once told me he had severe germaphobia, that he would never casually touch other women! But his primal urges were so intense, he’d unravel without a female presence. That’s why, when I was eight, he chose me and kept me by his side. On my eighteenth birthday, he ‘unwrapped’ me like a cherished gift, claiming what he considered his. My innocence. It was the first time a man had ever made me a promise, and it came from Julian Reed. He’d said I was his only woman, that perhaps in this lifetime, he would only ever have me. Our connection, he’d claimed, was unparalleled. But now, he called me an outsider. He took another girl, right in front of me. And that girl didn’t need to douse herself in antiseptic like I did every single time. Even covered in grime, she was still pressed onto the white sheets by Julian, taken by him without hesitation. He would lower his head, exploring every part of her, without a hint of disgust. My limbs felt like lead, utterly paralyzed. I couldn’t move. I stood there, stiff as a board, outside their door, listening to the muffled sounds of their passion rise and fall throughout the entire night. It wasn’t until the dark sky began to lighten that the sounds from the room finally quieted. I moved my numb, stiff body, clutching my crumpled clothes to my chest, and fled the scene in a daze. After I changed, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find Julian, already in a black suit, hair meticulously combed, his expression as unreadable as ever. He looked at me with no trace of guilt, as if nothing had happened. “Harper, where’s that Chanel set I bought you last time?” I bit my lip, tears stinging my eyes, defying me by falling. “Julian, aren’t you going to explain? Why did you bring another woman home? That bed… isn’t it just for me?” Julian’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze a storm of emotions – disgust, impatience, and a barely contained fury. “Harper, you’ve overstepped! Yes, you bear the Reed name, but don’t forget, I gave it to you. Know your place!” With that, he ignored my hurt, reaching out his hand directly. “Give me the dress!” Trembling, I took the pink Chanel set from the closet. I’d pestered him to buy it for me when I accompanied him to a fashion show once. He had gently agreed, buying the most expensive set there. “Want more? I can buy you anything you like.” I’d clung to him, blushing, and whispered in his ear, “I like you. Can I buy you?” He’d chuckled softly, “If you like me, just take me. I’m only yours!” But now, before I’d even had a chance to wear it, he was taking it to give to someone else. Muffled footsteps sounded from outside the door. Julian took the clothes, opened the door, and saw Sloane Hastings standing barefoot outside my room. “Why are you out here? You’ll catch a cold. Go back inside!” His voice was so gentle, a tenderness I’d only ever heard in bed. Once out of bed, I felt humble and distant in front of him, as if the man who’d consumed me night after night wasn’t him. But now, he could casually offer that same tenderness to this Sloane Hastings. Who was she? What did she truly mean to him? Sloane’s cheeks were flushed, and pink marks dotted her skin where her towel didn’t quite cover. She clung to Julian’s arm, whining coyly, feigning an innocent pout. “Are you mad? You’re not trying to take advantage, are you, Julian? No, no!” Julian chuckled, playfully pinching her nose. “You’re overthinking it, love. You know about my… condition. I had to keep someone around to manage it, but with you, Sloane, I won’t need anyone else.” Boom! My heart exploded, a pounding rhythm echoing through my very soul. I never imagined he would so easily reveal the secret of his “condition” – his primal urges and agoraphobia – a secret he’d guarded for years. This meant Sloane was more than just a passing fling. He was serious! And I was merely a replaceable tool! Julian walked away, holding the woman close, their laughter drifting from the other room once more. As their door slammed shut with a thud. I finally snapped awake. He didn’t need me. So why was I tying my entire worth to this one man? Julian Reed, from now on, you won’t be my only one either. You’ll be my stepping stone. I’ll use everything you taught me to climb to the position I truly desire! I wiped away my tears, rubbed my numb face, and pulled out my phone to dial a number. “Vincent, you once said whoever could break through your… detachment… would become the Reed family matriarch. I want to try!”

The voice on the other end paused for a moment, then came the man’s deep, slightly angry tone. “Don’t be ridiculous, Harper. You’re Julian’s adoptive sister, and I’m your uncle!” I bit my lip, my voice firm. “I’m not kidding! Uncle… no, Vincent, I’m only his adoptive sister, but in the future, I don’t have to be.” Vincent on the phone seemed to hesitate. In the Reed family, the only unmarried men, besides Julian, were Vincent. As an orphan, if I wanted to solidify my place in the Reed family, and gain a share in their business, this was my only path. Marrying Vincent, becoming his wife, would unconditionally grant me ten percent of the Reed family’s shares. And an even more generous dowry. Vincent suffered from a hidden ailment; unlike Julian, he was extremely detached from women. He had tried various medications, but women simply didn’t interest him. But the Reed family had more than one male heir. The vast Reed empire would inevitably fall to the one who could secure an heir. Succession and power hinge on heirs, especially male ones. “If, after one year, I can’t bear a Reed heir, I’ll leave the family!” “But if I succeed, I want an additional five percent of the Reed family shares that the matriarch controls. And I want to study finance and work at Reed Corp. Those are my terms.” Vincent suddenly let out a burst of laughter. Just as I thought he wouldn’t agree, he finally spoke. “Alright! Come over tonight, I’ll pick you up!” I nodded. “Okay, I’ll wait for you!” After hanging up, I realized my palms were sweating. Julian had appeared behind me at some point, his voice displeased. “Who are you waiting for?” I spun around, seeing him holding Sloane Hastings’ hand, now dressed in a white suit that matched her dress. I pretended not to care, offering a faint smile. “It’s none of your business, Julian…” It had been a long time since I called him Julian. His face darkened. He was about to say something when Sloane, by his side, cut him off. “Julian, didn’t you have something to clear up with Harper?” Julian’s tone suddenly softened as he handed me a bank card. “I’ll transfer you ten thousand a month from now on. Starting today, don’t ever appear in front of me again.” I forced a bitter smile. Even though I’d prepared myself to leave, the thought of severing fifteen years of attachment still brought tears to my eyes. Just as they were about to fall, I hastily wiped them away, took the bank card, and squeezed out a smile. “Okay, Julian! Thank you for these fifteen years of looking after me!” I left everything Julian had given me behind, taking only my personal documents. I stood outside the door with my half-empty suitcase. Sloane suddenly walked over, extending her hand. “That bracelet on your wrist, that’s from the Reed family, isn’t it? Give it to me!” I instinctively shielded it. “This isn’t from him. This is my mother’s heirloom…” “Harper Reed, you’re just a cheap bed-warmer! Low-class trash! How dare you dream of the Reed family? Who gave you that right? Give it to me!” I clenched my fingers tightly, glaring at her. “This bracelet was my mother’s! And you have no right to insult me!” Sloane scoffed dismissively. Without Julian present, she was cruel and malicious. I couldn’t understand why Julian would like such a two-faced woman! She leaned in close again, whispering her boast. “What else would you be but low-class trash? Julian told me everything. He has that ‘condition,’ that’s why he kept you around.” “I should thank you for being his personal plaything all these years, satisfying his needs!” “But a cockroach like you, crawling out of a gutter, will never have any ties to the Reed family! I, Sloane Hastings, am the one meant to stand beside him! Don’t dream of what isn’t yours! Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make you regret it!” With that, she suddenly grabbed my bracelet, twisting hard. The loose bracelet snapped, falling to the ground and breaking into three pieces. Smack! I slapped Sloane hard across the face. She clutched her cheek, tears streaming down, looking utterly pitiful. Julian heard the sound and immediately rushed out, then, without a word, he brutally returned the slap to me. My ears rang, and I fell to the ground, the bracelet fragments digging deep into my palm. Julian’s face was grim. He then savagely stomped on the back of my hand. “Harper Reed! Apologize!”

Excruciating pain spread from my palm, making my whole body tremble uncontrollably. But I stubbornly refused to open my mouth. In his eyes, however, this was an act of defiance, a challenge. “No apology? Then don’t ever call me brother again! You won’t get a single penny more!” With that, he yanked the red cord from his neck and tossed it into the trash can. That red cord was one I had personally braided, holding the handmade plain silver ring I’d given him. Red cord broken, fate severed. I laughed bitterly, tears now unrestrained. “Fine! Julian Reed, I swear, from this moment on, we have absolutely nothing to do with each other!” Julian’s body stiffened, then he put his arm around Sloane and walked away. With my swollen hand, I painstakingly picked up the fragments of the bracelet from the ground. A car pulled up behind me. Vincent got out, helped me into the car. He saw my injury, applied antiseptic, and bandaged it, but didn’t ask a single question. My phone rang. It was Julian. I hung up directly. The screen lit up. He’d sent a message. “Come home tomorrow. We need to sign a relationship termination agreement!” “From now on, you are no longer part of my Reed family!” With trembling fingers, I painstakingly typed out a single word. “Okay!” Just as I was about to turn off my phone, I saw a several-second video Sloane had sent me. All my clothes and jewelry in my room had been thrown into the trash, replaced by things Julian had given her. The photo of Julian and me on the bedside table had been cut up, my image shredded from it. And Julian sat beside her, his face full of adoration, tacitly approving her every action. “Sloane, there are some private photos of us in the closet. You can get rid of those too.” Then he took a thick stack of photos from a box in the closet and handed them to Sloane. I turned off my phone, wearily closing my eyes. Unbeknownst to me, I had fallen asleep. When I woke, the car was already parked in Vincent’s villa garage. He sat beside me, focused and serious, working. His suit jacket was draped over me. “Uncle Vincent…” “Call me Vincent!” “Vincent, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting so long.” Vincent wasn’t angry. He got out of the car, opened my door for me, and took my hand, resting it on his shoulder. He picked me up and carried me into the villa. “You’ll live here from now on. Also, I’ve enrolled you in a finance program. You can start classes whenever you’re ready.” I quickly pushed aside all my gloomy emotions. I always knew what I wanted. I didn’t want to go back to the cramped, dark room of the orphanage, nor did I want to beg on my knees for a mouthful of food. All I wanted was money and power. That night, I used every trick Julian had taught me. Vincent and I didn’t close our eyes the entire night. It wasn’t until my alarm rang that I jolted awake from my dream. I’d promised to go with Julian to finalize the relationship termination agreement today. “Do you want me to take you?” Vincent’s arm was wrapped around me, his hoarse, deep voice lingering in my ear. I shook my head. “No, I want to end this myself.” “Alright. If anything happens, call me!”

Arriving at Julian Reed’s villa, I entered the usual password, but it showed as incorrect. I forced a bitter smile. I’d forgotten there was no longer a place for me here. Just as I was about to knock, someone suddenly clamped a hand over my mouth and nose, shoving me into a car. Sloane Hastings’ sneering voice came from above me. “Harper Reed, you’re truly shameless! You’ve been kicked out, and you still dare to come here to tempt Julian?” “You’re so desperate for a man, well, I’ll satisfy you!” My eyes widened in terror. The car sped off towards a remote location. And the hands covering my mouth suddenly groped my chest. Rip! The thin fabric tore instantly. “This chick’s hot! Ms. Hastings, you weren’t lying, right? We can do whatever we want?” Sloane lit a cigarette, watching me playfully. “Just don’t kill her. Leave her a breath.” I desperately spat out the rag stuffed in my mouth, screaming in horror. “Sloane Hastings! Aren’t you afraid Julian will find out about this?!” She just laughed carelessly. “So what if he knows? He won’t blame me.” “Julian and I are getting married soon. In his eyes, your existence is just a stain. If I help him clean up this stain, he’ll even be grateful!” With that, her eyes suddenly hardened, and I saw pure jealousy. “Today I’m warning you, every place Julian touched on you, I’ll have another man defile! That way, in his eyes, you’ll be completely dirty!” “Have a wonderful day!” Sloane pulled out her phone and aimed it at me. I felt an increasing heat spread through my body. “Sloane You drugged me!” Sloane laughed maniacally. A man’s rough palm squeezed the tender flesh of my inner thigh. All I felt was hatred and shame. Then I bit down hard, tearing the man’s palm, threw open the car door, and jumped out. Thud! I was hit by a car that had sped up behind me, sending me flying. After a heavy landing, I saw that the car that hit me was Julian’s. He got out in a panic, distraught at the sight of me lying in a pool of blood. “Harper…” But before he could reach me, another voice cut him off. “Julian… help me…” “Sloane!” He quickly ran towards Sloane Hastings. I reached out to him, crying out in despair, but he didn’t spare me a single glance. Sloane clutched her chest, sobbing uncontrollably. “Julian, Harper… she… she got men to humiliate me… I argued with her, and she accidentally fell out of the car…” “Don’t be scared, I’m here! I’m here for you!” Julian’s eyes burned with intense hatred. “Harper Reed! You utterly disgust me!” I tried to argue. “I didn’t…” “Still trying to deny it! Harper, you stay here and reflect! When you realize your mistake, then I’ll come save you!” And just like that, Julian carried Sloane away. Leaving me, with broken legs and bleeding profusely, behind. After they left, I trembling took out my phone and sent Vincent a location. Vincent arrived quickly, his entire body shaking with tension. I almost hallucinated, feeling a bone-chilling coldness emanating from the usually gentle Vincent. After being admitted to the hospital, Vincent canceled all his work to take care of me for a month, until I was discharged. At the same time, news spread through the Reed family. Julian Reed and Sloane Hastings were getting married. Vincent covered my legs with a blanket, his eyes full of smiles as he said to me. “Harper, it’s time to make our relationship public.” “Today?” “Today!” A black Maybach pulled up outside Julian Reed’s wedding venue. It was a traditional Western wedding. As the officiant loudly announced. “Mr. Vincent and his fiancée, Ms. Harper Reed, have arrived to extend their congratulations!” All eyes turned to us. And I clearly saw Julian, the boutonnière he held in his hand falling to the ground the moment he saw me. His body trembled, his face pale.

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