While organizing my daughter’s backpack, I found a photograph tucked away in a hidden compartment. In it, Eric held a two or three-year-old girl, smiling gently. That child wasn’t my daughter. I flipped it over and saw a line of handwriting: “To Daddy’s Dearest Little One, Happy First Birthday.” Eric’s handwriting was all too familiar. In five years of marriage, every note, every love letter he’d written, I’d kept in a small metal box. I stared at that line for a long time. Dearest Little One. So he used that phrase, too. Just never for my daughter. I pulled out my phone and messaged Eric: “When did you learn to be a dad?” He replied quickly. “?” I didn’t answer. Putting the photo back in my daughter’s backpack, I went to my study. I opened my laptop and found the divorce papers. You can continue to be someone else’s father. My daughter, I will raise myself. 1 When Eric called, I was at the hospital with Lily, our daughter, getting an IV drip. Lily, three and a half, was burning up with a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit, her little face flushed, whimpering in my arms. I held her with one arm and my phone with the other, listening to the person on the other end. “Tonight’s dinner engagement is unavoidable. Put Lily to bed early, don’t wait up for me.” “She has a fever,” I said. “One hundred and three degrees.” There was a second of silence on the other end. “Then take her to the hospital, what good am I? I’m not a doctor.” “I’m already at the hospital.” “Well, there you go.” His tone was tinged with impatience. “I really can’t get away here. The deal with Mr. Jenkins is signing tomorrow, I have to be at this dinner tonight. You can handle it alone, right?” I looked at Lily in my arms. She was feverish and hazy, still calling out “Daddy.” “She’s calling for you,” I said. “…” “Eric, she’s calling for you.” “Alright, alright, I get it. I’ll come see her after I’m done. I have to go.” The call ended. I stared at the screen for a few seconds. It went dark, then lit up again with a new message: “Remember to give her medicine, don’t forget again.” I didn’t reply. Lily had a fever all night, and I held her all night. By morning, her temperature finally dropped, and she slept soundly in my arms. I leaned against the hospital bed, just closing my eyes in a daze when my phone rang again. It was Eric. “Which hospital are you at? I’ll come by.” I gave him the address. Half an hour later, he appeared at the ward door, carrying a fruit basket, dressed in a perfectly ironed suit, as if he’d just stepped away from an important event. He walked to the bedside and looked down at Lily. “Fever’s gone?” “Yes.” “Good.” He placed the fruit basket on the nightstand. “What did the doctor say?” “Viral infection, two days of observation.” He nodded, glanced at his watch. “Then I’ll be going. There are things to do at the firm. If I can’t make it back tonight, order takeout for yourself.” I watched his back disappear through the doorway. From the moment he entered until he left, it was less than five minutes. He didn’t touch Lily’s hand. Didn’t ask if she’d been uncomfortable last night. He didn’t even spare her a second glance. I lowered my head, looking at my daughter’s small face. She was still asleep, her brow furrowed, as if having a bad dream. I suddenly remembered that photo. “To Daddy’s Dearest Little One, Happy First Birthday.” It turned out he wasn’t unable to be a dad. He just couldn’t be Lily’s dad. 2 Eric’s distance from Lily seemed to have been set the day she was born. He was away on a business trip that day. When my contractions started, I called him. He was having dinner with a client. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m done,” he said. I waited for thirty-six hours. By the time he returned, I had already signed the consent forms for surgery, gone into the delivery room, and given birth to Lily, all by myself. He stood in the hospital room, looking at the swaddled baby, with an unfamiliar expression on his face. Like he was looking at someone else’s child. “You worked hard,” he said. Then he went to the law firm. During my postpartum recovery, he came home a handful of times, staying less than half an hour each visit. My mother couldn’t bear it, grumbling behind his back. “Who does a father like that?” I defended him. “He’s busy. He just became a partner; he has a lot of cases.” My mother sighed. “No matter how busy, a husband and father should still care for his wife and child, shouldn’t he?” I didn’t speak. I didn’t know how to defend him either. When Lily was three months old, she cried inconsolably at night, and I couldn’t soothe her. Eric was woken up, sat up with a frown. “Can you make her stop crying?” “She’s fighting sleep, what can I do?” “Then take her out and soothe her. I have court tomorrow.” I took Lily to the living room. That night, I sat on the sofa until dawn. When Lily turned one, I held a small birthday party at home. Eric promised to come, but then a client called last minute. “You guys start without me, I’ll try to make it.” I waited until the cake was cut, and he still hadn’t returned. Lily grabbed a pen, smiling to show her two tiny teeth. I took a photo and sent it to him. He replied. “Good. She can be a lawyer someday.” I asked. “Where are you?” He replied. “With a client, can’t leave.” He came home very late that night. I had already put Lily to sleep. He tiptoed in, glanced at her, then lay down, turning his back to me. “Sleep,” he said. I looked at his back and suddenly felt that this man was very far away from me. Very far. 3 I found that photo on Lily’s third birthday. She had just learned to pack her own backpack, and every day before preschool, she insisted on organizing her things herself. That morning, as she rummaged through her backpack, she pulled out a photo, held it up, and asked me: “Mommy, who’s this?” I took it. In the photo, Eric was holding a little girl, with a children’s amusement park in the background. The girl wore a pink dress, with two small braids, looking about two or three years old. Eric’s smile was incredibly gentle. A tenderness I rarely saw on his face. I flipped it over and saw the handwriting. “To Daddy’s Dearest Little One, Happy First Birthday.” The date was last year. Last year, Lily was two. Eric had said he was busy with a big case, barely coming home for three months. I had taken Lily to her check-ups, for her vaccinations, and celebrated her birthday all by myself. So, this was what he was busy with. I squatted down, looking into Lily’s eyes. “This is Daddy’s friend,” I said. “The photo might have been put in by mistake.” Lily nodded, half-understanding, and ran off. I put the photo back in her backpack and went to the balcony. I stood there for a long time. The wind was strong, making my eyes sting. I remembered the first time Eric held my hand, at the university library entrance during our sophomore year. It was raining heavily that day, and I didn’t have an umbrella, so I stood under the eaves, waiting for the rain to stop. He walked over, holding an umbrella, and said. “Let me walk you back to your dorm.” The umbrella was small; half of his body got soaked. When we reached the dorm building, he handed me the umbrella. “Keep it. Just give it back tomorrow.” I asked him. “How will you get back?” He smiled. “I’ll just run fast.” And then he really ran into the rain. I watched his back, my heart skipped a beat. Three years of dating, five years of marriage. Eight years. I thought I knew him. But that photo made me realize I had never truly seen who he was. 4 From that day on, I started paying attention. I noted the time he came home, the expression on his face when he looked at his phone, the occasional “overtime” absences. I discovered many things I hadn’t noticed before. He had one weekend trip every month, but the destination was always a nearby city, a same-day round trip. He never let go of his phone, even taking it into the bathroom when he showered. He would occasionally buy children’s toys, but never said who they were for, just leaving them casually in the entryway. Once, I couldn’t help but ask. “Is this for Lily?” He paused, then said. “Oh, right, for her.” But he had bought a doll. Lily liked toy cars. I didn’t expose him. I just put that doll into the deepest part of the cabinet. Three months later, I found a shopping receipt in the pocket of his discarded suit jacket. Children’s amusement park, weekend, two adults and one child. The date was precisely the day he had gone on his “business trip” last month. That night, Lily had a fever again. I held her, sleepless through the night. In the early hours, I suddenly remembered something. From the day Lily was born until now, how many times had Eric taken her to a children’s amusement park? Not once. He said he was busy, no time. He said, later, when he had fewer cases. He said, there’s always tomorrow. It turned out his there’s always tomorrow was all for someone else. 5 The truth came from Lily’s preschool teacher. That day, I went to pick up Lily after school, and the teacher called me over. “Mrs. Peterson, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” “What is it?” The teacher seemed a little hesitant. “It’s just… recently, a lady has been regularly coming to the preschool gate at dismissal time, saying she’s Mr. Peterson’s friend, and wants to see Lily.” My heart tightened. “What lady?” “In her twenties, long hair, quite pretty,” the teacher recalled. “She said her name was Amelia Vance, and she’s very close with Mr. Peterson. She also said…” “Said what else?” “She also said she has a daughter about Lily’s age, and she wanted Lily to meet her so they could play together sometime.” I stood there, my hands and feet growing cold. “I didn’t let her see Lily,” the teacher quickly added. “Preschool policy states that only immediate family members can pick up children. I just felt it was a little strange, so I wanted to tell you.” I thanked the teacher and walked out with Lily. By the gate, I saw a white car parked by the roadside. The window was half-open, revealing a young woman’s face. Long hair, big eyes, exquisite makeup. She saw me, paused, then rolled up the window and drove away. I stood there, watching the car disappear around the corner. Lily tugged at my hand. “Mommy, why aren’t we going?” I looked down at her. “Lily, do you know that lady?” Lily shook her head. I crouched down and hugged her. “It’s good that you don’t know her,” I said. “It’s good that you don’t know her.” That night, Eric came home early. When he walked in, I was in the kitchen cooking. He came over and hugged me from behind. “Why are you being so sweet today, cooking yourself?” I didn’t move, continuing to chop vegetables. “Someone came to see Lily at preschool today,” I said. His hands paused. “She said she was your friend, last name Vance.” He let go of me, walked around to face me. I couldn’t read the expression on his face. “You saw her?” “Yes, I did.” He was silent for a few seconds. “She… she’s my client’s sister. I’ve met her a few times before. Maybe she was just passing by and wanted to see Lily.” “A client’s sister, why would she want to see my daughter?” His brows furrowed. “Eleanor, what is that supposed to mean?” I put down the knife and looked up at him. “Eric, is there anything you’re hiding from me?” His eyes flickered. Just for an instant, but I saw it. “No,” he said. “What could I possibly hide from you?” I looked at him and suddenly felt very tired. Eight years. I thought I understood him, but I never did. “Good then,” I said. “Let’s eat.” He stood there, as if wanting to say something more. But I had already turned and carried the dishes out of the kitchen. 6 Dinner was quiet. Lily sat in her high chair, eating with her spoon. Eric occasionally glanced at her, his gaze complex. After dinner, as I cleared the dishes, he went into his study to take a call. The door wasn’t fully closed, and I could hear his voice. “…I know, don’t rush… I’ll handle it… Wait for my call.” His voice was very low, but every word was clear. I stood in the kitchen, my hand on the sink, unmoving. The faucet was running, the sound of rushing water. My mind was also a blank. After hanging up, he came out. “I’m going out for a bit. Something came up.” I didn’t turn around. “Okay.” He walked to the door, then stopped again. “Eleanor.” “Hmm?” “…Let’s talk when I get back.” The door closed. I continued washing dishes. I washed for a long time, until my fingers were wrinkled. He didn’t come back that night. At two in the morning, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. My phone lit up. A text message from an unknown number: “Eleanor, it’s Amelia. There are some things I’d like to discuss with you. Can we meet?” I stared at the words for a long time. Then I replied: “Time and place.”

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My son, Jim, was playful. He accidentally started a fire at home. I tied him in a sheet and lowered him from the balcony, then jumped from the third floor myself, breaking a leg. Jim vowed at my bedside never to let me be hurt again. When my drunk husband, Arthur, called me a cripple, Jim smashed a bottle over his head. Arthur fled, dropping divorce papers. At Jim’s coming-of-age party, three drunk men harassed me. Jim stabbed them with a dinner knife, killing one. He got three years in prison. After his release, I moved abroad, leaving him the company, to keep him from hurting others for my sake. Before Jim’s wedding, he flew me back. His fiancée mistook me for his mistress. On the wedding day, she and her friends cornered me in a jewelry store, shaved my head, broke my other leg, and stitched my mouth shut. They stuffed me in a sack and sent me to the wedding. “Honey, this wretch bullied me and insulted your mother!” Jim, enraged, smashed a chair over my head. As I lay dying, his fiancée opened the sack to show my face. “Haha, darling, actually, the wretch you just hit is the vixen who was seducing you. A surprise from me, do you like it?” … To keep Jim from getting into trouble again because of me, I had stayed abroad for a full five years. During those years, I suppressed my longing and avoided meeting him. But marriage is a lifelong event, and I didn’t want to miss my son’s most important moment. So, I agreed to return home. Reunited after so long, Jim was overjoyed. During dinner, he even took a photo with me and posted it on social media. The caption read: “Long time no see, the most important person in my life.” Throughout the meal, he talked non-stop, describing how he had grown the company over the years and become the wealthiest man in the city. He also told me he had found the perfect fiancée for me, someone he was sure I would adore. Seeing my son so mature and successful, I was immensely gratified. I was also filled with anticipation for the fiancée he spoke so highly of. I planned to pick out a thoughtful gift for her to mark our meeting. On the wedding day, I arrived at the jewelry store early. I had just purchased a necklace worth three hundred thousand dollars when a commotion suddenly erupted outside. “This is outrageous! I’m getting married today, and that hussy dares to try and seduce my fiancé at a time like this? Is she trying to ruin my wedding?!” “Everyone knows Mr. Malone is madly in love with you! That little harlot stepping in at such an important moment is clearly a deliberate provocation!” “Exactly! I think she’s coveting your position as the CEO’s wife. We absolutely have to make an example of her this time, so all those hussies out there know that the CEO’s wife’s authority is not to be trifled with!” Soon, onlookers gathered outside. I was a little perplexed and asked the sales assistant what was happening. The assistant said, “I heard that Mr. Malone has a mistress, and that mistress is openly provoking his fiancée on the day of his wedding. Now, the fiancée, Miss Rosalie Hayes, is leading a group of bridesmaids to confront the mistress!” Hearing this, I frowned slightly. I had seen photos of Rosalie Hayes; she certainly looked very sweet. Jim had also gushed about her virtues all last night. I had unconsciously grown quite fond of this future daughter-in-law. So, I immediately called Jim: “Jim, today is your wedding day. How could you be out finding a mistress? Is this fair to Rosalie?” Jim was utterly surprised: “Mistress? What mistress?” “Don’t play innocent with me! Rosalie is already going to confront her! I’m telling you, our family does not tolerate home-wrecking mistresses. And Rosalie is a good girl. If you dare do anything to betray her, I will disown you as my son.” Hanging up the phone, I saw Rosalie, accompanied by her bridesmaids, walking towards me. I was about to hand her the necklace and try to calm her down. But Rosalie immediately slapped me hard across the face. “You crippled hag, how dare you try to seduce my fiancé?” “Did you think I wouldn’t find you hiding here? Today, I’ll show you, you wretch, the authority of the CEO’s wife!” The sudden slap was forceful and brutal, leaving me dizzy and disoriented. All the onlookers turned their gaze to me. “So, this is the mistress who’s seducing Mr. Malone. She looks decent, but who knew she was so shameless.” “Some people look proper on the surface, but God knows what kind of wild behavior they get up to behind closed doors.” “Exactly! And spending money in a jewelry store, too. She’s clearly an experienced gold digger.” I ignored the onlookers’ comments, only explaining earnestly to Rosalie: “Your name is Rosalie Hayes, right? You’ve got it wrong; I’m not the mistress you’re looking for.” Rosalie scoffed, then pulled out her phone and showed me a photo. “Still trying to deny it? My fiancé never likes taking photos. If you weren’t his mistress, why would he take a photo with you?” “What, you have the nerve to be a mistress, but not the face to admit it?” With that, Rosalie glanced at the necklace in my hand, snatched it, slammed it to the ground, and crushed it under her heel: “You dare to use my fiancé’s money to buy jewelry? You despicable wretch, do you even deserve it?” It was then, seeing the screenshot of the photo of Jim and me together, that I understood. Rosalie had mistaken me, his own mother, for a mistress seducing her son? I immediately started to explain: “I’m not a mistress, I’m Jim’s…” Slap! Before I could finish, Rosalie slapped me again. “Jim? You dare to call him so intimately right in front of me? And still claim you’re not his mistress?” “A crippled hag like you, do you really think you can compete with me for a man?” Several bridesmaids chimed in: “I bet this cripple’s leg was broken by another wife when she was trying to seduce her husband.” “Such a depraved woman probably gets beaten a lot.” “She’s shameless anyway, so today we’ll strip her clothes off and give her a good public shaming!” The bridesmaids were all indignant, eager to tear me apart. Rosalie was very pleased with their suggestion, directly kicking me to the ground. She said coldly, “Strip her clean!” Several bridesmaids immediately surrounded me, forcibly tearing at my clothes. I struggled and shouted, “Stop! I am Jim Malone’s mother!” Hearing my words, the bridesmaids tearing at my clothes paused. Rosalie narrowed her eyes, staring at me intently: “You just said you’re Jim’s mother?” I stated emphatically, “That’s right!” I had thought that by revealing the truth, they would realize their mistake. But to my surprise, they burst into laughter, as if they had heard the funniest joke imaginable: “With your intelligence, no wonder you only earn money by selling your body. How can you even tell such a ridiculous lie?” “He’s the CEO! Do you know how dignified the CEO’s mother is? A low-class cripple like you dares to compare yourself to her?” “You vixen look barely in your thirties. How could you have a grown son like Mr. Malone? Do you think we’re as stupid as you?” Amidst the laughter, Rosalie grabbed my hair and sneered, “I thought you were smart and cunning, to make my fiancé take a photo with you, which he never does. But I didn’t expect you to be so utterly stupid. Don’t you know my fiancé cares most about his mother? You cheap little harlot, to avoid a beating, you actually claim to be my mother-in-law? You must really be tired of living!” With that, Rosalie’s eyes hardened, and she spoke to the bridesmaids: “Shave this harlot’s head clean for me. Let’s see how she tries to seduce men after this!” This group of people was clearly prepared. As soon as Rosalie finished speaking, several of them pulled out scissors from a black bag. Then they walked menacingly towards me. I looked younger for my age, and my appearance had always been good. But my leg injury was stubborn; years of treatment had failed to completely cure it. This had become a source of pain for my son, and he most resented anyone calling me a cripple. He would never voluntarily mention it to anyone. Yet, unexpectedly, these very facts became their reasons for disbelieving my identity. Seeing them about to cut my hair, I struggled and shouted again, “I am truly Jim Malone’s mother! If you don’t believe me, you can call him!” Hearing my words, they became even more unrestrained. Several of them surrounded me, haphazardly cutting my hair while slapping my face repeatedly: “You cheap harlot, your mouth is really tough. Even after being exposed, you still dare to lie? I’ll beat your mouth to a pulp!” Soon, my face swelled up, red and bruised. On my bald scalp, there were blood marks everywhere from the violent haircut. Seeing this, Rosalie laughed with satisfaction: “Hahahaha, look, doesn’t this harlot look like a turtle without its shell?” The bridesmaids also burst into laughter. A middle-aged woman among the onlookers couldn’t bear it any longer and stepped forward to offer kind advice: “Girls, I think you’ve taught her enough of a lesson. Perhaps you should find a piece of clothing to cover her up. If her family saw her like this, how heartbroken would they be?” Hearing this, Rosalie snorted, glaring at the woman. “My business, teaching a harlot a lesson, is none of yours. You’re so eager to defend a mistress, you must not be any good either. Are you also a mistress who’s lived to this age, so you can empathize with her? My fiancé is Jim Malone, the wealthiest man in this city. If you dare challenge me, do you believe I won’t teach you a lesson too?” My son was not only the local CEO but also notoriously ruthless. His past deeds of going to prison were widely known, and everyone knew he was a tough character. As soon as the middle-aged woman heard that Rosalie’s backing was my son, she immediately shut her mouth and quietly retreated into the crowd. Rosalie’s gaze returned to its icy coldness, and she looked down at me. “You crippled hag, usually limping around, it must be quite tiring, right? Today, I, the CEO’s wife, will do a good deed and relieve you.” With that, she shouted to the bridesmaids: “Bring the tools! I want this wretch to be able to crawl only from now on!” Hearing this, the bridesmaid carrying the black bag immediately pulled out a steel pipe and handed it to Rosalie. Rosalie took the steel pipe, her eyes fixed on me with vicious malevolence. Before I could react further, she raised the steel pipe and brought it down hard on my right leg. CRACK! The sound of bone breaking echoed. Intense pain quickly swept over me, making me break into a cold sweat and almost pass out. “A vile mistress like you deserves to crawl on the ground like a worm. A cripple, do you even deserve to compete with me for a man? I’m telling you, this position of CEO’s wife can only be mine!” Rosalie looked down at me from above, speaking arrogantly. Jim had always said Rosalie was gentle, considerate, kind, and generous. I believed him, and I was very pleased with Rosalie as a future daughter-in-law. But I never expected her to be such a brutal and cruel character. I gasped weakly, gritting my teeth. “You won’t be the CEO’s wife, I’m afraid.” Hearing my words, Rosalie’s face instantly turned icy. “You wretched woman, you dare to curse me? Since your dog mouth can’t say anything I want to hear, then don’t speak again.” With that, Rosalie directly took out a needle and thread from the black bag. Seeing this, a timid bridesmaid spoke with a hint of fear: “Rosalie, won’t this be going too far in public? Won’t it be against the law?” Rosalie, emboldened, said: “What’s there to be afraid of? My fiancé is the CEO. He always dotes on me. If anything happens, he’ll take care of it. It wouldn’t even matter if I took this wretch’s life!” With that, Rosalie, like a grim reaper, squatted in front of me. She had someone hold my mouth tightly. And then, she began to stitch my mouth shut, needle by needle. Each jab of the needle, each pull of the thread, caused me excruciating pain. Blood dripped in pools, flowing onto the ground. In just a few minutes, I felt like I was living for years. Unable to open my mouth, I could only utter desperate moans of pain. Rosalie finally stopped, satisfied, only when my lips were tightly sewn together. “Excellent. This wretch can finally shut her mouth.” She stood up, smiling, and wiped the blood from her hands. Several bridesmaids chimed in, “Rosalie truly lives up to being the CEO’s wife. She has a complete method for dealing with wretches like this.” “Without ruthless methods, your position isn’t stable. Our Rosalie is born for fortune.” “That’s right. That’s why God wants Rosalie to deal with this low-class mistress on her wedding day!” Under the relentless flattery of the bridesmaids, Rosalie’s lips curved upward. It was as if she could already see herself living a glorious life as a wealthy socialite. She raised her foot again and stomped hard on my face. “You wretch, didn’t you keep saying I wouldn’t be the CEO’s wife? Then I’ll take you to my wedding and let you witness firsthand how I grandly marry into a wealthy family!” “I’ll even make my fiancé tear you apart himself, you mistress, and make you feel what true despair is!” Rosalie shoved me into a sack and dragged me all the way to the wedding venue. The sack rolled and rubbed against the ground, creating many small holes. Through these holes, I saw the huge green lawn transformed into a perfect wedding site. The place was packed with people, and many reporters were live-streaming. The CEO’s wedding was drawing immense attention. In the very center of the venue, Jim stood by the main seat, gazing into the distance. That was the seat Jim had specially reserved for me. He was waiting for my arrival. Seeing Rosalie enter the wedding venue with the bloodstained large sack, everyone in the crowd was stunned. Jim, even more confused, asked, “What’s in there?” Rosalie looped her arm through Jim’s and complained tearfully, “Honey, inside is a wicked wretch. She not only bullied me and cursed that I couldn’t marry you, but she also insulted our mother and tainted her reputation!” Several bridesmaids also chimed in: “Yes, we’ve never seen such an arrogant wretch. Her disdainful face was infuriating.” “Luckily, Rosalie caught her immediately. Otherwise, Rosalie and Mrs. Malone’s reputations would have been completely destroyed by this wretch.” “Mr. Malone, you must not let her off easily, or else anyone will dare to step on Rosalie and your mother and bully them.” After hearing their words, Jim’s face darkened to the extreme. “Dare to taint my mom’s reputation?” Jim, filled with boundless fury, slowly walked towards me. Seeing this, the guests at the scene whispered amongst themselves: “Mr. Malone is not only the wealthiest man in our city, but he’s also notoriously ruthless. I once heard that someone bullied his mother, and he, with just a dinner knife, left one dead and two injured, and spent several years in prison for it.” “Yes, everyone knows Mr. Malone’s sensitive spot is his mother. To provoke him like this, she’s really asking for death.” Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Jim, like the grim reaper, walked up to me. “Anyone who bullies my mom will not come to a good end.” Through the tiny holes in the sack, I saw Jim’s furious face. I wanted to tell him that Rosalie was lying. I hoped he would quickly recognize me. But my mouth was tightly stitched shut. I could only watch helplessly as Jim grabbed a thick chair from nearby and slammed it onto my head. Accompanying a searing pain, my head slumped, and blood gushed out, staining the entire sack crimson. Seeing this, Rosalie’s lips curled into a slight smile, her eyes full of the triumphant joy of revenge. The next moment, she smiled and untied the sack, revealing my dying face: “Haha, darling, actually, the wretch you just hit is the vixen who was seducing you. A surprise from me, do you like it?”

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I’m a graduate student at a top university, and my advisor, Professor Christie, recently took on a new student named Chloe. He asked me to help her get familiar with the lab project. When I tried to add her on Instagram and get her email to send her project materials, she rejected both requests: “I just want to focus on my studies. I’m not interested in dating, so stop harassing me.” I was about to clear up the misunderstanding when my classmate Marcus sent me a link to the campus forum. It was a post from her: [On my first day, a male student sexually harassed me. I came here to study, not to be hit on.] Attached was a screenshot of my friend request and her rejection. In the comments, she was crying about it: “This guy only met me once and now he won’t leave me alone!” When I saw the post, I was stunned. I’m the only son of Dallas’s wealthiest family, with countless heiresses competing to marry me. Why would I need to chase after her? “This is so unfair. She’s the advisor’s new student. I just wanted to send her materials, and she flat-out rejected me.” I showed Marcus my chat history with the advisor, feeling helpless. “I even noted in my friend request that I was sending her materials, but she still insists I’m trying to date her.” When Marcus learned the truth, his face darkened. “What narcissism! Who does she think she is, some kind of celebrity?” As soon as he finished speaking, we saw the girl walking straight toward us. She looked extremely ordinary. “Are you done yet? I already told you I don’t want to date you. You actually followed me here. Can’t you just leave me alone?” Both Marcus and I were stunned when she opened her mouth. Looking around, we realized everyone was staring at me. I asked in disbelief, “Are you talking to me?” “Stop pretending. I have the records. It was you who added me. I checked.” “What? You do it but won’t admit it? I know I’m beautiful, but that’s no reason for you to harass me.” She looked completely confident and even ran her fingers through her dry, split-ended hair. Marcus leaned close to my ear and whispered, “That’s Chloe? I can’t believe she looks like that. How does she have the nerve? You’re…” I knew what Marcus wanted to say. After all, I’m the only son of Dallas’s richest man, with beautiful women lining up to marry me. I certainly didn’t need this woman I could lose in a crowd. Chloe looked me up and down. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Feeling guilty? Just because you’re slightly good-looking doesn’t mean I have to be with you. My family told me to focus on my studies. I’m not here to date.” I was exasperated. “Chloe, I think there’s something wrong with your brain. I was just following the advisor’s instructions to send you materials. I didn’t expect you to read so much into it.” “Someone like you? I’m really not interested.” I showed her my chat history with the advisor. She hesitated for a moment, then put on a disdainful expression. “To get me to date you, you’d even fake chat records with the advisor? With that kind of persistence, you could succeed at anything.” I immediately shot back: “At least take a look at yourself. If I look at you for even one second, I’d need to rinse my mouth with lemon water.” Chloe trembled with rage. “How can you slander a girl like this? Are you even a man?” “What about you? You’re spreading rumors that I like you. When I ignore you, you call me a pretty boy who’s being kept by someone. So you can say whatever you want, but I can’t talk back? Aren’t you a bit too sensitive?” Chloe was so angry she kept stomping her feet, gritting her teeth as if she wanted to swallow me whole. Being kept? Only an idiot like her would say something like that. My family has billions in assets. What would she use to keep me?

Ignorant, arrogant, and ordinary—my advisor really needs glasses this time. How did he accept someone like this? “Sorry, Chloe, I’m really not interested in you. If it weren’t for the advisor’s assignment, I wouldn’t even bother with you.” I packed up my food and prepared to leave. I had only taken two steps when I heard an unpleasant voice behind me. “Playing hard to get? I’m telling you, no matter what you do, I’ll never accept you!” Just as I got back to my dorm, a fat man blocked my way. He had a cigarette in his mouth and was looking at me sideways. “So you’re the one chasing the girl I’ve got my eye on? I’m telling you, she’s mine. A punk like you? I could take down ten of you with one punch.” “I’d advise you to wise up and stop harassing the person I like, or don’t blame me for not being polite.” I looked at him in shock. “Are you talking about Chloe?” He responded disdainfully, “Who else? Your harassment of her has caused a stir across the whole campus!” I actually laughed. “You two really are a perfect match. If you like her so much, keep an eye on her and stop letting her throw herself at random guys.” I shook my head and was about to leave when he grabbed me. “Oh, so now that you can’t get her, you’re trying to smear her? I’ve seen plenty of men like you. Do you know who I am? I’m interning at the Alexis Group, and my uncle is a supervisor there.” His fierce look didn’t intimidate me at all. “What’s your name?” I asked. “Brown.” Brown was extremely arrogant. I made a mental note. Back in my dorm bed, I found that Chloe had posted more rumors about me online. [The harassment maniac actually verbally abused someone who tried to help me just to get me. I’m so scared. With someone like this at school, what should I do? I just want to study quietly.] The comments below were all from people who didn’t know the truth and had been misled. “How did our school end up with such a scumbag? Does he even know school is a sacred place?” “This guy only thinks about sex all day. Can’t he live without women? If he loves women so much, why even come to school?” I’ve never been the magnanimous type. Since you can’t understand words, I’ll teach you a lesson.

I contacted my family’s butler and had him investigate Brown. Sure enough, the Alexis Group was just one of my family’s mid-sized businesses. Since he was so arrogant, he could forget about his internship. As for his uncle, they could both get out together. Just then, my advisor suddenly messaged me. “Did you contact Chloe?” I helplessly told my advisor about the situation. This task was quite difficult to complete. My advisor sent a question mark emoji. “That can’t be right. I heard she was very quiet and had a good temper. Let me check the school website right now.” At this moment, I vaguely felt something was off. Soon, the advisor finished verifying. The advisor replied, “I just rechecked. The school mixed up the students. My student isn’t Chloe. I’ll send you the correct student information later.” I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I knew it. How could my advisor have such poor judgment? But I still felt something was wrong. I heard that Chloe’s and the other girl’s scores differed by a hundred points. How could they mix that up? Just then, I saw that Chloe had actually applied to add me as a friend, with a message: “I’ll give you one chance. You better really be sending materials, or you’ll regret it.” This time, I directly rejected the request. I thought it was over, but she kept pestering me. There was a facial recognition scanner at the lab entrance. Only people with proper authorization could enter, and the specific application process was all in the materials the advisor asked me to forward. Chloe never got those materials, so there was no way she could get in. When she kept trying and failing to enter, she was almost in tears. And my appearance gave her a target for her frustration. “Are you done yet? I made it here and you’re still following me. Did you tamper with the system so I can’t get in? Using this method to get a girl’s attention—who do you think you are?” “I’m telling you, this is not how you chase a girl. The more you do this, the less I’ll like you, and I’ll never accept you.” “Can you stop messing with me?” She shouted at me, her eyes red. To onlookers, I really did look like I was bullying her. My gaze was cold, without a trace of warmth. “If you have mental problems, go to a hospital, instead of slandering me over and over here. If you can’t get in, it means you’re not the advisor’s student. Also, I suggest you look in a mirror. With your appearance, I really wouldn’t like you.” Chloe’s face twisted with anger: “Even if I can’t get in, there’s no way you can either. I’ve seen your little tricks plenty of times!” The next moment, in front of everyone, I successfully passed the facial recognition, while Chloe standing to the side turned even redder with rage.

“You’ve gone too far! Just to get me, you actually tampered with the facial recognition system so I can’t get in. There’s no way you could get in either. A creep like you couldn’t possibly get in!” “Everyone look! This creep is chasing me, and when I wouldn’t give in, he used this method to try to force me to submit. I’ll never give in. If you dare, let’s make this big and have the advisor give me justice!” After all, there are many people at school, and not everyone knows my situation. Some people started whispering, though not quietly—I could hear them clearly. “This guy is too much. To make things so hard for a girl. Although she’s not particularly pretty, if she’s Professor Christie’s student, she must have something special. Maybe he’s trying to curry favor with Professor Christie through her.” “Right, right. This has happened before. Professor Christie isn’t someone just anyone can suck up to. I heard people who did this kind of thing before got expelled directly.” “Why can’t he just work hard instead of doing this kind of thing? Does he have to be the kind of man who advances by using women?” These people—do they have no brains? They believe whatever comes out of Chloe’s mouth. Don’t they have any judgment of their own? I didn’t bother with them and turned to go in to work on my project. Before long, there was a commotion outside. Experiments require absolute quiet, and I couldn’t make any progress like this. Annoyed by the noise, I walked out frowning and saw Brown kicking the metal trash can at the entrance. When he saw me, he raised his eyebrows with a sarcastic tone. “You’re finally willing to come out. I was wondering how long you could hide. Turns out you can’t take much.” “I warned you last time. I told you so many times not to bully the person I like. Don’t you understand human language?” I saw Chloe pitifully hiding behind Brown, quietly sobbing. “I’m so glad you’re here. When my advisor comes, I’ll definitely put in a good word for you. Without you, I’d definitely be bullied to death by this creep.” When Brown heard the words “good word,” I saw his eyes light up. Too bad he was backing the wrong person. I quietly watched the two of them perform in front of me. When they had said enough, I slowly spoke. “Are you pig-brained? Are you sure she’s your advisor’s student? Have you verified it? What if she’s not?” Brown was shaken by my words. Seeing this, Chloe quickly interrupted me, afraid Brown wouldn’t help her anymore. “Brown, if I weren’t Professor Christie’s student, how would I dare to be so confident? I’ve already sent someone to get the advisor. He’ll come soon to back me up.” Just then, someone said my advisor had arrived. The crowd packed in tight made way. When Chloe saw my advisor, her eyes lit up. She quickly ran over and began crying about her ordeal. “Professor Christie, I’m your new graduate student. This guy sexually harassed me and won’t let me in!” “It wasn’t easy for me as a girl to get into such a prestigious university!” She got more and more worked up as she spoke, standing up very straight. The advisor couldn’t help pushing up his reading glasses and asking in confusion: “Are you sure? You say he harassed you. Do you know who he is?” Chloe insisted I was just a lowly creep. The advisor sighed. “Forget that you’re not my student—even if you were, James wouldn’t be interested in you. He’s the only son of Dallas’s richest family. What are you?”

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At the final round of the Olympic trials, I held my breath, preparing to execute the most difficult move. My best friend, who was also my biggest competitor, inadvertently revealed during a sideline interview: “Sophia has been taking banned substances to maintain her weight. I’ve tried to warn her…” The camera flashes went crazy, all pointing at me. The head judge raised his hand in a timeout gesture. The whole world thought my athletic career would end today in the most disgraceful way possible. The meaning of my rebirth was to wait for this exact moment. I ignored the head judge and walked straight to the sideline, pulling out two urine test vials from my bag. “One for her, one for me. Let’s go. Head judge, please take us both for testing right now.” A flash of panic crossed Lily’s eyes, quickly replaced by innocence and hurt. “Sophia, what are you doing?” “Didn’t you say I was using drugs?” I held up the two perfectly sealed official urine test vials. “Then let’s both get tested. Now. Immediately. Right this second.” The media cameras shifted from my face to Lily’s, then to the stern-faced head judge and several officials from the anti-doping center. “Sophia! Stop this nonsense!” Coach Harrison rushed over. He grabbed my arm and hissed in a low, angry voice: “Do you know what you’re doing? This is the Olympic trials! Do you want the entire national team to be humiliated because of you?” I shook off his hand. In my past life, he was the first person to stand up and righteously condemn me after I was caught using banned drugs, saying I was a disgrace to the team and a stain on his coaching career. I looked at him and asked back: “Coach Harrison, if I haven’t used drugs, who should be ashamed?” “If I’ve been framed, who should be kicked off the national team?” Harrison was left speechless by my questions. Lily pitifully tugged at Harrison’s sleeve. “Coach, I didn’t… I was just so worried about Sophia. She’s been off lately, and I was afraid she’d take the wrong path…” She cried like a delicate flower in the rain, as if I were the villain bullying her. The murmurs around us began to change tone. “Look at how Lily’s crying. She’s probably genuinely worried about her friend, right?” “Sophia is being way too aggressive. Even if she hasn’t used drugs, she shouldn’t treat her friend like this.” “Exactly. Lily was just trying to help.” Trying to help? In my past life, she used this kind of “help” to personally push me into hell. I died in that dark, damp basement, covered in wounds, with no one caring. And she stepped over my corpse, took the Olympic gold medal that should have been mine, and became the celebrated gymnastics queen. Reborn in this life, how could I possibly let her have her way again? I stopped paying attention to them and looked directly at the anti-doping officials on the sideline. “According to regulations, athletes have the right to request drug testing at any time, correct?” The official nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” I handed one of the urine test vials toward Lily. “Please, my biggest competitor, my best friend.” “Let’s both go prove our innocence together.” Lily looked pleadingly at Harrison, whose expression was extremely unpleasant. He knew Lily’s family background, and he knew how many connections her father had pulled to get her selected this time. “Sophia, stop this! Apologize to Lily right now!” He was still trying to order me around. “Apologize?” I laughed as if I’d heard the world’s biggest joke. “Coach Harrison, did you also drink one of Lily’s special juice drinks? Has your brain stopped working?” “You!” Harrison trembled with anger. Just then, the head judge spoke up, his voice authoritative and fair. “Since athlete Sophia has made this request, and since it’s an accusation made against another athlete in front of a national live broadcast, for the sake of fairness in the competition and for the reputation of both athletes, I agree to conduct on-site testing right now.” “Someone, take them to the testing room.”

In the testing room, Lily kept her head down, her shoulders trembling slightly, as if she’d suffered a terrible injustice. We were arranged in adjacent cubicles for sample collection. I could hear intermittent sobbing coming from her side. Harrison and several officials were waiting right outside. I quickly completed my sample collection and handed it to the staff. When I came out, Lily was also just coming out. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked at me like I was her mortal enemy. “Sophia, are you satisfied?” she said in a voice only the two of us could hear. “You want to destroy me, don’t you?” “You were the one who tried to destroy me first.” “I was just worried about you!” She was still being stubborn. “Really? So you secretly taking those sleeping pills every night was also for my benefit?” Lily looked at me in horror, her lips trembling. She’d done this extremely secretively. Even her parents didn’t know. This was something from my past life—after she’d achieved fame and success, during a drunken slip of the tongue, she’d proudly bragged to others about it. She’d talked about how she used drugs to maintain peak performance while using another drug to gradually destroy me. “How… how do you know?” Her voice shook. “I know a lot more than that.” I stopped paying attention to her and turned to leave. The test results would take some time. We were led to a temporary lounge. As soon as Harrison came in, he pointed at my nose and started yelling. “Sophia! You’ve disappointed me so much! Even if Lily said something wrong, you can’t destroy her like this! You’re teammates!” “When she publicly accused me of using banned drugs, why didn’t you tell her we were teammates?” “She just spoke without thinking!” “Coach Harrison, you’re being way too obviously biased. Is it because her dad paid you off?” “What nonsense are you spouting!” Harrison flew into a rage and raised his hand to hit me. A figure blocked in front of me. It was Dr. Smith, the team doctor. “Coach Harrison, talk nicely. Don’t use violence.” Harrison’s hand froze in mid-air and reluctantly lowered. Dr. Smith pulled me aside and asked quietly: “Sophia, what’s really going on? I believe you’re not that kind of person.” In my past life, only Dr. Smith came to see me after my incident. She didn’t believe I would use drugs, but had no evidence. Looking at her concerned eyes, I felt warmth in my heart. “Dr. Smith, don’t worry. I definitely haven’t.” “Then Lily…” “Whether she has or not, we’ll know the results soon.” Dr. Smith nodded and patted the back of my hand. “Okay, I believe you.” Just then, the lounge door was pushed open. Director Morgan from the national team walked in. As soon as he entered, he cheerfully tried to smooth things over. “Oh, what’s the big deal? Two girls having a little spat.” He walked up to me with a paternalistic expression. “Sophia, I know you’re upset. How about this—I’ll have Lily apologize to you, and we’ll consider this matter closed, okay? Don’t let it affect the rest of the competition or damage our country’s image.” Lily immediately got the hint, walked up to me, and squeezed out a few tears. “Sophia, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have said those things to the reporters. I was just too worried about you. I apologize.” She was about to bow to me. If I accepted her apology, this would really become just a small misunderstanding between friends. She’d get away scot-free, while I, even if I hadn’t used drugs, would still be saddled with a reputation for making a big deal out of nothing and forcing my teammate. Nice try. I stepped aside to avoid her bow. “I don’t need your apology. I just want the truth.”

Director Morgan’s smile froze. “Sophia, don’t be ungrateful. For the sake of team harmony and national honor, this matter must end here.” “Letting a drug-using athlete represent the country in competition—is that your so-called national honor?” “You!” Director Morgan was left speechless. He hadn’t expected that I, who had always been docile and obedient in front of him, would become so sharp-tongued today. “Sophia!” Harrison started yelling. “How dare you speak to Director Morgan like that! So disrespectful!” I was too lazy to deal with them anymore. Birds of a feather, these people had banded together to crush me in my past life. Director Morgan was an old friend of Lily’s father. Harrison had received substantial benefits from Lily’s family. They were grasshoppers tied to the same string. Today, I was going to burn that string in front of the entire nation’s audience. Time passed minute by minute. Outside the lounge, media reporters waited anxiously with various speculations. Inside the lounge, Lily sat restlessly, her face growing worse and worse. Harrison and Director Morgan were quietly discussing something in the corner. I knew what they were thinking. They were wondering, if Lily really tested positive, how to suppress the matter, how to throw all the dirt onto me. Too bad I wouldn’t give them that chance again. After about an hour, the testing room door finally opened. The head judge and officials from the anti-doping center walked in, holding two freshly printed reports. Everyone’s eyes focused on those two thin sheets of paper. The head judge’s expression was serious. He first looked at me, then at Lily. “The preliminary test results for the A samples are out.” “Athlete Sophia, test result: negative.” As his words fell, I saw Harrison and Director Morgan visibly relax. They thought that as long as I was clear, Lily would probably be fine too, and this matter could be minimized. A stiff smile appeared on Lily’s face: “That’s great, Sophia. I knew you were innocent…” Before she could finish, the head judge’s next sentence cut her off. “Athlete Lily tested positive for two banned substances. First, furosemide, a diuretic, S5 class prohibited drug. Second, propranolol, a beta-blocker, P1 class prohibited drug.” The entire lounge fell silent. In an instant, all color drained from Lily’s face. “No… impossible…” She murmured, her body swaying, almost unable to stand. Harrison and Director Morgan’s expressions looked worse than if they’d eaten excrement. Dr. Smith covered her mouth, her eyes showing shock but also understanding. “No! This isn’t true! You must have made a mistake!” Lily suddenly screamed, looking deranged. “It’s her! It’s Sophia framing me! She switched my sample!” Like a mad dog, she lunged at me. Dr. Smith quickly blocked her. “Lily! Calm down!” “How can I calm down!” Lily struggled, her face twisted. “I didn’t use drugs! I never did! It’s her! She’s jealous of me! She wants to destroy me!” Everyone watched this spectacle. Director Morgan and Harrison finally snapped out of it and rushed forward to hold her down. “Lily, don’t get excited. There must be a misunderstanding!” Director Morgan tried to calm her while giving the head judge meaningful looks. “Head judge, could there be a problem with the equipment? Or maybe the samples got mixed up?” The head judge looked at him. “Our procedures and equipment are world-class. There’s absolutely no possibility of error. From extraction to testing, the samples were under surveillance the entire time. There’s no possibility of switching.” His words blocked all escape routes. Lily completely despaired. She collapsed on the floor, wailing. “I didn’t… I really didn’t…” Her performance was enough to make anyone who didn’t know the truth feel sympathy, but unfortunately, everyone present was shrewd. Who was right and who was wrong—the results made it crystal clear. Harrison’s expression kept changing. He looked at Lily, then at me, his eyes extremely complex. He was probably regretting why he’d chosen to believe Lily instead of me. I walked up to Lily and looked down at her. “Now, do you have anything else to say?”

Lily raised her head to look at me, her eyes full of venomous hatred. “Sophia, you’ll die a horrible death!” “That’s what I should be saying to you.” I took out my phone and pressed play. A clear conversation came from the phone. “…Mom, don’t worry. The stuff I’m giving Sophia is the latest type. It metabolizes really fast—can’t be detected. Once she’s finished, the Olympic spot will be mine.” “…For double insurance, I also took a tiny bit of diuretic myself. If anything unexpected happens, I’ll just say she secretly put it in my water. Anyway, she’ll already be disgraced—no one will believe her.” “…That idiot really thinks I’m her best friend. She’ll eat whatever I feed her.” The recording was short, but the information was explosive. Everyone looked at Lily like she was a monster. She looked at the phone in my hand in disbelief, as if seeing a ghost. “You… when did you…” “Last night, when you were calling your mom.” I put away my phone, my tone flat. “I guessed you’d make your move today, so I planted something in your room in advance.” In my past life, this was exactly how she’d set me up step by step. First, she’d given me a drug long-term that made people mentally exhausted and weakened muscle strength, causing my performance to plummet. Then before the crucial competition, she’d added banned drugs to my water. A two-pronged approach that left me unable to defend myself. Reborn in this life, how could I possibly stumble in the same place twice? I’d turned the tables on her. Yesterday, I hadn’t drunk that special juice she’d handed me at all. Instead, when she wasn’t paying attention, I’d poured it into her water cup. And that tiny bit of diuretic she’d taken herself to frame me became the final straw that broke her. “No… this isn’t real… it’s synthesized! The recording is synthesized!” Lily was still making a last-ditch struggle. I looked at the anti-doping center officials. “I’ll submit this recording as evidence to the police and the sports bureau. False accusation and framing, administering dangerous substances—I believe this is no longer just a matter of violating competition ethics. This is a crime.” Lily completely despaired. Director Morgan and Harrison’s faces also became extremely ugly. Although the recording didn’t mention them, once Lily was criminally investigated, she might reveal all the benefits they’d given her to reduce her sentence. Pull up the radish and the mud comes with it—none of them could escape. The head judge took a deep breath. He looked at Lily with nothing but disgust. “Effective immediately, all of athlete Lily’s results in this competition are annulled. A comprehensive investigation into athlete Lily, her coach, and related personnel is being launched.” “Until the final investigation results are out, Coach Harrison’s coaching duties are suspended.” “Now, will all irrelevant personnel please leave. We need to take athlete Lily for B sample retesting and follow-up questioning.” Several uniformed staff members walked in and supported the limp Lily on both sides. As Lily was dragged away, she was still screaming hysterically. “Sophia! I won’t let you go even as a ghost!!”

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Everyone in the family could see the countdown above my sister Stella’s head. They all knew she would die on her sixteenth birthday. So Stella became the most precious person in this household. The delicious snacks were hers, the pretty dresses were hers, even the bedtime stories from Mom and Dad—those were hers too. I felt sorry for her, but I also envied all the favoritism she received. Until I finally made it to her sixteenth birthday. Mom and Dad, afraid I would cause trouble, locked me—burning with fever—in the storage room. I pounded on the door in fear. “Mom, let me out. I have a fever. My head hurts so much…” Mom gritted her teeth. “Enough! Your sister only has today left before she dies. Can’t you just bear with it?” “But I feel awful…” Gradually, the sounds outside the door disappeared, and my consciousness grew hazy… My body suddenly felt very light. Through the old wooden door, I could see the warm lights in the living room. Mom and Dad sat pressed close to Stella on the sofa. Mom’s hand gently patted Stella’s back while Dad kept his head down, his shoulders trembling slightly. Stella wore her only new dress—pale blue with tiny embroidered stars on the hem. Her face looked especially pale under the lamplight, her lips almost bloodless. “Mom, Dad, is Ivy really okay?” Stella’s voice was soft, heavy with congestion. “I heard her calling out that her head hurt…” “Don’t worry about her.” Mom echoed, reaching out to tenderly touch Stella’s cheek and brush the stray hair from her forehead. “Exactly. She’s not running a fever—she’s just faking illness for sympathy. You only have one more day before you…” Mom’s words caught in her throat. Her eyes reddened. “Just focus on your birthday tomorrow. Don’t let her ruin your mood.” Stella pressed her lips together and said nothing more, but her brow furrowed even tighter. I knew she always felt she owed me something. From the time I could remember, all the family’s favoritism piled onto her. I had to watch longingly as she got even a warm bowl of egg custard, let alone new clothes or new toys. But Stella would secretly slip me her snacks, alter the new dresses Mom and Dad gave her to fit me, and whenever Mom and Dad scolded me, she was always the first to shield me. She would always say, “Ivy, I’m sorry. It’s because of me that you suffer.” But Mom and Dad didn’t see it that way. Mom sighed, looking at Stella with eyes full of pity. “Don’t always defend her. That girl has been jealous of you since she was old enough to understand. She can’t stand to see you happy.” “Don’t you remember your fourteenth birthday?” Stella’s fourteenth birthday—that was the first time I truly understood the reality that Stella would die. That day, the family bought a cream cake for the first time, with fourteen thin candles stuck in it. Mom carefully lit the candles while Dad held up the old camera we’d had for years, wanting to capture one of Stella’s few remaining birthdays. I hid behind the door watching—watching the candlelight reflect on Stella’s face, watching her close her eyes to make a wish, watching the tears Mom and Dad struggled to hold back. I rushed out. I don’t know what I was thinking then. Maybe it was jealousy, maybe it was my inability to accept that the sister who was always so gentle with me was going to leave. I swept the cake to the floor. Cream smeared everywhere, candles rolled into corners and quickly went out. “I don’t want to watch you celebrate her birthday!” I shrieked like every annoying bratty child. I still remember the look in Mom and Dad’s eyes. When Dad’s hand came down, I didn’t dodge. Once, twice, three times… Mom cried but didn’t stop him. It was Stella who threw herself over me, using her thin body to shield me. “Don’t hit Ivy anymore, Dad, stop hitting her!” Her voice trembled, but she held me tightly. “It’s my fault, all my fault…” That night, Stella snuck into my room and pressed half a candy she’d hidden into my hand. She had a red mark on her wrist from where the chair had scratched her while protecting me during the day. “Ivy, I’m sorry.” She said softly, her fingers gently touching my swollen cheek. “I’ll be gone soon, and after that… after that, no one will compete with you for things anymore.” In the living room, Mom tenderly touched Stella’s face, her fingertips softly brushing the stray hair from her forehead. “Stella, don’t pay attention to her.” Mom said, exhaustion in her voice. “That child has been jealous of you since she was old enough to understand. You know that.” I froze. Yes, I was jealous of Stella. I was jealous that she had all the favoritism, jealous of her new dresses, jealous that when she had a fever Mom would watch over her all night, jealous that even with only one day left to live, she was still the apple of Mom and Dad’s eye. I drifted toward Stella, wanting to grab her hand, wanting to tell her I really did have a fever, that my head really hurt. But my hand passed straight through her body, like passing through a wisp of fog. I stopped mid-air, staring blankly at my transparent fingers. I looked back at the tightly shut storage room door. Dim light leaked from beneath the crack. I floated over and passed through the door panel, seeing myself curled up among the clutter. I was already dead. What came before Stella’s countdown hit zero was actually my death.

Memories rushed in like a tide, carrying the smell of old dust. When I was younger, maybe five or six years old, I really did hate Stella. If there was only one piece of candy in the house, it was Stella’s. The only apple got cut in half—the bigger piece for Stella, the smaller for me. New clothes always went to Stella first. I wore her hand-me-downs. Even bedtime stories were Stella’s. Mom’s voice was so gentle. She would read “The Little Prince”, read “Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales”, read those stories about stars and moons. But she only read those stories to Stella. I would secretly crouch by the door crack, listening to Mom say softly, “Stella, what would you like to hear today?” “I want to hear The Little Mermaid,” Stella said. So Mom would begin reading, her voice like a stream at night, flowing slowly. I squatted outside the door, hugging my knees, listening to those beautiful sentences, my heart feeling squeezed by something. Why couldn’t she read to me too? The summer I turned seven, Mom roasted a chicken. Two golden, glistening drumsticks sat on top. At dinner, Mom carefully placed both drumsticks in Stella’s bowl. “Stella, eat more. Build up your strength.” I looked at the few green vegetables in my own bowl. Tears suddenly fell. “Why does Stella get both drumsticks!” “I want to eat them too! I want chicken drumsticks too!” Dad’s chopsticks slammed heavily on the table. “Ivy! How can you be so inconsiderate!” He stood up, his face dark with anger. “Don’t you know Stella’s health is poor? Don’t you know that Stella…” He couldn’t continue. I didn’t know. I only knew that Stella’s complexion was always very pale, that she sometimes coughed, that Mom and Dad always looked at her with that sad expression. But I didn’t know what that meant. “Why, why does everything belong to Stella!” I cried out, jumping down from my chair and pointing at Stella sitting across from me. “Why don’t you just die! Give my things back to me!” Stella’s tears instantly fell, big drops splashing into her bowl. She opened her mouth but couldn’t make a sound. Mom shot up and slapped me across the face. That was the first time I’d been hit so hard. Stella lunged forward to protect me, but Mom held her back tightly. “Let her learn her lesson! Let her know what she can and can’t say!” The next day, I overheard Mom and Dad talking in the kitchen. “Nine more years left.” Mom’s voice was crying. “I know.” Dad’s voice was hoarse. “Nine years… just nine years…” That’s when I learned that Stella really would die. That the numbers above her head that no one else could see were her life countdown. In the living room, Mom and Dad, eyes red, carefully sent Stella back to her room. I watched, my heart suddenly aching. “Should we… let Ivy out?” Dad’s voice was soft. Mom was silent for a long time. “Let her endure it a bit longer.” Mom finally spoke, her voice so exhausted it seemed to take all her strength. “At least… let Stella spend this birthday peacefully. Just this one day. The last day.” I saw Mom raise her hand to wipe her eyes. “Ivy will understand.” She seemed to be convincing herself. “After Stella’s gone, we’ll… we’ll definitely make it up to her.” Dad said nothing more, just walked to the kitchen, took a small piece of bread from the cupboard, and walked toward me.

“Ivy.” He said softly to the door. “Dad brought you some bread. Eat something, don’t go hungry.” I floated in front of him and crouched down to look at him. His eyes were very red, the wrinkles at the corners deeper than last year, white hair already showing at his temples. He was only forty this year, but looked like he was fifty. “Dad, I’m right here. I died. Won’t you come in and look at me?” “Ivy?” He called again. I reached out to touch his face. My fingers passed through his body. “Sigh.” Dad sighed and stood up disappointedly. “This child… still sulking.” He pushed the bread further through the door crack. “Just stay in there and behave. Don’t make trouble. After your sister is gone… Dad will definitely make it up to you.” I didn’t wait for him to discover me. I looked at his retreating back and said softly: “You don’t need to, Dad. You don’t need to make it up to me.” You’ll never have the chance. After Dad left, the hallway fell silent again. Soft sounds came from the living room. Mom came out of Stella’s room, gently closed the door, and stood in the hallway in a daze. She looked at the storage room door, her lips pressed tightly together, as if struggling with something. Finally she walked over and crouched where Dad had just crouched. “Ivy.” Her voice was soft. “Don’t blame Mom, okay?” “Mom knows you feel wronged.” She continued, her fingers unconsciously picking at splinters on the door panel. “But Stella only has one day left. Just let her have this, let her leave happy, okay?” I floated in front of her, seeing moisture at the corners of her eyes. She raised her hand and wiped quickly, as if afraid someone would see. “After Stella’s gone, Mom will make your favorite burgers, a whole plate, all for you.” Her voice grew smaller and smaller, finally becoming almost a murmur. “I’ll buy you a new dress, the kind with bows—you’ve always wanted one, haven’t you? Mom will take you to the amusement park, ride the carousel, ride the roller coaster… didn’t you say all your classmates have been there except you?” Her tears finally fell, hitting the old hallway tiles and spreading into small dark spots. “I’ll give you everything, everything… so just today, just today, don’t make trouble, okay?” I reached out, wanting to wipe away her tears. She waited for a while. The storage room remained silent. The sadness on Mom’s face slowly faded, replaced by a kind of anger. She suddenly stood up, stumbling because the movement was too abrupt. “This child… so inconsiderate!” She muttered quietly, her voice thick with tears. “Doesn’t think about her parents at all. Raised you all these years for nothing!” She turned and walked away quickly, her back stiff. As evening came, the sky gradually darkened. Mom came out of the kitchen carrying a small basket with a red cloth inside, along with some colored paper and scissors— Birthday decorations prepared for Stella. She’d just reached the living room when the doorbell rang. It was Grandma. Grandma held a cloth bag, bulging and full. Seeing Mom, she forced a smile. “Mom, why are you here?” Mom was a bit surprised and quickly stepped aside to let Grandma in. “I came to see Stella.” Grandma’s voice was somewhat hoarse. She put the cloth bag on the table and took out several apples and some pastries. “Tomorrow is the child’s birthday. I… I came to see her.” “Stella’s resting in her room.” Mom said, taking the things from Grandma’s hands. “Please sit. I’ll call her.” “No, no need. Let her rest properly.” Grandma sat down on the sofa, her gaze sweeping around the living room, her brow furrowing slightly. “Where’s Ivy? Why don’t I see Ivy?”

Mom’s expression changed instantly. “She… she’s in her room doing homework.” Mom avoided Grandma’s gaze, lowering her head to arrange the red cloth in the basket. Grandma said nothing, just looked at her. “Homework?” “I’ll go check on her.” “Mom!” Mom quickly stood up. “Ivy is… throwing a tantrum. I have her reflecting in the storage room.” Grandma’s movements stopped. “What did you say?” She asked, one word at a time. “You locked Ivy in the storage room?” “Knowing tomorrow is Stella’s…” Mom’s voice grew smaller and smaller, finally almost inaudible. Grandma’s face slowly darkened. She stood up, swaying because the movement was too sudden. Mom tried to help her but was pushed away. “Susan!” Grandma’s voice trembled. “Ivy is your daughter too!” Mom opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but Grandma cut her off. “Yes, I know Stella had a hard fate, born with that cursed countdown. I know you love her, want to give her the best of everything, let her leave happy!” Grandma’s voice grew louder and louder, tears pooling in her eyes. “But what about Ivy? Isn’t Ivy suffering too? From childhood until now, what has she ever gotten? Stella’s old hand-me-down clothes, Stella’s leftover food, even your love—she has to share half with her sister!” “Mom, I didn’t…” Mom tried to defend herself, but her voice was weak and unconvincing. “Both children are good children, both are good children… but what about you two? As parents, don’t you owe Ivy? Doesn’t she deserve even a little love?” Mom collapsed into a chair, covering her face, her shoulders shaking violently. “And now you won’t even let the sisters see each other one last time?” Grandma’s voice was hoarse. “Stella is going to… going to leave tomorrow. Ivy is her only sister, the sister she’s protected since childhood! How can you let Stella leave? Let her leave with regrets?” “I… I didn’t…” Mom’s voice leaked through her fingers, broken and fragmented. “I just wanted Stella’s last day to be happy. I didn’t want Ivy to disturb her…” Night deepened. Stella’s bedroom door remained tightly shut. “Go to sleep.” Grandma finally spoke, her voice hoarse. “Tomorrow… we still need to get up early.” Mom shifted, as if wanting to say something, but finally just shook her head. “I can’t sleep.” Dad didn’t move either. Grandma sighed and didn’t press further. She stood up, walked to the storage room door, crouched down, and said softly through the crack: “Ivy, Grandma’s here with you. Don’t be afraid.” My tears fell again. Time passed second by second. The candles burned out and the living room fell into darkness. The sky outside the window gradually brightened, changing from deep blue to gray-blue, then to the pale color of fish bellies. The first rays of morning light passed through the glass window, falling on the old floorboards, illuminating the floating dust in the air. Grandma stood up, walked to Stella’s bedroom door, raised her hand to knock, but stopped in mid-air. She hesitated for a long time, finally only saying softly: “Stella, time to get up.” Slight sounds came from inside the room. The door opened. “Grandma, Mom, Dad.” She said softly, showing a faint smile. Mom suddenly stood up and rushed over to embrace her, holding so tightly as if trying to meld her into flesh and bone. Dad also walked over, his hand trembling as he gently touched Stella’s head. “Stella…” Mom’s voice was completely broken. “I’m fine, Mom.” Stella said softly, her hand gently patting Mom’s back. “I’m really fine.” Grandma stood to the side, quietly watching. She watched for a long time, then suddenly remembered something and whipped around to look at the storage room. “Ivy!” Her voice was especially clear in the quiet morning. “Quickly, let Ivy out!” Only then did Mom and Dad remember me locked in the storage room. They broke into smiles through their tears, saying repeatedly: “Yes, yes, yes, let Ivy out. Ivy’s still in the storage room!” “Her sister is fine. This is wonderful news!” Mom pulled Stella along while Dad walked ahead. The family of three ran toward the storage room, faces full of joy. But when they reached the storage room door and Dad’s hand just pushed it open, his expression suddenly changed drastically. He jerked his hand back, murmuring: “Wrong, it’s all wrong!”

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I went undercover to work at a company under my family’s corporation. I didn’t expect to run into Sophia Smith, a manager who worships men and despises women. I was trembling from menstrual cramps and went to ask her for leave. Sophia took a leisurely sip of her coffee and rolled her eyes at me: “Young women are so dramatic. It’s just period cramps—grit your teeth and get through it.” Just then, intern Kevin pushed the door open. “Miss Smith, I need to take the day off. Didn’t sleep well last night, want to go home and catch up on some sleep.” Behind me came Sophia’s saccharine voice: “Oh my goodness, you work so hard. You men need to take care of yourselves while building your careers.” I laughed. Him, hardworking? He writes sixty lines of code and twenty of them are wrong! Just as I was about to leave the office, Sophia called out to me. “Laura, the group leadership is coming for the KDD project presentation. Let Kevin present instead of you—men command more authority.” I froze mid-step. I turned to look at Sophia and spoke without hesitation: “I refuse!” The KDD project was a promise I made to Grandpa three years ago. If I succeeded with the KDD project, Grandpa would agree to let me start my own company. And this project presentation was my moment to deliver! Seeing my refusal, Sophia’s face instantly darkened. “Don’t be so selfish. You’re a veteran at the company—give the younger people some opportunities. Kevin’s about to be converted to full-time, he needs some decent achievements to show.” I turned around. The persistent cramping pain in my lower abdomen made it impossible to stand straight, forcing me to lean against the door frame. I suppressed my discomfort and explained: “This presentation is very important to me.” I hoped she would back down after hearing this. Instead, what I heard was her raised voice scolding me: “Important? What isn’t important? Don’t think I don’t know you want to show off in front of the group leadership! You’re just a woman—what are you trying to prove!” She raised her chin arrogantly, her gaze scanning over me like an X-ray. She sneered: “Why are you so competitive as a woman? I think you look decent enough—just dress yourself up pretty every day and find a rich man to marry. Wouldn’t that be better?” Then she looked at intern Kevin, her tone suddenly turning coquettish. “My husband says women should be like me, a pretty little princess~” I really didn’t have the mood or energy to watch her affectation. I just replied flatly: “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to my desk.” Sophia seemed to feel her dignity was challenged. She slammed her coffee cup down on the desk with a harsh clatter. “Don’t you dare brush me off!” “I’m advising you to be smart! The group leadership is coming personally this time. If you screw it up, you can’t handle the consequences!” She stood up, clicking toward me in her four-inch heels. Looking down at me: “Look at you, you can barely stand. Letting you present—wouldn’t that embarrass our company image?” She beckoned to Kevin: “Look at Kevin, handsome young man with good presence and a strong voice. The leadership will be impressed! Go organize the data and send it to Kevin so he can familiarize himself with it.” Before I could speak, Kevin quickly chimed in: “Thank you, Laura! I really appreciate it. Don’t worry, I’ll memorize all the data in advance and won’t let you down.”

He spoke quickly, as if afraid I would refuse first. Another sharp pain twisted through my abdomen, cold sweat forming on my forehead. But I still lifted my head to look at the two people in front of me. “This project, from planning to execution, every line of code, every piece of data, even every client meeting—I handled all of it myself! Kevin doesn’t even understand the project background. Are you sure you want him to present?” Sophia’s expression grew even uglier. “What do you mean? Questioning my decision?” Her tone became sharper: “Let me tell you! I’m in charge of this department. Whoever I say presents, presents. Do you think you own this company?” The commotion had drawn quite a bit of attention, with several colleagues poking their heads out from their desks. I frowned, unwilling to engage in meaningless arguments with her. “You can fight over anything else, but this KDD project presentation must be mine.” My tone was calm but carried unwavering determination. But Sophia suddenly laughed. “I understand now.” She covered her mouth exaggeratedly, her eyes filled with unconcealed contempt and disgust. “You’re so insistent on presenting because you want to show off in front of the group leadership, looking for a chance to sleep your way up, right?” Her words were cutting, her voice shrill and piercing. As soon as she said this, I clearly felt more and more colleagues casting hostile glances my way. Before I could say anything, Sophia continued in her raised voice: “You young girls nowadays are so shameless, always trying to take shortcuts with your bodies. No wonder you always dress up so flashily at work—turns out you’re just fishing for men.” “Watch your mouth!” The soreness in my lower back combined with the cramping pain already had me irritated. Hearing this made anger surge in my chest. “You need evidence when you speak. Making baseless accusations and slander like this—I can sue you!” Sophia snorted and took two steps closer to me. She crossed her arms, shrugging her shoulders dismissively. “Am I wrong? Why are you pretending to be innocent? Don’t think I don’t know what you do in private. Seducing men—you’re a professional, aren’t you?” She reached out, rubbing the fabric of my clothes between her fingers, pursing her lips: “This brand, costs at least a hundred thousand dollars, right? You’re a fresh graduate—where’d you get that kind of money!” “What, got hooked on servicing old men, now planning to seduce our group CEO?” As soon as she said this, a commotion rippled through the office. Several colleagues huddled together and started whispering. “No way, Laura’s actually that kind of person? She always seemed like such a good kid.” “That’s what you don’t understand. These women are the best at playing innocent. Those rich old men love that type.” “I knew it—wondered where she got the money for all those clothes and bags at her age. So that’s how she earns it. It’s easier for women to make money.” Listening to the vulgar gossip around me, my fists clenched involuntarily. “Dirty-minded people see everything as dirty!” The outfit Sophia mentioned was a gift I bought myself when I earned my first pot of gold from entrepreneurship in my sophomore year. It was the first thing in my life I bought without using a cent of my family’s money. This outfit held extraordinary meaning for me. But in others’ mouths, it became “spoils of war” I’d earned by selling my body. As if a woman’s value could only be defined by the men beside her.

I had no interest in arguing with these idiots. Right now I just wanted to finish the presentation and leave this place reeking of old-world misogyny. But my patience and retreat, in Sophia’s eyes, became a signal for her to continue her attack. She extended her hands with their long artificial nails and dug them viciously into my chin. Her tone contemptuous: “Women like you, I’ve seen plenty! Pretty enough to flaunt yourself and seduce men—you’re cheap trash. Sharing the same space with you disgusts me!” “Still want to show off in front of the group leadership? Kill that dream! Don’t go up there and embarrass the company!” “Be smart and get lost now, before I have to do it myself.” She shoved me away violently, her nails scratching a red mark across my chin. I was already unsteady on my feet. This push made me stumble and crash hard into the door frame. I clutched my arm in pain and turned to glare at Sophia. “Malicious slander! Workplace bullying! Your days as department manager are numbered! You better wait—I hope you won’t be begging me on your knees later!” With that, I ignored these people and turned toward my desk. Behind me came Sophia’s mocking laughter: “Ooh, I’m so scared. I’d like to see who ends up kneeling to whom!” The manager’s office door slammed shut. I walked to my desk under everyone’s judgmental stares and opened my computer. A message popped up in the bottom right corner. It was from HR director Rachel Norton. “Laura, come to my office.” Looking at those words, my heart sank. I walked into Rachel’s office. She was organizing files in her hands. Seeing me, she spoke without looking up: “You’ve been fired. This is the termination agreement. Take a look, and if there’s no problem, sign it.” She handed me the document. I skimmed through it, my fingers gripping the papers so hard they turned white. “What’s the reason?” I slapped the agreement on the desk. Rachel raised an eyebrow at me, then after a long moment, sighed: “Laura, we’re all civilized people. Some things are better left unsaid for everyone’s sake. Listen to me, sign it and leave early. Don’t make it ugly for everyone in the end.” She spoke with apparent concern, but I couldn’t help laughing. “Let’s be direct then. I’m asking you—what grounds do you have to fire me? I haven’t been late, left early, or been absent. My work ability speaks for itself. I haven’t violated any company rules or regulations!” Rachel looked at me, her tone calm: “Your personal morals are questionable and would tarnish the company’s image. Is that reason enough?” She spoke as calmly as if stating the most ordinary fact. I was shaking with anger. I leaned on the desk, speaking word by word: “What evidence do you have? You want to condemn me based on slander?” Seeing my agitation, Rachel patted my hand. “I know you’re unwilling, but this is a directive from above. I have no choice either. We’re all just workers—don’t make this hard for me…” Still that calm tone, calm to the point of numbness. At that moment I deeply understood the phrase “those who wrong you know your grievance better than anyone.” She wasn’t unaware that I was being slandered, but she chose cold indifference. I took a deep breath, suppressing my anger. “I won’t make it hard for you. Just tell me the truth—this is Sophia’s doing, isn’t it?” Rachel glanced carefully at the door. She nodded slightly and spoke quietly: “Mr. Miller sent the email personally…”

Mr. Miller, Marcus Miller, Sophia’s husband and the general manager of this subsidiary. “Fine!” I straightened up: “I’m not signing this termination agreement!” With that, I walked straight out of the office. But when I returned to my desk, I was completely dumbfounded. My once fully-stocked workspace was now completely empty! Even my computer monitor and tower had been removed! “Who moved my stuff?” I asked my nearby colleagues. They exchanged glances, but no one spoke. “What’s all the noise? The company is reclaiming office resources. Is there a problem?” Sophia’s voice came from behind me. She clicked over in her heels, head held high. Intern Kevin followed right behind her. “You’ve already been fired. Why are you still shamelessly hanging around the company?” I ignored her mockery and asked directly. “Where are my things?” She snorted coldly: “That pile of junk? Thrown away, of course.” “Who gave you the right to touch my things without my permission?” Being maliciously targeted again and again, I had no patience left for tolerance. Seeing I was standing my ground, Sophia lost her temper too. “Who do you think you are? Company property is mine to handle! Including you!” I laughed coldly and pointed at my desk. “The pen is a Faber-Castell Count series annual limited edition. The mouse pad is Bottega Veneta. The cup is Baccarat. Plus all the other items, they add up to about half a million dollars.” I looked at Sophia and smiled. “Miss Smith, you’d better explain this to the police.” With that, I picked up my phone, preparing to call the police. But before I could unlock it, Sophia rushed forward and snatched my phone from my hand, smashing it hard on the ground. “Who the hell are you trying to scare?” She grabbed my hair and her palm came down. The change happened too fast for me to react. And as if deliberately, she raised her knee and rammed it hard into my lower abdomen. My already cramping abdomen now felt like it had been run over by a truck. The stabbing pain shot through to my lower back. My face turned deathly pale instantly, cold sweat pouring out. As if still not satisfied, she shoved me hard, and I crashed to the floor. I curled up on the ground in pain, clutching my stomach and unable to stop groaning. Sophia crouched down and grabbed my hair again. The tearing pain in my scalp forced me to lift my head. She gripped my chin, her tone vicious: “I knew you were a slut! Who are you moaning for?” I forced myself to look up at Sophia, speaking word by word: “You just wait!” “Hah, cheap bones are always tough. Let’s see how long you can keep that up!” She snorted through her nose, grabbed my hair, and slammed my head against the floor. The intense pain blanked my mind instantly. Ringing filled my ears and my vision blurred. I bit down hard on my tongue, trying to stay conscious. “Miss Smith, forget it. No need to get angry over this kind of trash.” Kevin laughed as he tried to calm Sophia down. I looked up at him. He was watching me with amusement, his words sounding like advice, but his eyes were full of satisfaction and excitement. Sophia seemed afraid things would escalate. Hearing this, she released my hair. She stood up, looking down at me: “Get the hell out now and stop looking for trouble!” Kevin stepped forward pretending to help me, but at an angle no one could see, he leaned close to my ear and spoke in a frivolous tone: “Laura, why bother? If you’d agreed to be my girlfriend back then, none of this would have happened. I definitely wouldn’t have competed with you for these meaningless titles.”

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I’d been with Ethan Pierce for five years, thinking I was the person he trusted most. Five years of obedience, humiliation, and sacrifice. In his eyes, I was nothing but a shadow, a stand in for Claire Sullivan, the one he truly loved. The day Claire came back, he made me kneel on the floor to wipe her shoes. My dignity was crushed again and again. Even when I left, my freedom was restricted by his power and influence. Then came the day when he deliberately made out with Claire right in front of me, repeating over and over that she was the woman he truly loved. I dialed a phone number I’d kept buried for so long. “Come pick me up and take me home. Also, I want the Pierce family bankrupt.” Sophia Bennett POV I’d been with Ethan Pierce for five years. Everyone in our circle knew I was the most obedient pet Ethan kept by his side. If he told me to go east, I’d never go west. He didn’t let me wear dresses, so for five years I only wore pants. Everyone thought I was madly in love with Ethan, and Ethan himself thought so too. Late night. Pouring rain. I’d just finished cleaning up the company’s mess and came back to the villa soaking wet. The living room lights were off. The smell of smoke was suffocating. A crimson glow flickered in the darkness. Ethan sat on the sofa, his expression cold and hard. “You’re back?” His voice was hoarse. I set down my bag and went to change into slippers out of habit. “Why didn’t you turn on the lights? Is your stomach bothering you again? I’ll go make you some-” “Claire’s back in the country.” My movements froze. The air seemed to freeze. Claire. The one woman Ethan had always wanted but could never have. Because my face looked like Claire’s, especially my eyes. After a long moment, I straightened up, my fingertips curling slightly. “So?” Ethan stubbed out his cigarette, not even glancing at me. “She’s settling down here and hasn’t found a suitable place yet. This villa is close to her company. She likes it.” I lowered my eyes. “You’re telling me to move out?” “Move to that apartment in Regent Bay.” Ethan’s tone was casual. “Don’t bring too much stuff. Claire is obsessive about cleanliness. I don’t want any sign that someone else was living here.” Traces of other people. Five years. Over eighteen hundred days and nights. Turns out in his eyes, I was just an “other person” leaving my mark on his space. I smiled. “Okay.” I didn’t cry or make a scene. He finally looked up at me, frowning slightly. “What kind of compensation do you want? A check, or resources?” “No need.” I turned and headed upstairs. “I’ll go pack now.” “Sophia.” He called after me. I paused. “Don’t blame me.” Ethan’s voice was cold. “When we got together, I made it clear there were rules. Now that the real one is back, the stand in should naturally step aside.” I didn’t turn around. “Don’t worry, Mr. Pierce. I understand the rules very well.” That night, I packed quickly. Actually, I never had much that belonged to me anyway. The expensive jewelry, clothes, and bags-Ethan had bought them all based on Claire’s preferences. I only took a few old clothes and a photo album. Before leaving, I placed a spare key on the entry table. It made a crisp sound. Like something breaking. The day after I moved into Regent Bay, I was called back to the company. I was Ethan’s executive assistant. Even after breaking up, business still had to be handled. These five years, I’d kept work and personal life completely separate. Even if he left me so exhausted the night before that I could barely get out of bed, I still showed up the next day in heels to go over his schedule with precision. “Mr. Pierce, here’s today’s meeting agenda.” I placed the documents on the desk, my expression calm. Ethan glanced at me. “There’s an auction tonight.” Ethan finished signing and tapped his pen on the marble desktop. “Come with me.” I gave a professional smile. “Sure, I’ll arrange for a stylist.” “No need.” Ethan tossed me a gift box. “Wear this.” I opened the box. It was a white mermaid gown with a daring cut, the back almost completely bare. This not only didn’t fit my usual style, but more importantly, I had a scar on my back. From three years ago when Ethan was targeted by a rival. During the car accident, I threw myself over him to protect him and got cut by glass shards. Back then, Ethan held my bloodied body with red-rimmed eyes, saying he’d protect me for life. Now, as soon as that woman came back, he’d forgotten. “What? Don’t like it?” Ethan raised an eyebrow. I closed the box, my fingers gripping the edge tightly. “Mr. Pierce, this dress is backless. I have a scar. It might not look appropriate.” “A scar?” Ethan seemed to pause for a moment, then smiled carelessly. “That old scar must have faded by now, right? Besides, Claire likes this style. I want to see how it looks when worn.” I see. Another fitting model. I felt like my heart was being squeezed by a giant hand, the pain suffocating. I took a deep breath, maintaining my polite smile. “Understood.” That evening, at the auction, I entered on Ethan’s arm, turning heads. The dress was beautiful, but it was also revealing. I’d covered the scar on my back with concealer, but under the lights it was still faintly visible. People around whispered, their gazes filled with amusement. But Ethan seemed oblivious, only focused on exchanging pleasantries. Until the auction began. The finale was a set of pink diamond jewelry with a starting bid of eighty million dollars. Ethan bid without hesitation. I sat beside him and heard him say in a low voice: “Claire has fair skin. Pink looks good on her.” The price soared to two hundred million dollars. Eventually, Ethan won. After the event ended, staff brought over the jewelry box. Ethan took out the necklace and turned to look at me. “Try it on.” I froze. “It’s for Miss Sullivan. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to try it, would it?” “Just try it when I tell you to.” Ethan’s tone was impatient. “Your neck is slender, about the same as hers.” In front of everyone. I was forced to lower my head as cold diamonds touched warm skin. Ethan examined it for a moment and nodded with satisfaction. “Not bad.” The next second, he reached out and removed the necklace, putting it back in the box. His movements were efficient, not giving me even one extra second of warmth. “Alright, send this to Claire.” He shoved the box into my arms and strode away. I held that priceless box, standing in the cold wind, feeling like a joke.

Sophia Bennett POV Claire’s birthday party was set on a yacht. I didn’t want to go, but as secretary, I had to be there to coordinate. Top deck of the yacht. Lights and glamour everywhere. Ethan stayed by Claire’s side the whole time. The two of them standing together drew envious looks. I hid in a corner checking the guest list, trying to minimize my presence. “Isn’t this Ethan Pierce’s secretary?” A few rich kids came over with wine glasses, teasing. “I heard Mr. Pierce cleared out his villa for the goddess Claire to live in. So where are you living now?” “Miss Bennett, you used to seem so proud. How are you like a dog now?” One of them reached out to touch my face. “After five years with him, it must’ve been quite an experience, huh?” I turned my head to avoid him, saying coldly. “Show some respect.” “Stop acting so high and mighty!” The man flew into a rage and splashed red wine on me. My white shirt instantly soaked through, clinging to my skin. I looked completely disheveled. The man, emboldened by alcohol, reached to pull at my collar. “Stop!” Ethan’s voice rang out. The group immediately scattered, apologizing with nervous smiles. “Just joking around…” Ethan walked over, his gaze falling on my soaked clothes, a flash of disgust in his eyes. He took off his suit jacket, but not to give to me. Instead, he draped it over Claire’s bare shoulders next to him. “It’s windy. Don’t catch cold.” Claire held onto his arm, looking at me with surprise. “Oh my, Miss Bennett, what happened to you? Go change quickly, don’t catch a cold.” I bit my lip hard, saying nothing. “What are you standing there for?” Ethan frowned. “Get out of here. Don’t embarrass yourself.” I turned to leave. Suddenly, the boat lurched violently. Someone screamed. “Someone fell overboard!” In the chaos, I was shoved by panicking people, lost my footing, and toppled over the railing. At the same moment, Claire was also knocked off balance, hanging precariously on the edge of the railing. “Ethan! Save me!” Claire screamed. I gripped the outer edge of the railing. Below my feet was dark, churning seawater. I couldn’t swim. Ethan knew this. Five years ago, I nearly drowned trying to retrieve documents that fell into a pool for him. He was the one who pulled me out. At this moment, Ethan was only six feet away. He glanced at Claire, then at me. Just one second of hesitation. He rushed toward Claire and grabbed her wrist. “Save her! Pull Claire up first!” Ethan yelled at the arriving security guards. My fingers slipped on the railing, bit by bit. My nails broke. Blood dripped. I watched that man who once said he’d protect me for life hold another woman tightly, soothing her gently. While I was like a withered leaf, unnoticed by anyone. “Ethan…” My voice was barely audible, scattered in the sea breeze. Before my last bit of strength ran out, I let go. Cold seawater instantly engulfed me. As suffocation set in, I actually felt relieved. If this was the end, then so be it. But I was lucky. I was pulled up by a police rescue boat. Water in my lungs. High fever that wouldn’t break. I was unconscious in the hospital for three days. During those three days, Ethan never came once. When I woke up, only a nurse was changing my bandages. “Your boyfriend is so heartless.” The young nurse felt indignant for me. “I heard that woman just scraped her skin a bit, and he stayed by her side for three days and nights. You almost died, and not a single person came to see you.” I stared at the ceiling and laughed. “He’s not my boyfriend.” Right. He never was. Just a sugar daddy and his plaything. My phone vibrated on the bedside table. It was Ethan calling. I watched that name flash for a long time before answering.

Sophia Bennett POV “You’re awake?” The background noise on the phone was chaotic, like he was still at the hospital. “Once you’re awake, come back to the office and do the handover. These past few days without you, the schedule’s been a complete mess.” No concern. No guilt. The first thing he said was about work. My throat was painfully dry. “I’m in the hospital.” “Stop being dramatic.” Ethan said impatiently. “The doctor said you just swallowed some water. You’re not dying. Claire’s been traumatized and is still getting psychological counseling. Hurry over and handle the PR. The media got photos of the incident that day.” I closed my eyes. Tears slid down from the corners into my pillow. “Ethan.” “What now?” “Let’s end this.” Silence on the other end for a few seconds, then came a scoff. “Sophia Bennett, playing this trick once was enough. Want a raise or want a bag? Just say it.” In his eyes, all my pain and struggle were nothing but tactics to gain benefits. My hand holding the phone trembled slightly. “I’m serious. I’m resigning, and I’m… leaving you.” “You dare?” Ethan’s voice turned icy. “Sophia Bennett, did you forget who pulled you out of the gutter? Without me, what are you?” “You’re right. I’m nothing.” I pulled out the IV needle from the back of my hand. Blood immediately welled up, but I couldn’t feel the pain. “So I’m done serving you.” With that, I hung up and blocked that number I knew by heart. I climbed out of the hospital bed, ignoring the nurse’s attempts to stop me, insisting on checking out. Back at Regent Bay, I packed up everything Ethan had given me and called a courier to send it all back to the villa. Then I booked the earliest flight to San Diego. That was my grandmother’s hometown, and where I’d originally wanted to go. Before leaving, I went to the company one more time. The HR director looked shocked to see me. “Miss Bennett, Mr. Pierce said without his signature, we can’t process your resignation.” I slapped my resignation letter on the desk, along with a bank card containing five hundred thousand dollars. “I’ll pay the penalty. There’s five hundred thousand dollars on this card. That’s enough compensation, right?” “Tell Ethan Pierce that these five years, consider it me paying for his services. Transaction complete. We’re even.” The moment I walked out of Pierce Corporation’s building, the sunlight was blinding. I looked back at that towering skyscraper. That was the cage that had trapped me for five years. Now, I was finally free. But I couldn’t leave. At the airport security checkpoint, red lights flashed piercingly. The ground staff handed back my passport, their eyes carrying both sympathy and the look of watching a show. “I’m sorry, Miss Bennett. Your identification has been restricted from leaving the country. If you have questions, please contact the police or… the relevant restricting party.” The relevant restricting party. Besides Ethan Pierce, who else could it be? My fingers holding the passport turned cold. I walked out of the airport terminal and called that number I’d just blocked. The phone was answered after just one ring. A man’s casual voice came through, accompanied by the crisp sound of a lighter. “Finally willing to call?” “Why did you restrict my travel?” I stood in the wind, my voice trembling. “Sophia Bennett, you think five hundred thousand can buy out five years? You think the company’s a flea market where you can come and go as you please?” Ethan exhaled a smoke ring, his tone mocking. “The company’s been dealing with a leak case recently. You’re the executive assistant, so you’re the top suspect. Until we get to the bottom of it, you’re not going anywhere.” I closed my eyes. “Ethan Pierce, what exactly do you want?” “Nothing much.” He chuckled, cruel and arrogant. “I don’t like it when a dog I’ve trained well starts barking at its master. When you learn to wag your tail again, then we can talk about resignation.” The call ended. I looked up at the gray sky, feeling a bone-deep chill. I didn’t go back to Regent Bay, and I didn’t beg him. I found a cheap motel in the old district for a few dozen dollars a night. The room was damp, with the smell of mold mixed with cheap disinfectant. I curled up on the hard bed, stomach cramping painfully. I thought once I left, I’d be free. Turns out in his eyes, I didn’t even have the right to escape.

Sophia Bennett POV Over the next three days, I deeply understood what “absolute power” meant. I submitted dozens of resumes online, even lowering my standards to apply for administrative assistant and receptionist positions. At first, the conversations went well, but as soon as they verified my social security number, attitudes would do a complete one-eighty. “Sorry, Miss Bennett, we’ve filled the position.” “Miss Bennett, we don’t dare hire someone from Pierce Corporation. Please don’t make this difficult for us.” Some even threw my resume in the trash right in front of me. “You offended Mr. Pierce and still want to work in New York? Naive.” My last bit of savings was almost gone. I stood on the street, looking at the exquisite, expensive cakes in the display window. I touched my empty stomach, turned around, and bought two nearly expired loaves of bread. I used to dine at high-end restaurants with Ethan. Now I had to carefully budget just to get a full meal. This was the price of leaving him. Evening. Pouring rain. I returned to the motel soaking wet, but the owner threw my luggage out. “Get out! Someone called and said anyone who lets you stay is going against the Pierce family! I run a small business. I can’t afford that kind of trouble!” The suitcase tumbled in the muddy water. The zipper burst open. A few old clothes scattered everywhere. That was all the dignity I had left. I crouched in the rain, picking up each piece of clothing one by one. Rainwater mixed with tears ran into my mouth, so bitter it nearly made me gag. A black luxury car slowly stopped in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing Ethan’s cold face without a trace of warmth. He looked down at me from above, like looking at a stray dog. “Hungry?” I clutched the mud-stained clothes in my arms, biting down hard and saying nothing. “Get in.” Ethan’s voice was indifferent. “Claire wants cake from that shop in the south district. You used to buy it all the time. You know which flavors she likes. Go get some, and I’ll let you move back to Regent Bay.” I got in the car. Not because I wanted to move back to Regent Bay, but because I had nowhere else to go, and the pain in my stomach was so sharp I felt like I was about to pass out. The car’s heater was on full blast. Claire sat in the passenger seat, wearing Ethan’s coat, holding a hot water bottle. Seeing my bedraggled state in the back seat, Claire covered her nose and frowned. “What a strong musty smell… Ethan, I feel a bit carsick.” Ethan glanced at me in the rearview mirror, saying coldly. “Open the window.” Outside was heavy rain. Cold wind mixed with raindrops poured in, hitting me directly. I shivered from the cold. Ethan acted as if he didn’t see, even reaching over to turn up Claire’s seat warmer. “Bear with it. We’ll be there soon.” His tone when speaking to Claire was impossibly gentle. We arrived at the cake shop. Ethan didn’t get out. He didn’t even have the driver go. “Go ahead.” He gestured to me. “Get the strawberry one. She loves that.” I pushed open the car door and stumbled out into the rain. There was a long line at the cake shop entrance. I was soaking wet, my hair plastered to my face, my clothes covered in mud. People around me gave me strange looks and kept their distance. Half an hour later, I returned to the car with the bakery box. Just as I was about to open the door, Claire suddenly rolled down the window and said in an apologetic tone. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Ethan just said he suddenly doesn’t want cake anymore. He wants Japanese food. This cake… you can keep it for yourself.” With that, the window rolled up. The luxury car spewed exhaust and sped away. All it left me was a body splattered with muddy water. I stood there, holding that box of fresh cake. I looked down at it. This was what I’d waited half an hour in line to buy. I let go. With a “splat,” the cake spilled all over the ground, cream mixing with muddy water in a mess. Just like my five years of genuine feelings.

Sophia Bennett POV I collapsed on the roadside from a high fever and was taken to the hospital by a kind stranger. I had no money for hospital admission fees. The nurse, helpless, searched through my contacts and found only one number without a name saved. Half an hour later, Ethan’s special assistant arrived. Not to pay the fees, but to take me away. “Miss Bennett, Mr. Pierce said if you go to one place, he’ll count this medical expense as a work injury.” I was delirious with fever and was taken to “Nightshade.” New York’s largest club. In the private room, the lighting was dim, the air thick with alcohol. Ethan sat in the main seat with Claire in his arms. A circle of rich kids sat around, ready to watch the show. Seeing me enter, someone whistled. “Well, well, if it isn’t the once untouchable Miss Bennett? How’d you end up looking like this?” Ethan played with a lighter in his hand, his gaze lingering on me for two seconds, full of disgust. “I heard you need money?” He threw a card on the coffee table. “There’s a hundred thousand dollars here.” I stared at the card, my nails digging into my palms. “What do you want me to do?” “Claire’s shoes got dirty.” Ethan raised his chin slightly, pointing to Claire’s high heels that had a bit of dust on them. “Clean them.” The room instantly fell silent. Claire pulled her feet back in surprise. “Ethan, this isn’t right… She did follow you for five years.” “Precisely because she followed me for five years, she should know the rules better.” Ethan’s voice was hard. “When you do something wrong, you get punished. Sophia Bennett, you chose to run away. Can’t handle this little bit of suffering?” The high fever made my vision blurry, but Ethan’s cold face was seared into my mind. Clean shoes. In front of all these people, I was supposed to clean his woman’s shoes. This was his “punishment” for my “betrayal.” “Don’t want to?” Ethan picked up the card. “Then get lost. Figure out the medical expenses yourself, or go to jail. Leaking trade secrets? That charge alone carries ten years.” A threat. A naked threat. I slowly bent down. My knees hit the carpet with a dull thud. I knelt in front of Claire, my trembling hands using the tissue that kind stranger had given me to wipe the dust off Claire’s shoes, bit by bit. Mocking laughter surrounded me. Phone camera shutters clicked. Claire looked down at me from above, undisguised triumph in her eyes. Ethan took a sip of wine, watching me. After wiping away the last bit of dust, I braced myself on the floor to stand up, but swayed from exhaustion. “Enough.” Ethan kicked the card toward my feet, somewhat irritated. “Take the money and get lost.” I picked up the card. This time, I didn’t refuse, and I didn’t throw it back. Because I understood one thing: in front of this man, dignity was worthless. Only by staying alive would I have a chance to escape completely. I clutched that card tightly and turned to walk out of the room. My back was resolute. I didn’t look back once. I took that hundred thousand dollars. I paid the medical expenses, bought fever medicine. The rest of the money, I donated entirely to an anonymous charity. Ethan’s money burned my hands. I didn’t want to keep a single cent. The day I was discharged, New York had rare clear weather. I didn’t go back to the motel or Regent Bay. I went straight to the top floor of Pierce Corporation. That was where I’d worked for five years. The receptionist tried to stop me. I looked at her. “I’m here to get my personal belongings and to deliver a big gift to Mr. Pierce.” In the office, Ethan was frowning at a report full of errors. Seeing me enter, his tone was mocking. “What, spent all hundred thousand already? Back to wag your tail?” I didn’t speak. I slammed a thick envelope on the desk. “What’s this?” Ethan raised an eyebrow. “You said I leaked trade secrets?” My voice was flat. “This is all the evidence from the past five years of you using the Bennett family’s offshore accounts for money laundering and tax evasion. The originals are with a lawyer. If anything happens to me, these documents will be in the tip line within half an hour.” Ethan’s face changed drastically. He shot up, staring at me. “Sophia, you’re threatening me?” “It’s a transaction.” I met his eyes without fear. “Lift the travel restriction. Cancel the resignation obstacles. From now on, there’s no Sophia Bennett in New York, and no secretary by your side.” Ethan laughed in fury, his long fingers pressing down hard on the envelope, knuckles white. “To leave me, you’d even use this kind of tactic?” The corner of my mouth twitched. “Learned it from you, Mr. Pierce.” The air was deathly silent. “Good. Very good.” He spat out these words through gritted teeth. “Get lost. Get lost right now!” I turned and walked away without looking back. I went to the downstairs restroom, cut up that access card, and flushed it down the toilet. Walking out of Pierce Corporation, I dialed a number I had buried long ago. “Come get me. I’m done playing.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “375912”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

I once willingly became his mistress to save my mother, even carrying his child that he had so desperately wanted. I thought it was love, until I was forced to kneel before his wedding and lost my child. He passed me off to others in public, crushing whatever dignity I had left. I left with a broken heart, but he came chasing after me like a madman, saying he only loved me. But by then, I was already in a wedding dress, holding another man’s hand. I watched him break down, and I merely smiled faintly. “You? You dare talk about love?” Aria’s POV In my third year with Julian Ashford, I ran into him and his newly married wife at the hospital. In the obstetrics corridor, Julian wore a haute couture suit that clashed with his surroundings, his arms protectively wrapped around a woman. I heard him say to her. “I can bring any doctor you want to the house. Why must you come to the hospital?” The woman replied coolly. “Isn’t there a top-tier private doctor stashed away in your house? I wouldn’t dare ask you to bring her home.” I knew the private doctor she was talking about was me. Three years ago, I went to Julian’s mother, Helena, and asked to be with Julian without any title or status. To the public, my identity was his private physician. But in truth, I was his mistress. I watched Julian’s lips press into a tight line. “Ours is just a business marriage. Don’t interfere in my business with Aria. We’re already married. I’ll handle her appropriately. She won’t be a problem for you.” The woman’s lips curved upward. “You have one month before the wedding ceremony. You’d better clean up all your loose ends. Otherwise, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” The doctor called the woman’s name, and they walked into the examination room. I stood frozen in place, my entire body feeling as if it had been plunged into ice water. Julian had once sworn to me that he would make Helena accept me into the family, that being his mistress was only a temporary measure. But now, without me knowing, he had not only married someone else but also had a child with her. Helena was right. Julian would love many people. I would never be the special one. Five years ago, Julian was stabbed and collapsed on the roadside. I was still a university student then, and I gave him basic first aid before sending him to the hospital. When he woke up, he began pursuing me with great effort. A wealthy man falling for an innocent medical student became the latest gossip in high society circles. I couldn’t withstand such an offensive and quickly fell for him, accepting his confession. But Helena didn’t accept our relationship. And Julian wasn’t the devoted, infatuated prince I thought he was. Long hairs in his pockets, lipstick marks on his shirts, long periods of being unreachable. Combined with increasingly vicious rumors at school, I eventually chose to break up with him. But no one expected that after the breakup, Julian would become frantic about getting back together with me. He swore he would never be ambiguous with any other woman again, even tattooing my name on his body. Though I was moved and couldn’t let go of our relationship, I knew clearly the gap between us. The biggest obstacle was Helena’s opposition. Until my mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. With no other options, I went to Helena and offered to become Julian’s mistress, nothing more. This way, I could stabilize him while keeping everything under Helena’s control. Helena agreed to this transaction, giving me a one-time payment of thirty million dollars and promising to send me to a top research institute to continue my studies when I left. Helena’s words still echoed in my ears: “Julian won’t have only you. He’ll love many people. You won’t be the special one. But you’re doing me a favor. Rather than letting him get involved with questionable women, having only you is more reassuring.” “If you can get pregnant with Julian’s child, letting you into the family isn’t impossible.” During these three years with Julian, he gave me promises and favoritism. We were no different from an ordinary married couple. Hope had secretly grown in my heart. Now it seemed I had been overthinking. I raised my phone, took a photo of them walking out of the examination room, and sent it to Helena. “Julian Ashford is already married to another woman and has a child with her. There’s no reason for me to stay. Please fulfill your promise and send me to Dr. Shaw’s research institute.” My mother’s illness had been under control for a year now. My savings could completely support both of us. I had only stayed because I couldn’t let go of my feelings for Julian. The phone screen lit up with Helena’s reply. “Even if you hadn’t discovered this, I would have told you eventually. The family business needs the South family’s support. This is an obligation Julian must fulfill.” “Julian still has feelings for you. You have three days. Find a way to make Julian completely let you go, and you’ll get everything you want.” Just as I finished reading the message, someone tapped my shoulder. “Aria? It really is you. What are you doing at the hospital?” Only then did I remember I had come to pick up my ultrasound report. I was pregnant with Julian’s child. Two months along.

Aria’s POV Hearing my name, Julian’s gaze turned toward me. The instant our eyes met, he quickly withdrew his hand from around Vanessa South’s waist, his brow furrowing. “Aria, she and I aren’t-” Vanessa smiled and stepped forward, cutting off his words. “I’m Julian Ashford’s wife. If I’m not mistaken, you must be the private doctor Julian’s been hiding at home, keeping from me, right?” I didn’t want to engage with her. I knew my position was disgraceful, and I didn’t want to humiliate myself. I turned to leave. But Vanessa grabbed my hand first. “Don’t rush off. I’m quite curious about you. Dr. Aria, coming to obstetrics-you’re not pregnant too, are you? Who’s the baby’s father? I hope you’re not one of those classless girls who becomes someone’s mistress.” She could say anything about me, but she couldn’t insult my mother! My mother raised me alone from childhood. She was my bottom line. I turned back. “I don’t know how old this lady is, but why do you gossip about other people’s business like a nosy neighbor? I’m a doctor. Coming to the hospital is normal work. If you have time, you should manage your own husband better instead-stop letting him drop your hand the moment he sees someone else.” Vanessa’s face darkened, her expression so fierce it looked like a storm was brewing. “You’re just a mistress. How dare you speak to me like this?” I smiled coldly. “Get your timeline straight. Julian Ashford’s obsessive love for me was common knowledge five years ago.” I wouldn’t swallow my anger when someone bullied me. Vanessa glared coldly at Julian. “Julian Ashford, I’m the South family’s pampered daughter. In the business world, my word is law. No one dares speak to me like this. Your mistress has quite the nerve. If she hadn’t made a scene in front of me, I could have turned a blind eye. Today, you must give me an explanation.” Julian stepped forward, his eyes as deep and affectionate as always, but his tone brooked no argument. “Aria, Vanessa’s status is different from yours. Apologize to her.” “I should apologize to her?” I laughed coldly. “First, she provoked me. Second, the person who should apologize most in this whole situation is you, isn’t it? Julian, have you forgotten all the promises you made me these three years?” “Whatever I promised you, Vanessa is now my legally registered wife. You should respect her.” His gaze turned cold and severe, scanning me up and down. “You need to know your place. Apologize to Vanessa.” Know my place? What place is that? His lover? His mistress? Or someone completely insignificant? I bit my lips tightly. “What if I refuse?” Julian raised his hand in a signal, and two bodyguards immediately stood behind him. He pinched my chin, his fingers caressing my face. “Aria, weren’t you always so obedient before? Be good, and I’ll compensate you.” I used to be obedient because I still dreamed of becoming his wife. Now he wants me to be obedient? Vanessa had insulted my mother, crossing my bottom line. I would never bow my head to her. “Then don’t blame me.” Julian’s expression turned cold as he waved at the bodyguards. “Go easy. Don’t hurt her.” The next second, two bodyguards twisted my arms behind my back, kicked hard at my knees, forcing me to kneel on the ground, and pressed my head toward the floor. Sharp pain shot through my knees. I couldn’t help but groan. I saw Vanessa leaning against Julian. “Looks like you still know what’s important. I’m satisfied. The family won’t hear about this. Let’s leave it at that. I hope next time Miss Aria sees me, she’ll remember her place.” After they left, the bodyguards finally released me. I moved my neck, dusted off my knees, and limped toward the examination room to get my ultrasound report. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian. “Aria, the family needs the South family’s support right now. I’m sorry you were wronged. I’ll compensate you.” I swiped left and deleted it. I had already decided to leave. From now on, Julian’s affairs had nothing to do with me.

Aria’s POV Outside the examination room, my emotions were too agitated. I slipped and tumbled down the stairs. The baby was gone too. For this child, I’d endured countless injections and treatments, willing to hurt myself just to hold on. But now it seemed some things simply couldn’t be forced. Two hours later, I was supporting myself against the wall, slowly walking through the hospital corridor. The stabbing pain in my lower abdomen kept reminding me of what I’d just been through. When I got home, under the influence of medication, I slept straight through until the next afternoon. Looking at the time, anxiety rose in my heart. Helena had given me little time. I took two painkillers, caught a cab to Nightfall, the club Julian frequented. Watching the men and women dancing wildly on stage, I removed my coat, revealing the sexy outfit I’d deliberately chosen underneath, and walked onto the stage with cash I’d prepared in advance. I snatched the DJ’s microphone and threw the money into the air. “Whoever makes me happy tonight gets all this money.” The venue exploded. Men of all types surrounded me, using every trick they had. I wasn’t sure if Julian was here today, but it didn’t matter. Someone would tell him. Because our relationship was common knowledge in this city. Sure enough, twenty minutes later, Julian appeared, fury blazing in his eyes, and yanked me out. “Aria, are you really this cheap? You can’t live without a man?” I smiled. “Of course. You’re already married-are you really going to control who I find?” My fingers traced circles on his chest restlessly. “Though if Mr. Ashford still wants to sleep with me, I won’t refuse. After all, who would refuse the richest man in the city?” Julian’s eyes turned bloodshot, his grip suddenly tightening. I felt like my hand would be crushed. “Aria, you’ll sleep with anyone who has money? Do you have any shame at all? Being my mistress isn’t enough for you? With your status, being able to be with me is incredible luck. How dare you look for other men behind my back?” His words were like a sharp blade stabbing my heart. He finally stopped pretending and said what was really in his heart. He had always looked down on me. He could give me money, coax me, but he would never respect me. Then Vanessa emerged from behind him, removing his hand from mine. “The butler said you were here, so I came to check.” Vanessa looked at me with arrogant eyes. “People of low birth are like this. Even if they glimpse a higher level of life, they can’t change their inherent inferiority.” Julian was silent for a few seconds, then spoke. “I was wrong about her.” Watching the two of them sing in harmony, I could only find it laughable. Julian had power and wealth, so being with me while marrying someone else was “unavoidable”? Vanessa getting pregnant before marriage and inserting herself into our relationship somehow became “noble”? Julian looked at me holding my head high, refusing to admit fault, seemingly remembering something. Finally, his tone softened. “Aria, I know you’re unhappy that I married someone else, but don’t stimulate me this way, okay? I know you’re not this kind of person. I admit I broke my promise. I can’t marry you. I have responsibilities I can’t escape.” Looking at the hypocritical expression on the man before me, I laughed. “How do you know I can’t live without you? Don’t be so confident. You’re pretty average in bed.” Julian’s face darkened. He took Vanessa’s hand and turned to leave. But then Vanessa suddenly collapsed on the ground in pain. “Julian, the baby…” Julian panicked, holding Vanessa with bloodshot eyes as he looked at me. “You’re a doctor-check on her quickly!” He added another line. “Don’t try anything. If something happens to her, I guarantee every hospital in the city will refuse to treat your mother!” I was angry too. “If you want her well, shut up.” I was a doctor. I would absolutely never do anything harmful to a patient. I quickly assessed the situation. After a simple massage, Vanessa’s breathing became steady. Julian immediately picked her up and rushed toward the hospital. This scene was exactly like two years ago when I had an acute appendicitis attack and Julian sent me to the hospital with bloodshot eyes. “Aria, nothing will happen to you. I won’t allow it.” But now, another woman was in his arms. I left the bar and took a cab to the Ashford residence. I still had some things there. In the car, I received a message from Helena. “You did well, but it’s not enough. You have one more day.” Helena always had people around Julian, monitoring his every move. I put away my phone and got out of the car. As soon as I entered, I could feel the servants looking at me strangely. I walked straight toward my room. Passing Julian’s room, I saw Vanessa half-lying on the bed with Julian pressed against her stomach-the picture of a happy family. “Vanessa, it’s so amazing. I’m going to be a father.” Vanessa stroked his hair, showing a blissful smile. “With a father who loves him so much, the baby will definitely be very happy.” I didn’t disturb them, just silently walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and calmed my emotions. Soon this would all be over. My mother’s illness was under control, and I could continue my studies. But the next second. Julian suddenly appeared outside the door, looking at me with confusion. “What are you doing here?” I didn’t answer, but asked instead. “Is Miss South asleep?”

Aria’s POV Julian nodded, then spoke with slight apology. “I’m sorry, I went too far earlier. The doctor told me that without your treatment, Vanessa might have lost the baby.” I shook my head. “Your affairs have nothing to do with me. I just came to pack my things.” “You’re not angry?” He asked. You have to understand-before, I had resolutely broken up with him over his ambiguous behavior with other women. “It’s fine. I respect your choice.” I looked up at him and suddenly asked. “Julian, when did you get together with her? When you were with her, did you feel guilty toward me at all?” Julian suddenly stepped forward and pulled me into his embrace. “Aria, I only love you. My feelings for Vanessa, for that child-they’re just out of responsibility. This is something I must bear being born into this family. You can understand, right?” “But I promise you, besides Vanessa, you’ll be my only woman. I won’t be like those men who have affairs everywhere. Aria, you can accept this, can’t you?” His tone was too matter-of-fact, as if he were stating some universal truth. But he was wrong. I was still the same Aria who wanted one person for one lifetime. I took a deep breath and stepped out of his embrace. The instant I left his arms, I seemed to see Vanessa’s figure by the door, but she disappeared the next second. “I need some time.” Whoever wants to accept this can accept it. I’ll be completely gone the day after tomorrow. “Then will you stay tonight?” He asked. I thought for a moment and agreed. Helena said I hadn’t done enough. I could use this opportunity to talk clearly with Vanessa and get her to control Julian. At 2 AM, I was woken by knocking on my door. Getting out of bed to answer it, I found Vanessa. Before I could actively seek her out, she came to me first. Perfect-it saved me the trouble. “Miss South, if you’re here to talk about Julian, you can rest assured. I’ll be leaving here the day after tomorrow, completely leaving him. In this matter, you and I are both victims. Everything stems from Julian Ashford’s irresponsibility.” I had no issue with Vanessa. From a certain perspective, we were both victims. But Vanessa laughed disdainfully. “What are you to be mentioned in the same breath as me?” Seeing my goodwill trampled, I changed my tone. “Miss South got pregnant before marriage. Quite the scandal. Is this how wealthy families raise their daughters? Well, I’ve learned something new.” “You!” Vanessa flew into a rage and slapped me. I wasn’t one to be bullied-I slapped her right back. “Miss South, instead of arguing with me here, you’d be better off controlling Julian Ashford. Otherwise, without me, there will be others.” With that, I shut the door and returned to bed. I tossed and turned in bed. I don’t know how long it took before I finally fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, before I was fully awake, I was startled by the sound of Julian kicking down the door. The next second, he kicked the door open, strode in, and grabbed my throat. He used such force that I could barely breathe. “What did you say to Vanessa? She already told me she’s willing to accept you, so why would you do this?” Julian’s eyes were bloodshot, the force on his hand gradually increasing. I used all my strength to push against his hand and finally broke free. “I didn’t do anything.” He cut me off. “I thought you really were willing to coexist with her. Turns out you were lying to me all along! You really think I’d still be with you after you’ve done these things? Still won’t admit it? Look at this!” He threw a card at me. On it was Vanessa’s “suicide note.” “Julia, I originally thought my sincerity and this child in my belly could make you love me. But Miss Aria is right. You love her. You caused such a scene over her for the whole city to see. Even if I have the title of Mrs. Ashford, I’ll never have your heart. If that’s the case, our fate has ended. Let’s meet again in the next life. Vanessa.” I never said any of this to her. “I didn’t-” “Still making excuses! If anything happens to Vanessa or the baby today, I’ll make you pay with your life!” Julian wouldn’t listen to my defense. He roughly dragged me down the stairs. My knees were scraped raw and bloody. “My people sent word that Vanessa is on the TV station rooftop right now. You’re going to kneel and apologize to her! If she doesn’t forgive you, you’ll kneel on that rooftop until you die!” He tied my hands and shoved me into the trunk, racing all the way to the TV station rooftop. The bodyguards carried me up with him to the rooftop. There were also TV station staff on the rooftop doing a live broadcast. I was thrown to the ground. Cameras and flashing lights immediately focused on me. I knew no one would come to save me.

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In the restaurant, my wife Alice’s boss poured a glass of red wine over my face and humiliated me: “Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I’m giving Alice a chance for promotion. As her husband, you should be grateful to me, thanking me for giving Alice the opportunity to earn money, instead of coming here to stage some cheating drama.” All the guests in the restaurant turned to look at us. Alice’s boss rolled his eyes and continued: “I’ll give you a chance. Ask Alice whether she wants to stay or leave with you.” I ignored what he said and just pulled out a napkin to slowly wipe the red wine off my face. Then I looked at Alice, who was wearing a deep V-neck dress that exposed most of her chest. She looked at me and frowned: “Miles, go home.” “You’re not coming with me?” “We’ll talk at home tomorrow.” “Can’t you come back now? Do we have to wait until tomorrow?” “I’m not coming home tonight.” Hearing this, I smiled. If you’re not coming home tonight, you won’t be able to come home ever again.

A few days ago, I discovered a problem. Alice’s boss kept calling her frequently. After I pressed her about it. Alice finally told me the truth, saying her boss appreciated her and was preparing to put her in charge of a major project alone. If she could successfully complete this project, the performance bonus would be at least two hundred thousand dollars. At first, I didn’t suspect anything. I simply thought Alice was excellent and it was normal for her boss to appreciate her. But things got increasingly wrong after that. Alice started leaving early and coming home late every day, always drunk when she got home. After several days, we were like strangers. Apart from sleeping in the same bed at night, we had almost no communication during the day. Last night was even worse—Alice didn’t come home at all! I gradually realized things might not be as simple as I thought. Alice had the weekend off. Usually, she would stay home with me to cook, watch shows, and chat. But this time she dressed up carefully and deliberately wore a newly bought dress. And when she was looking at her phone replying to messages, her lips kept curling up in a smile she couldn’t suppress. All the signs indicated that Alice might be in love with someone! “Miles, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Just order takeout for yourself.” After getting dressed up, Alice looked several years younger. Since she usually took good care of herself, she looked like a woman in her twenties. I saw Alice picking up her bag to leave, so I called out to her. “Alice.” “What is it?” Alice stopped and looked at me questioningly. “Who asked you out?” “I just told you, didn’t I? Mira broke up with her boyfriend. Since it’s the weekend, I’m going to keep her company. Mira and I might drink, so if it gets too late, I won’t come back. I’ll stay at Mira’s place. I’m afraid she might do something foolish if she’s alone. Don’t wait up for me tonight—go to sleep when you’re tired.” “Oh, okay.” “I’m leaving.” “Be safe.” “Okay.” Hearing the door close, my heart ached. I knew Alice had a close friend named Mira. Unfortunately, Alice didn’t know that I had heard her entire conversation with Mira in the bathroom. Alice told Mira. If I called to ask, Mira should tell me that she had broken up with her boyfriend. Without a doubt, Alice was making such thorough preparations in advance. Who she was going to see was self-evident. Thinking of this, I got up and left the house. I wanted to see who Alice’s new boyfriend was!

I followed Alice to an upscale Western restaurant. I watched Alice smiling and drinking with an old man. This old man’s perverted hands kept taking advantage of Alice. Seeing this, I was instantly furious. I rushed over and broke up their intimate atmosphere. I didn’t say a word, just glared angrily at the old man beside Alice. The old man was Alice’s boss. His name was Jamal. Jamal put down his wine glass, his other hand still wrapped around Alice’s slender waist. Alice’s expression became slightly unnatural. She frowned and asked me: “Did you follow me?” “I just wanted to confirm my suspicions.” I explained. “And is the result what you expected?” Jamal picked up his napkin and elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth, asking with a smile on his face. “Who is he?” I looked at Alice, asking a question I already knew the answer to. “My boss.” “So this is the old, perverted boss you mentioned.” My words made Jamal’s face change dramatically. Before he could speak. I sneered mockingly again: “You’re already so old, and you still have the nerve to seduce someone else’s wife? To put it bluntly, can you even still perform?” “Miles, I never said anything like that.” Alice hastily explained. At this point, unable to bear it any longer, Jamal suddenly stood up, furious, and grabbed his wine glass. In an instant, the entire glass of red wine was splashed on my face. “Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I’m giving Alice a chance for promotion. As her husband, you should be grateful to me, thanking me for giving Alice the opportunity to earn money, instead of coming here to stage some cheating drama.” “Miles, can you stop acting like a child? So many people are watching. Aren’t you embarrassed?” Alice blinked at me, signaling me to leave. Of course, I wasn’t going to leave in disgrace like that. Alice was the one who wronged me. This old man was the third party. I glanced around. Many guests were watching us curiously. I pulled out a chair and sat down, demanding loudly: “How much money did he give you? You’re willing to give up our home and me?” “Miles!” Alice’s face changed dramatically, glaring at me with her whole body trembling. “How much money did he give you?” I pointed at Jamal and asked. “He didn’t give me money.” Alice said through gritted teeth. “Not for money? Then he promised to promote you?” After I asked this question, Alice fell silent. I immediately laughed. “He promoted you, giving you a few thousand dollars more per month, and you’re willing to drink and eat with him, and even sleep with him?” “Miles, stop talking!” Alice bit her lip, trembling with anger. “Why can’t I talk about it?” “If you had money, would I need to sell myself?” Hearing Alice’s question, I suddenly understood. “So after all this, you think I’m poor.” “That’s right, I do think you’re poor. I think you’re incompetent. I think you’re worthless. Compare yourself with any random man—who isn’t better than you?” “Then why did you willingly marry me in the first place?” “I was young and naive. I was blind. I thought all I wanted was love, but after getting married I realized that love is bullshit. Marriage without money and material things, this life worse than a dog’s—I’ve had enough!” “Is this what you really think?” “Yes!” “Fine, I understand.” I got up to leave, heartbroken. But Jamal suddenly called out to stop me: “Wait a minute.”

My gaze shifted to Jamal. “Young man, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. If you’re capable, call Alice back home. Let’s see whether she wants to stay or go with you.” Looking at the somewhat smug Jamal, I suppressed the urge to punch him. My gaze moved to Alice, watching her lean tipsily against Jamal after carefully dressing up. My heart ached faintly. From dating to marriage, everything had been moving in a beautiful direction. But I never dreamed she would sell her body for money. Originally, I was going to leave directly. But I wanted to see if Alice would suddenly change her mind. “Miles, stop embarrassing yourself. Go home.” Before I could ask, Alice told me to leave. “If you leave with me now, there might still be a chance to salvage things.” I reminded her. “We can talk about anything tomorrow when I get home.” “Tomorrow?” “As you wish.” I said nothing more and turned to leave. “Young man.” Jamal suddenly spoke. “Spit it out if you have something to say.” I frowned impatiently. “Are you interested in watching a livestream tonight?” Jamal paused. “Didn’t you say I’m too old to perform? Then I’ll let you appreciate my prowess.” I didn’t answer. Jamal’s lips curled up, continuing smugly: “Letting you watch your own wife become another man’s plaything with your own eyes—just thinking about it feels especially thrilling.” Hearing this, Alice’s pretty face became somewhat unpleasant, but she said nothing. “Can’t help it. Who told me to have money and power?” Jamal shrugged, looking completely fearless. “Are you very rich?” I raised an eyebrow and asked. “Not much, just tens of millions. Nothing worth mentioning.” Jamal said. Then he changed the subject, becoming even more smug: “Of course, what I have now, you couldn’t earn in a lifetime. If I were you, I’d just accept this, or pretend it never happened. After Alice satisfies me and gets her promotion and raise, you two can still continue living your good life together.” “A mere few tens of millions and you dare to be arrogant in front of me? In a few days, I’ll make you go bankrupt.” I said calmly. “What did you say? Did I hear wrong? You’re going to make me go bankrupt?” Jamal looked at me in astonishment, as if he’d heard the biggest joke ever. “Just wait and see.” I didn’t want to waste words and turned to leave. After I left, Jamal turned to Alice and asked: “Alice, did his head get caught in a door?” “Boss, ignore him. He just likes to brag.” Alice wrapped her arms around Jamal’s neck. “What an interesting young man, too bad his brain doesn’t work well.” Jamal laughed triumphantly, his hand tightly holding Alice’s waist. I stood outside the restaurant, taking in Jamal’s brilliant smile. The next second, I calmly took out my phone and made a call. “Mom, I want to come home and eat your cooking.”

That night, I scrolled through photos of Alice and me, unable to sleep. And Alice didn’t come home all night either. Although I already knew the answer, it would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt. To marry Alice, I had sacrificed so much. It’s just that no one knew about the sacrifices I made except myself, including Alice. After dawn, I simply packed my personal belongings and sat in the living room waiting for Alice to come home. I waited until around ten o’clock before Alice finally came home. After she entered, we made eye contact. She had gone out wearing black stockings last night, but when she returned, the stockings were gone. Thinking about how she had been intimate with that old man in bed last night, I clearly felt what it meant to have your heart ache to the point of suffocation. “You’re back?” I asked calmly on the surface. “Yeah.” Alice just responded faintly, then was about to go to the bedroom. “Sit down. Let’s talk.” “Talk about what?” Alice frowned. “I want a divorce.” I once thought Alice and I would be happy together forever. I never thought the word “divorce” would come out of my mouth. “Miles, are you crazy? You want to divorce me?” Alice looked at me in disbelief. “Yes, divorce.” I said. Alice walked up to me in a few steps, anger appearing on her tired face, asking: “Can you be more mature? Just because of this trivial matter, you want to divorce me?” Hearing this, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I suddenly stood up, my face livid: “You slept with your boss for a promotion. You betrayed me right in front of me, and you still think this is a trivial matter?” “I don’t think it’s a big deal.” Alice retorted. Then she defended her actions: “Jamal and I just made a transaction. He promised to promote me and said he would never touch me again after this. It was just one night. From now on, my salary will increase by six thousand dollars every month, and there’s a big project. If I do well, I could get a bonus of hundreds of thousands of dollars at any time. Such a good opportunity is right in front of me—do you want me to give it up?” I looked at Alice in shock as she spoke so righteously. I always thought I understood her well, but it turned out all that so-called understanding was just my own wishful thinking. “You win.” I gave Alice a thumbs up in despair. “You really want a divorce?” “Yes.” “Think it through. As long as you accept this, our life together will only get better and better from now on.” “Sorry, I can’t accept my woman cheating on me and showing no remorse.” “Fine. You want a divorce, right? I agree. Don’t come crying to me to remarry later.” After Alice finished speaking, she turned to leave. I took the divorce agreement out of the drawer and placed it on the table. Alice didn’t hesitate either, decisively signing her name on the divorce agreement. “As you wish. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other.” After Alice finished speaking, she viciously threw the agreement in my face. At this moment, I suddenly had an illusion that the person who made the mistake wasn’t her, but me. “The house is mine. Pack your things and get as far away as possible. Don’t ever let me see you again.” After dropping these words, Alice turned and left.

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My son got a girlfriend who’s ten years older than him, divorced, and has a five-year-old son. Of course I didn’t approve. I strongly opposed it, but my son went on a hunger strike for a week, threatening to die. Watching my son grow so weak he could barely speak, I gave in. On the day we met the parents, she said arrogantly, “Ethan said he’ll treat my son as his own, and to put my mind at ease, he’s already gotten a vasectomy.” “Of course, if your family treats my son well, I might consider letting Ethan get a reversal surgery.” My son also rushed to declare his loyalty, “Until Jessica agrees, I absolutely won’t have children of my own.” I completely gave up hope. I said calmly, “Whatever you two decide is fine. I have no objections.” When my son brought Jessica home for dinner, I didn’t make things difficult for her or show her a cold face. I received her with a calm heart. She wore elaborate makeup and dressed young, but standing next to my twenty-three-year-old son, you could see the age difference, though it wasn’t too dramatic. I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly and smiled as I made small talk with her. After chatting for about half an hour, I took out an envelope I’d prepared beforehand and handed it to her. Inside was eleven thousand dollars, which by our local standards was already quite generous. When Jessica took it, she thought she was being subtle, but her fingers obviously pinched to gauge the thickness. The corners of her mouth turned down. Clearly she thought it was too little. I’d originally thought that since my son loved her so much, she must have some redeeming qualities I hadn’t discovered yet, and I wanted to talk with her more. Now I’d completely lost interest. I made an excuse about having work at the company, preparing to end this meeting. That’s when Jessica spoke up. “Since Ethan and I are planning to get married, we’ll be family from now on. There’s something I don’t want to hide from you.” “Ethan always says you’re an open-minded mother. I believe you’ll understand.” Hearing this, I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, Jessica’s attitude seemed respectful, but her eyes were full of provocation as she said, “Ethan said he’d treat my child as his own, but words are just words. So to put my mind at ease, he voluntarily got a vasectomy.” I could hardly believe what I was hearing. A vasectomy? Suppressing my anger, I looked sharply at my son. “Ethan, is what she’s saying true?” My son’s eyes flashed with guilt as he explained, “Mom, Andy is still young, at a sensitive age. He often has nightmares at night because he’s scared.” “Not only is Jessica worried, I’m worried too, so I went and… got the vasectomy.” Jessica pretended to comfort me. “This is all temporary. As long as I’m sure your family truly treats my son well, I’ll agree to let Ethan get a reversal surgery.” A surge of anger shot up, burning so hot my whole body trembled. What did she mean by “she’s sure”? “She’ll agree”? But before I could demand an explanation, my son was already rushing to show his loyalty to Jessica. “Don’t worry, I’ll never go back on what I promised you!” “Until you agree, I absolutely won’t have children of my own.” My son’s words were like a bucket of cold water poured over me, chilling me to the bone. In that moment, I completely gave up hope. I said calmly, “Whatever you two decide is fine. I have no objections.”

Ethan took Jessica home, and I collapsed on the sofa, lost in thought. My son Ethan had been obedient and sensible since childhood, did well in school, got into a prestigious university, and after graduation used his own abilities to get into a major tech company. I could say he’d never given me any trouble. But I never expected I’d stumble so badly on his marriage. Jessica was his coworker. Ethan fell for her at first sight. “She’s extremely capable, she’s been involved in so many major projects.” “She has a great personality, everyone at the company likes her.” “There are a lot of factions at the company. If she hadn’t warned me, I would have offended people.” “When we work overtime, she always orders takeout for me.” … This was Ethan’s first relationship. Of course I wanted to bless it, but Jessica was not only ten years older than him, she was also divorced, and even had a five-year-old son! What I didn’t expect even more was that Ethan would go on a hunger strike and threaten to die for her sake. A mother can probably never win against her son, so I gave in and tried hard to convince myself to accept them. But I never imagined that this woman Jessica would encourage Ethan to get a vasectomy! I run beauty salons—my job is dealing with women. I knew her little schemes crystal clear. Ethan’s hunger strike for her gave her confidence. She just wanted to use Ethan to control me. As long as I still wanted grandchildren, I’d have to listen to her. But what made me even angrier was Ethan. I didn’t believe he didn’t know how important the vasectomy was, how angry and upset I’d be when I found out, but he still did it. He was just relying on being my only son, convinced I couldn’t do anything about it. Instantly, a thought I couldn’t control popped up. I was forty-seven this year, healthy—I was completely in time to have another one! When Ethan came home, I was still wildly tempted by that thought. He sat down across from me, somewhat unhappy as he asked, “Mom, today when Jessica mentioned my vasectomy, if I hadn’t interrupted, were you going to get angry?” I stared at him sharply and asked, “You got a vasectomy without saying a word. Shouldn’t I be angry?” Ethan froze and said, “That’s not what I meant.” “Mom, you’ve always opposed us being together. Jessica doesn’t feel secure, so that’s why I came up with the vasectomy idea. Don’t blame her.” I didn’t believe a word of this! But the deed was already done. Arguing now about whose idea it was had no meaning. I looked at him steadily and asked with utmost seriousness, “Ethan, I’m asking you one last time. If I still don’t agree, will you still insist on marrying Jessica?” Ethan suddenly stood up and said emotionally, “Mom, didn’t we already agree? Why are you going back on your word?” “Anyway, she’s the only person I’ll love in this life!” “If I can’t marry her, I’d rather die!” “Mom, don’t make me hate you!” Hearing Ethan say “don’t make me hate you,” I laughed coldly inside and completely let go of that last shred of hope. Have another one. I made the decision instantly. I said calmly, “Ethan, you’re not young anymore, and you’re about to get married and start a family with someone else. From now on, I won’t interfere in your affairs. You make your own decisions.” After a pause, I said meaningfully, “You chose this partner yourself. I hope you won’t regret it.” Ethan’s obsession with Jessica was obvious to the naked eye, but the way Jessica looked at Ethan wasn’t as passionate as how she looked at my Hermès Birkin bag. Unfortunately, Ethan didn’t notice and kept singing Jessica’s praises to me. On the surface I listened attentively, but inside I was already screening candidates to father my child. Over ten years ago, when Ethan’s dad was secretly meeting his mistress, he died in a car accident. After that, I never remarried for Ethan’s sake, but I also had needs, so I dated a few boyfriends. My current one was a company employee. His family had difficulties and I helped them out, then later he got into my bed under the guise of repaying me. He was young and handsome, so I just went along with it. He’d been my underground lover for several years without any official status, never actively asked for anything, never used my influence to suppress anyone, and instead worked hard for the company. Almost instantly, I made my decision. Him it was. I took out my phone and sent him a message. I’m coming to your place tonight to stay over.

After that, in my effort to get pregnant, I was trying almost every day, always getting home in the middle of the night. And Ethan was right in the thick of his infatuation with Jessica, also frequently staying out all night. We clearly lived under the same roof, but we managed not to run into each other, and Ethan didn’t notice at all that I was coming home late. After more than two months of this, Ethan called me, saying he wanted to discuss the wedding. That day, we both rarely came home from work on time. He talked for a bit about his and Jessica’s recent situation, emphasizing how good Jessica was to him, how her son was starting to accept him, and how happy that made him. After going on about this for over half an hour, he asked me, “Mom, what style of wedding do you prefer?” After listening to him talk nonsense for so long, honestly, I was quite annoyed. I said bluntly, “This is your and Jessica’s wedding. Shouldn’t you be asking what she likes?” “I told you, I respect all your decisions.” Ethan was very happy. “I said there’d be no problem, but Jessica insisted I ask you.” He asked again, “Mom, Jessica says the wedding needs eighty thousand dollars. That’s okay, right?” Ethan said with both heartache and emotion, “I think eighty thousand is too little, but she insisted, saying as long as she can marry me, she’d be willing even without a wedding ceremony. Mom, Jessica is so good, I don’t want her to feel wronged.” As he spoke, Ethan’s eyes even reddened. I raised an eyebrow. Looks like Jessica’s ambitions weren’t small. Sure enough, Ethan immediately continued, “Mom, that luxury penthouse you bought me for my marriage—I want to add Jessica’s name to the deed, and then do a prenuptial agreement.” I put my water glass down on the coffee table, a bit heavily—bang. I looked at Ethan and said calmly, “If you bought the house yourself, you could even put only her name on it if you wanted.” “But I paid for that penthouse. Understand?” Ethan was stunned and after a long pause could only squeeze out, “Isn’t it all family money?” I laughed coldly. He knew it was family money! I was too lazy to beat around the bush with him and decided to speak plainly. “I don’t like Jessica, but if you insist on marrying her, I won’t oppose it. I respect you.” “But my things—tell Jessica to stop coveting them!” “And you stop coveting them too!” Ethan’s face turned from red to white. “Mom, I’m your son. Why do you have to be so clear about everything?” He said righteously, “Your things will eventually be left to us anyway!” Though I already knew he thought this way, thinking it and hearing it firsthand were two different things. I said mockingly, “Don’t speak in such absolutes. I don’t necessarily have to leave it to you.” Ethan said impatiently, “Mom, I know you’re angry about the vasectomy, but I’ve already explained. Can you stop being so passive-aggressive!” “Also, don’t think I can’t tell—you’re just trying to use money to control me, to make me break up with Jessica. Let me tell you, I absolutely won’t compromise!” “Just you wait and see—even without your money, we can live well!” After delivering his speech, Ethan slammed the door and left. After that, he started preparing for the wedding. It was very grand—custom wedding dress and diamond ring, five-star hotel, tables at sixty-eight hundred dollars each, the venue decorated entirely with imported fresh flowers. He really kept his word—he never asked me for a cent. But I only had this one son. I’d always been generous with money when it came to him. For holidays I’d give him envelopes with fifty or a hundred thousand dollars. During his university years, his monthly allowance was ten thousand. That only stopped when he started working. His savings must be at least close to a million. At the end of the day, wasn’t that also my money? So when Ethan stood on stage saying something about how no matter how many people opposed him, he had the ability to give Jessica happiness, I only found it laughable. My best friend sitting next to me rolled her eyes and said bluntly, “Your son was raised for nothing.” Thinking of the pregnancy test result from this morning, my smile deepened. “Yeah, so I’m hoping this time I can have a daughter.” My friend froze. “You mean you’re…” Before she could finish her sentence, Jessica’s mother’s shrill voice interrupted, “You’re pregnant?”

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