When the chauffeur’s son brought home an unidentified girl and asked me to take care of her, rows of bullet comments suddenly floated before my eyes: “Amazing! The male and female leads are both reborn, meeting early! This time, they won’t be separated by worldly obstacles for so many years.” “If it weren’t for the wicked female antagonist meddling, this sweet romance novel would be even more addictive.” “The wicked female antagonist, relying on her father being a General, never gave the male lead a good look. She’s simply bullying him by flaunting her power.” “She even self-righteously believes her family single-handedly raised the male lead to power, forcing him to pamper her without dignity. But honestly, without her help, the male lead could still become an unattainable magnate on his own.” At this moment, the chauffeur’s son looked at me, his eyes devoid of their usual respect and politeness, replaced by arrogance and disdain, gleaming with the greedy light of a venomous snake. I wanted to see how, with this “double rebirth” setup, an adopted orphan and a girl of unknown origin would claw their way up through the currents of time to become revered figures of power. 1 Jared Starkwood sat on my living room sofa, popping open a can of lychees for Lucy Astor, pouring them into my special white porcelain bowl. Seeing me staring at Lucy, his eyes immediately filled with defensiveness, and he shifted to block my view: “Eleanor Patton, this is Lucy Astor, my girlfriend. You’ll personally take care of her from now on. Her skin is delicate, so the bedding must be Soviet-made. She’s not used to small rooms, so she’ll sleep in your room from now on. You move out.” He brazenly tore open a rationed ‘October Factory’ chocolate, military-issue, handing it to Lucy. When he turned to me, his face was filled with contempt: “Eleanor Patton, I’ll stay by your side, but I won’t love you. If you can continue to help me wholeheartedly climb the ladder, I can spare your life.” Lucy leaned weakly against Jared, wearing the thick wool felt slippers my father had specially brought back for me from the Soviet Union. The bullet comments on my screen surged with excitement: “Wow! His attitude is so strong! He just throws shade at the rich lady from the get-go. This is how a true sweet romance should start!” “The double rebirth setting is so good! The wicked female antagonist wants to force the male lead to marry her using her family’s influence and even plans to make the female lead lose her innocence at the dance hall. That’s impossible this time around!” “In the previous life, the wicked female antagonist forced the male lead to study abroad in England for four years to break up the couple, completely tearing them apart. So heartbreaking!” “Thank goodness the male lead met a benefactor after returning from abroad, eventually ruining the wicked female antagonist’s family, branding them with treason, never to recover!” My brow twitched, reading these scrolling words. Jared straightened up, chest puffed out, his face surprisingly bearing the open confidence and nobility he had cultivated from power in his previous life. “Mom Eleanor, peel me a Beijing white pear, the fresh batch from Men Tou Gou, North Gate.” The bullet comments were furiously scrolling. I finally understood—the world I was in was a modern sweet romance novel, and the “wicked female antagonist, the rich young lady” in the comments, was me. In the plot, after Jared brought the homeless Lucy back to my house for me to care for her, the two of them developed a growing intimacy. Unwilling to have my childhood sweetheart stolen, I resorted to manipulative tactics: to give him a taste of power and wealth, I continuously helped him rise, even using my family’s connections to send him to study abroad, severing his ties with Lucy. After returning to the country, Jared married me, becoming a model husband in the eyes of outsiders, but in his heart, he always longed for Lucy, his unattainable ‘white moonlight.’ And Lucy, after losing his help, was forced to work in a dance hall for a living and lost her innocence. After gaining power, Jared supported Lucy, spending lavishly and cavorting with her, blaming all of Lucy’s suffering on me. Later, he conspired with outsiders to frame my family, accusing us of treason. My parents, after clearing their names, died of grief, and I was poisoned to death by them. They then ostentatiously squandered my family’s fortune, only to drown and be reborn on a seaside trip, waking up on this very day—the day Jared first brought Lucy to my house. My expression was cold, finding it absurd: these two, an adopted child of a chauffeur and an abandoned girl of unknown origin, actually think they can turn my family upside down? This plot trajectory was utterly preposterous. Jared still thought he was the influential son-in-law of the Patton family from his previous life. Seeing “Mom Eleanor” motionless, he angrily rebuked me: “How can your Patton family have such an ignorant servant?” Facing his contempt, I raised my hand and slapped him. “Who do you think you are, raising your voice in my house?” 2 Lucy glared at me fiercely, then turned her head to gently caress Jared’s face, saying, “I never thought Miss Patton would be such a rude and unreasonable person. If that’s the case, Miss Patton is certainly not qualified to take care of me.” She hooked her arm through Jared’s, clinging to him like a small bird. “No need to get so angry over a maid. Just dismiss her and get a new one. Why lower yourself? Miss Patton is so barbaric; just kick her out.” Her tone was full of the authority of a mistress, and I just wanted to laugh: “What kind of trash dares to ask for my care, and even wants to stay in my house? How absurd.” “Aunt Eleanor is my father’s personal aide, a staff member under military jurisdiction, not a maid you can simply order around.” “Aunt Eleanor, please, dispose of the items these two lowlifes have used…” Before I could finish, Jared tilted his head back, interrupting with an arrogant tone, “Eleanor Patton, you are simply too ill-mannered! I should really take your father’s place and properly educate you!” The bullet comments exploded in surprise: “How did the wicked female antagonist suddenly grow a brain? Shouldn’t she willingly take care of the female lead? And become the male lead’s stepping stone, submitting to his every whim?” “Did the plot shift? And why is the male lead acting so superior now? He’s clearly just a chauffeur’s adopted son, living on borrowed time.” “Heh heh. The female antagonist just wants to deliberately attract the male lead’s attention. Such cheap tricks.” Jared still wore a determined expression. “Since you insist on being so ill-mannered, then get out of this house!” Hearing him, I wanted to laugh. Was Jared even thinking clearly? He wanted to kick me out of my own house. It seemed he was still immersed in his role as the powerful son-in-law from his previous life. My house, by what right did he tell me to leave? I picked up the rotary phone receiver and dialed the guard at the gate: “There are two troublemakers at the house. Please clear them out.” Jared and Lucy looked at each other as if they had heard a joke. “Clear them out? I’d like to see, when General Patton returns, who he’ll clear out, you or me!” He said with absolute certainty, “General Patton in the previous life wholeheartedly promoted me to a high position because he valued my talent and ability. For my sake, he will definitely kick you out!” In the previous life, with my father’s support, Jared gradually climbed the ladder of power. My father’s esteem for him also meant that the security guards and household staff almost always obeyed his every word. This greatly nourished his ambition. But for him to act so high and mighty now, his brain must have truly been eaten by a dog. As soon as my father arrived home, shedding his military uniform, Jared unceremoniously approached him. He acted as if my father would definitely side with him, stating directly, “General Patton, you really have raised a good daughter. She actually wants to kick me out. I asked her to take care of Lucy, such a helpless orphan girl, and she, with a heart of stone, slapped me.” My father was a traditional man who deeply valued family reputation and harmony. In our previous life, whenever there were family conflicts, my father often urged me to back down. But now, my father looked at Jared, his eyes filled only with surprise and exasperation. Without even raising his eyes, he told the security guard: “From now on, don’t let just any stray cat or dog into the house, especially those with poor judgment. What if they hurt Quinn?” Jared, hearing my father’s words, couldn’t believe the General, who had always valued him, would be so heartless. He composed himself, commanding in an unshakeable tone, “You should kick Eleanor Patton out of this house! Only then will I wholeheartedly support you and become your right-hand man!” My father burst out laughing, unable to believe his ears. “Sacrifice my daughter for you? I’m a military general. Do I really need a greenhorn like you, who’s never even seen a battlefield, as my right-hand man? Don’t make me laugh.” “I used to let you come to the house often just to entertain Quinn.” Jared couldn’t believe my father’s current attitude towards him. He was incredulous: “That’s not how it was! You were supposed to value me greatly, promote me to your position! I was supposed to be your most prized subordinate, your favorite son-in-law!” My father chuckled, waving his hand for the security guard to escort him out. “I guess I’m just too approachable. To think he would actually covet my Quinn. How utterly despicable.” Life quieted down for a few days. Then, the Northwood Restaurant called our house. Someone was using the Patton family’s name to consume lavishly and charge it to their account. The bullet comments on my screen instantly boiled over: “So cool! Taking the female lead to eat delicacies! Is this the privilege of the elite class?” “After the male lead packs up the last portion of Leningrad caviar, he meets his benefactor. With this precious caviar, he will definitely connect with this benefactor, making it imperative to destroy the wicked female antagonist’s family and climb over them to power.” “But why is the male lead acting like a gold-digger? Making them charge it to the female antagonist’s account is such a petty move.” 3 The restaurant, inside and out, was packed with onlookers. Rumor had it that General Patton’s son was buying all the caviar in Northwood Restaurant. Before even stepping into the private room, I could hear Jared’s voice: “Another Northwood Peking duck, the kind directly from Yuquan Mountain Farm, and remember to brand the duck with a five-pointed star!” “Also, the silver fish from Lake Tai, transported fresh by speedboat. If it’s not fresh, I don’t want it.” The waiter taking the order looked troubled, but forced a smile, his tone gentle: “Sir, purchasing these items requires special supply coupons. On top of the coupons, you might also need to show your father’s identification, or your military family dependent ID, and then pay the corresponding price.” Jared put on a grand facade, his face unchanged, as if everything was under control. He said calmly: “Just charge these to the account for now. My family’s personal aide will come to settle it at the end of the month.” “General Patton spoils me excessively. These small things, he wouldn’t even think twice about them. My father, the General, is just such a generous person.” Lucy still leaned limply against Jared, acting like a small woman who relied on him for everything: “Jared, a young talent, General Patton must be so proud of you!” The waiter looked at the two of them, filled with doubt. From the moment he started working at this restaurant, he was well-versed in the family connections of all the Generals and high-ranking officials. But years of professional etiquette allowed him to speak impeccably: “General Patton is our national hero, beloved by everyone, so he’s naturally very generous.” Jared said nonchalantly, “That’s only natural. My father has always been like that.” His eyes gleamed with pride, coupled with the casualness in his tone, completely fooling the onlookers outside. However, Jared’s patched-up shirt, mended with various colors, and his mud-splattered pant legs betrayed him. The bullet comments, upon seeing my entrance, immediately erupted: “The wicked female antagonist sees the male lead’s unyielding and proud demeanor, and her heart must be filled with adoration, so she buys everything in one go!” “If the villainess won’t even pay for a meal, she truly doesn’t deserve the last shred of kindness the male lead still holds for her.” The waiter was sweating profusely, trying to skillfully delay Jared without offending him, while also signaling for me and waiting for my arrival, truly making him as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof. Seeing me, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing everyone gathered around the private room door, I spoke directly:

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1 It was after a night of heavy drinking that Caroline Harrison became pregnant with her intern’s child. When I found out, her belly was already three months along. The woman knelt before me, her face full of shame, pleading: “Ethan, I’m so sorry. I drank too much at that business dinner and mistook him for you. I swear it was just that once!” “Don’t be angry. I’ll get rid of the baby immediately, then send him abroad. I promise he won’t be an eyesore for you!” Ten years we’d been together. I believed her. Six months later, I returned from a business trip. During a routine check-up at the hospital, I unexpectedly saw the intern embracing Caroline, who was heavily pregnant. Seeing me, she immediately shielded him: “Ethan… he’s still young. I took his virginity… I have to be responsible for him…” “Even if I can’t give him a proper status, I have to ensure the baby in my belly stays with him. For the sake of our years together, please promise me you won’t make things difficult for him…” In that moment, looking at the woman I had loved for ten years, I felt a weariness I’d never known. So I didn’t cry or rage. I calmly replied, “Alright.” And turned to cancel the scheduled IVF procedure. While waiting in line, I dialed a number I hadn’t contacted in a long time: “I’m looking for a new wife. Are you interested?” The person on the other end was silent for a long time before finally speaking: “Are you serious, Ethan? Don’t joke around. Do you know how long I’ve waited for this day?!” I calmly said, “I’m serious. Come pick me up in Seaside City in three days. Remember to bring your household registration.” I hung up. The hospital’s paging system called my name: “Mr. Chen, your sperm quality has returned to normal. You can proceed with IVF.” The image I had just seen in the hallway flashed through my mind: Caroline Harrison leaning familiarly against that young intern, her face beaming with the joy of impending motherhood. And the child in her belly was not mine. The suppressed tears could no longer be held back. I shook my head. “No, I’m not doing it.” “My wife… she’s already dead…” The doctor looked at me sympathetically, no longer trying to persuade me. He helped me cancel the IVF procedure scheduled for two days later. Coming out of the office, I passed by the ultrasound room and clearly saw Caroline Harrison lying on the hospital bed, the other man kissing her belly. She probably found it cold, as she let out a surprised gasp, then shyly nestled into the man’s embrace. The doctor nearby chuckled, saying the couple’s affection was heartwarming. Caroline nodded. “Yes, he’s young, but he knows how to cherish me.” As she said this, the tenderness in her eyes deeply pierced mine. Once upon a time, she spoke of me the same way to others, but now, all that love was given to another man… I couldn’t bear to look anymore and fled in a panic. Only when I got into the car did tears silently stream down my face. Caroline and I, young lovers, started from scratch. We once shared a tiny basement apartment, and she swore she would only ever have me. A woman’s vows are not to be trusted; I always knew that, but then, I stubbornly believed them. Over the years, the company gradually got on track, but I developed weak sperm due to excessive alcohol from years of business entertaining. On my first day of treatment, I coincidentally ran into Caroline Harrison and her intern in the obstetrics and gynecology department. The woman immediately knelt on the floor, desperately pleading, saying she was wrong, that it was only a night of drunken folly that led to the absurdity. In that moment, I seemed to forget how to breathe, biting down hard on my lip. After a long time, I forced myself to endure the wrenching pain in my heart and spoke: “Caroline Harrison, I forgive you.” But what she didn’t know was that I would only forgive that one time. So today, when I saw them, I knew our marriage had reached its end. My thoughts slowly returned to the present. I turned the car around and went to the law firm, personally drafting divorce papers. 2 It was already evening when I arrived home. Caroline Harrison eagerly opened the door, pulling me into a hug: “Ethan, where have you been? I called your phone, but you didn’t answer.” The moment she got close, I smelled a pungent perfume on her, exactly the sandalwood scent I disliked most. I subtly shifted away, saying flatly, “Nothing, just stopped by the law firm on the way.” Caroline’s eyebrows furrowed. “Next time, just have Liam run that errand. Why bother you with such a small matter—” Before she could finish, I coldly interrupted, “Caroline Harrison, let’s get a divorce.” She looked up at me in disbelief. “What did you say? You want to divorce me?” “Because of this small matter? I told you, what happened between him and me was just an accident. Now he’s asking to keep the baby, and I thought, since you have low sperm count, why not let me have the baby? We can bring the child back for you to raise after it’s born, and then send him abroad. It’s not too late.” Hearing Caroline say she wanted to bring back a child conceived with another man for me to raise, my heart constricted, and my fingers involuntarily tightened around the medical report in my bag. “I’m not joking. Here’s the divorce agreement. Take a look.” Caroline Harrison’s face suddenly turned cold. “Ethan, are you throwing a tantrum with me? I’ve explained it very clearly. Nothing will change, and we’ll have a child. Isn’t that good?” “Ethan, I’m really tired today. Can you please stop being so unreasonable?” I couldn’t help but want to laugh. Now that she’d cheated, I was the one being unreasonable. I shook my head, placing the divorce agreement in front of her. “No, it’s not good.” “Caroline Harrison, I find you unclean.” As soon as I said this, her temper ignited instantly. “Unclean? Ethan, do you know how many men out there are waiting for me to get into their beds? This was just one time! Why can’t you be more generous?!” With that, she tore the divorce agreement into shreds. “I’m telling you, I won’t agree to a divorce, never!” “Besides, Ethan, look at yourself. You’re thirty now, and you have low sperm count. Who else would want you besides me?!” “I’m going to pretend this never happened. Don’t ever bring it up again!” With that, she slammed the door shut and left, leaving me alone to clean up the shattered pieces on the floor. Just as I finished, my phone vibrated. The sender had sent two photos of pigeon-egg-sized diamonds for me to choose from. I glanced at them and replied, “The left one.” Then, I took off the wedding ring I had worn for seven years and tossed it into the trash. The next morning, I went to the company, finished handing over my work, and was about to leave. My assistant, Lisa, rushed over, saying a client wanted to see me. So she took me to the club. When I opened the door, I saw Caroline Harrison standing in the center, holding a large bouquet of roses. Around her were people I knew well; even Caroline’s mother, who usually disliked me, was present. Caroline stepped forward, her face full of remorse: “Ethan, it’s my fault. I was anxious yesterday and said the wrong things. Today is our seventh wedding anniversary. Can you forgive me?” Seeing my silence, Caroline’s mother spoke impatiently into my ear: “Alright, so Caroline had another man’s child, so what? Besides, it’s your own fault, you can’t blame her. She’s apologized to you, what more do you want?” “Ethan, a man needs to know when to advance and when to retreat.” I forced a bitter smile. Just as I was about to say, I don’t want anything except a divorce, Caroline’s gaze drifted to my empty finger. “Ethan, where’s our wedding ring? Did you forget to wear it? Luckily, I bought you a new one.” She began searching her person, but a male voice from behind interrupted. “The ring is with me.” 3 I turned around, and Caroline Harrison walked past me first. “Why are you here? Didn’t you say work was very busy today?” The man reached out and stroked her waist. “I saw the ring on your bedside table and thought you might need it today, so I brought it over.” “Caroline, I’m a bit thirsty. Can you get me a glass of water?” Caroline hurried off to find a waiter to get water, but he walked towards me. “Hello, Ethan. My name is Liam Green.” I didn’t respond. He opened a ring box in front of me. I looked inside, and coincidentally, it was identical to the one on his own finger. “Ethan, this is a ring Caroline specifically customized for your seventh wedding anniversary.” With that, he offered me the ring. I didn’t take it. The next second, the ring fell to the floor, and he knelt directly in front of me: “Ethan, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have slept with Ms. Harrison when I was drunk. I truly didn’t mean to.” “But I don’t want anything. I just beg you to let her give birth to the baby in her belly. Even… even if you want to adopt him under your name, I’m willing…” Tears immediately welled up in his eyes, as if he had suffered some immense grievance. Caroline Harrison came over and witnessed this scene. The cup in her hand shattered on the floor. She rushed over and gently helped Liam Green up, then looked at me with a coldness I had never seen before. “Ethan, any grievances you have, direct them at me! Why are you making things difficult for him?!” The love and protectiveness in Caroline Harrison’s eyes were too obvious. I knew that even if I did nothing, in her eyes, I was already condemned. Too lazy to explain, I turned to leave, but Caroline’s mother rushed up and slapped me across the face. “Useless! I thought you were sensible, but you’re so wicked! You actually made him kneel before you!” “I’m telling you, the child between him and Lucy will be born into our Hayes family! If anything happens, I will never forgive you!” Because of the sudden force, I was knocked backwards into a giant tower of wine glasses. In an instant, all the glasses crashed down on me, countless shards of glass slicing into my body. Caroline Harrison froze, instinctively wanting to help me up. But the Liam Green beside her immediately clutched his stomach. “Ah! My stomach hurts so much, Caroline! I feel so awful, please help me!” The woman, who had been standing, instantly crouched down, then helped him up and left without a backward glance. I lay on the floor, accompanied by Caroline’s mother’s sneering voice, looking at our wedding photo on the big screen. At 23, Caroline Harrison told me: “Ethan, I must marry you. After we marry, if I ever make you bleed or cry, I will die to atone for it!” But 30-year-old Caroline Harrison, even as I bled and cried before her, no longer had me in her eyes. How ironic! After a long time, I forced myself to get up, enduring the pain, and limped to a hospital. While getting bandaged, every touch made me tremble with pain. Nearby, two nurses were chatting idly. “Did you hear? In the VIP room upstairs, Ms. Harrison is absolutely doting. The moment he said he was in pain, she had high-end luxury items from all over the city brought to his room for him to pick from!” “Oh, yes, I know! I was there when she first found out she was pregnant. Ms. Harrison actually cried tears of joy. They must be so in love!” I looked down at the countless wounds on my body, chuckling self-deprecatingly. So love and not-love, it was that obvious. But it didn’t matter. I didn’t want her anymore anyway. 4 Because of the crowd at the hospital, it was already late night when I got home after having my wounds treated. Opening the door, I saw Liam Green sitting on the sofa I had personally chosen. He quickly stood up: “Ethan’s back! Caroline’s in the kitchen boiling bird’s nest soup for me. Do you want a bowl?” Before I could speak, Caroline Harrison, having heard my arrival, rushed in. “Ethan, the doctor said I’ve been having some prenatal depression lately and haven’t been sleeping well, so I wanted to bring him home to stay with me for a few days.” “I promise, once the due date arrives, I’ll take him away. You…” Before she could finish, I pulled out a blank divorce agreement from my pocket. “Alright, but you have to sign this.” Caroline froze. Just as she was about to look at it, Liam Green spoke up: “Caroline, I’m hungry. When will the bird’s nest soup be ready?” Hearing him, the woman hurriedly signed the document, then turned and went to the kitchen. I stood there, watching her, her hands, which I had always protected so well, unskillfully stirring. Seven years of marriage, and this was her first time in the kitchen. “Ethan, aren’t you envious? Caroline said that from now on, she’ll take care of all the daily needs of me and the baby.” I turned my head, seeing Liam Green’s challenging and triumphant gaze. It only filled me with disgust. Because this home, which Caroline Harrison once said belonged only to us, had ultimately changed. So I quickly went upstairs, intending to pack my things and leave. But I found my personal belongings haphazardly piled at the room’s entrance. And the wedding photo on the wall was savagely torn and lay in the trash bin. “Caroline said I could pick any room, and I thought this one was pretty big, so I chose it. So Caroline threw out the extra stuff.” Liam Green followed close behind, his face triumphant as he looked at me. “Ethan, this wouldn’t happen to be your and Caroline’s marital bedroom, would it? I didn’t know, I’m sorry… I’ll move my things out right now…” If this had been before, I would have certainly argued loudly with Caroline Harrison. But now I was leaving, and who lived in this room was no longer my concern. I replied flatly, “No need. You stay here. It’s fine.” Then, in front of him, I threw all my things into the trash can. Just as I was about to enter the room to retrieve my mother’s portrait, I found the drawer empty. I frantically knelt on the floor, searching, but Liam Green stood over me, looking down. “Ethan, are you looking for this?” I looked up at the familiar photo frame in his hand. Just as I was about to get up, he loosened his grip, and the portrait shattered on the floor. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so sorry, it slipped. I thought this thing looked unlucky and was worried it might upset the baby in Caroline’s belly, so I told her about it, and she said I could dispose of it as I pleased.” “So, Ethan, who is this dead person in the photo? Do you know them?” I looked at Liam Green’s feigned innocent face, unable to bear it any longer. I raised my palm to slap him across the face. But before I could touch him, he suddenly threw himself backward, tumbling down the stairs. “Ah—Caroline, help me!” He clutched his stomach, groaning in pain. Caroline Harrison rushed from the kitchen. Seeing Liam Green, she angrily ran up and kicked me to the ground, shouting, “Ethan! Are you f***ing done with this nonsense?!” “How much more do you want to hurt him?! Do you have to cause us to lose our baby before you’re satisfied?!” Before I could speak, Liam Green had already shed tears. “Caroline, if I die, you must give birth to our child…” “You absolutely must… absolutely must protect him…” Caroline Harrison listened, her face filled with tenderness as she helped him up, her voice gentle. “Be good. I’ll never let anything happen to you or the baby.” With that, she walked out of the villa. As she left, she told the bodyguards at the door: “Drag Mr. Chen to the storage room and make him reflect overnight. No lights allowed!” I looked at her in disbelief, screaming, “Caroline Harrison, have you forgotten I have claustrophobia?! You’re trying to kill me!” She paused, but didn’t turn her head. “I know. But you hurt Liam, and you have to pay a price.” With that, she left. The bodyguards, receiving their orders, walked towards me, dragged me to the storage room, and as the door closed, darkness quickly swallowed me. At that moment, a sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen. Only then did I realize Caroline Harrison’s kick had landed squarely on my groin, and now red liquid was flowing out. I frantically rushed to the door, screaming wildly, “Help… help!!” “My lower body hurts so much, I’m bleeding now! Take me to the hospital, quickly!” The bodyguard, hearing this, urgently called Caroline Harrison. The woman’s cold voice came through: “Don’t believe him. He’s definitely faking it.” “Remember, don’t open the door without my command!” The call ended. I curled up on the ground, in pain, my lower half soaked in blood all night. The next morning, the housekeeper came to get something and was horrified by my appearance, rushing me to the hospital. The same doctor who helped me cancel the IVF the other day, seeing me, immediately arranged for surgery. As the cold anesthetic was injected into my body, I heard a nurse’s joyful voice from the hallway: “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes! Mother and child are safe!” At the same time, in my operating room, doctors were frantically trying to stop the severe hemorrhage I was suffering due to the long delay. “What do we do? His wife is dead, and he’s hemorrhaging severely below. We need family consent!” Just when they were at a loss, a Maybach pulled up to the hospital entrance, drawing exclamations from the nurses. “Who is that woman? To have the Chief of Staff personally come to invite her.” “Didn’t you see the famous male health specialist from Capital City behind her? They say someone once offered him five million to see a patient, but he refused.” “Oh my goodness, who is her husband? He must be so lucky to marry a woman like that, with such wealth and power.” As she spoke, the operating room door swung open. Summer Reed carefully wiped the cold sweat from my forehead. “Uncle Liam, I’m entrusting my man to you.” “Don’t worry, I guarantee he’ll be unharmed.” A month later, Caroline Harrison held the baby’s one-month celebration. Only then did she remember me. She snapped a picture of the baby and sent it to my phone, only to find she had been blocked. She was certain I was still sulking from that day and prepared to say a few soft words to coax me. Just as she was about to pull out her phone, her assistant rushed over, holding an invitation. “Ms. Harrison, Mr. Chen is getting married. The date… the date is today!”

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1 On the day of my eighteenth birthday, Willow Hawthorne, the girl who’d lived my privileged life for eighteen years, live-streamed her suicide attempt. “Sister’s right,” her voice trembled, hollow and fragile, “a life stolen like mine… it’s just sickening to be alive!” When my parents, prominent figures in the city’s underworld, found out, they went berserk, forcing me to my knees, demanding an apology. I refused, so they dragged me into a damp, venomous pit of a basement cell, where they tortured me day after day. My own brother, Dax, even invited his friends to live-stream my humiliation. “Elara, if it weren’t for you, Willow wouldn’t be this depressed, hurting herself! You should have just died out there!” I looked at my bruised and battered body, a cold dread seeping into my very bones. “Captain Hayes, it’s time to pull the plug.” My undercover mission. I wanted it to be over. … “Mr. Hawthorne, I’ve just opened a new ‘Pit.’ Care to bring Miss Elara for a little… visit?” A tremor of pure terror shook me. “Brother, please… don’t do this to me…” “Shut up,” Dax glared at me, his eyes brimming with disgust. “Who gave you, a mongrel like you, permission to call me ‘brother’?” “Elara, if it weren’t for you, Willow wouldn’t be this depressed, hurting herself! You should have just died out there!” My heart stopped. Willow had deliberately slandered me, but no one, not a single soul, believed me. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, called Dax, urging him not to be soft. “Willow’s having nightmares every night because of that wretch. She deserves to be left for the beasts, it’s what she gets!” My eyes burned, a searing dryness, but not a single tear fell. Finally, unable to bear another word, I gritted my teeth and raised my broken, throbbing hand, rubbing it against the nearly transparent white dot hidden behind my ear. I wanted to end the undercover mission. Before I’d ever stepped foot into the Hawthorne mansion, the Silverwood City Police had found me. They’d asked for my help in gathering evidence against the Hawthorne family’s criminal enterprise. But I’d clung to the fleeting warmth of a family, however false, and hadn’t signaled Captain Hayes to close the net. Now, I understood just how laughable I’d been. Dax hung up the phone, then viciously kicked my fractured arm. I screamed, the sound tearing from my throat, but it didn’t stir a flicker of pity in his eyes. “Take her to your ‘Pit’ tonight. She can warm up the place for you!” My eyes widened in terror. “Brother… no, Mr. Hawthorne, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize to Miss Willow. Please, just let me go.” I was truly afraid. Since they’d thrown me into that lightless basement cell, I barely dared to sleep. I feared the venomous creatures that crawled in the dark. I’d endured until Dax and his cronies finally came, only to face endless cruelty. I wanted to leave this place alive. My eyes raw, I pleaded with him. “I really will apologize to Miss Willow…” Dax scoffed, a cold, mocking sound. “You’ve done this to Willow, and a flimsy ‘sorry’ is supposed to fix it? Don’t you dare dream!” He ordered his men to drag me out by a dog chain. The newly scabbed wounds on my body tore open again, bleeding. The pain was unbearable. I stumbled, accidentally smearing blood onto Dax’s pants. He immediately kicked me away. “You blind fool! Willow herself gave me these clothes!” Already drained of strength, the kick sent me sprawling, directly into unconsciousness. When I next awoke, I was in an iron cage. Dax had his men douse me with cold water to rouse me. But as the man approached, I realized it was Captain Hayes. He whispered, his voice barely audible, “Three days. We’re pulling the plug. Hold on.” I forced a nod, my body trembling uncontrollably. A sense of dread churned in my stomach. It wasn’t until they carried me out later that night that I understood where the dread had come from. 2 “Brother, those beasts look so fierce. Elara’s going to get hurt.” Willow, exquisite in her haute couture gown, spoke with feigned concern, but her eyes, when they met mine, glinted with malicious triumph. Back in the Hawthorne mansion, she’d often played this innocent charade. Before my eighteenth birthday, she’d dropped the pretense entirely, her voice a chilling whisper: “Elara, I won’t let you have your way. There’s only room for one princess in the Hawthorne family! Everything here belongs to me!” Now, Willow intentionally paraded her deep bond with Dax, a public display of their supposed sibling devotion. “Willow, you’re just too kind-hearted. That’s why she always takes advantage of you. Today, brother’s here to get revenge for you!” Dax patted her hand. Then, with a clap of his own, a two-meter-tall tiger was unleashed. A deafening roar split the air, sending me cowering into the corner of my cage, frozen in terror. Dax’s friends whistled and jeered, egging Willow on. “Elara, get up and fight it! What a useless piece of trash!” “Look, she peed herself! Hahahaha!” The tiger lunged at the iron cage. Overwhelmed by fright, I passed out. But barely two seconds later, I was doused with cold water again, jolted back to agonizing consciousness. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, had arrived. They instructed Dax’s friends to unleash more beasts. “Let her learn a lesson. At eighteen, with a heart so cruel? Imagine what she’ll be like when she’s older.” By the end, my body was a canvas of purple and black, no patch of skin untouched. Willow then brought me a small tube of ointment. “Sister Elara, this will make your scars heal quickly!” Dax’s cold gaze swept over me. “Aren’t you going to thank Miss Willow?” I didn’t want to provoke them further, so I bowed my head like a dog, humbly mumbling my thanks for the condescending gift. Willow pursed her lips, a small smile playing on them, and ordered someone to apply the ointment to my wounds. But the moment the cream touched my skin, it felt like a thousand needles pricking me. The treated wounds instantly swelled and turned a fiery red. I writhed in agony, my face contorted in a silent scream. Dax, however, simply frowned and snapped, “Elara, it’s just some ointment! What are you being so dramatic for?” Willow offered her fake comfort. “Sister Elara, applying medicine to damaged skin always hurts.” The pain was so intense I couldn’t even speak. It wasn’t long before I started foaming at the mouth, convulsing, and finally, mercifully, slipped back into unconsciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed. The Hawthorne family stood just outside the room, comforting a red-eyed Willow. “I really didn’t mean to, I didn’t know Sister Elara was allergic to this medicine!” “We all know Willow meant well, it’s not your fault. It’s Elara’s fault for not saying anything beforehand…” My gaze was empty, fixed on the ceiling. I’d used that ointment before, and I’d never had an allergic reaction. “I’m sorry, Sister Elara.” Willow approached my bed to apologize, but her hand purposefully pressed down on my IV needle. I instinctively recoiled, pushing her away. “Elara, what are you doing?” Dax glared, calling me an ungrateful wretch. “It’s okay, brother, I just accidentally fell.” Willow quickly covered for me. “You don’t need to make excuses for her! I saw her trying to hurt you!” Dax lunged, grabbing my hair, forcing my head down, demanding an apology. My face was ashen, the IV tubing twisted on my hand, blood flowing backward. A nurse intervened, saving me from further humiliation. Dax finally relented, but his parting words were a chilling threat: “Next time, you won’t have those hands anymore.” After they left, I finally had a moment of peace. I curled up in the hospital bed, my eyes red, trying to steel myself. Just two more days until freedom. Mrs. Hawthorne came in, lecturing me with a tone of frustrated disappointment. “Elara, you were always meant to be a Hawthorne. Why do you insist on being so hostile towards Willow?” Mr. Hawthorne joined in the admonishment. “Willow saved our lives. If you harass her again, I’ll kick you out of this family!” They say good deeds are rewarded, but why was I, who’d saved three people from the sea, still suffering like this? 3 “Miss Elara, you have multiple bone fractures. If you suffer another injury, you might not fully recover. You must rest.” The doctor’s face was grim. But the decision to rest wasn’t mine to make. I forced my battered body towards the restroom, passing through the lobby. There, I saw Dax and his cronies. “Mr. Hawthorne, those compromising photos of Elara? They could sell for hundreds of thousands!” Dax lit a cigarette, a sneer on his lips. “Look at your pitiful ambitions.” “Heh heh, boss, so… can we take a few more pictures later? Just to round it up and buy a Mercedes!” “Take as many as you want. Willow is the only sister I acknowledge.” My body trembled, my mind a blank void of horror. As I turned to flee, I was grabbed. “So this is the real Hawthorne heiress, huh? Not bad looking!” “She’s no Hawthorne! Her name is Elara!” Willow snarled, slapping me hard across the face, causing my ears to ring. “Elara, today, I’m going to finish you for good!” She lunged, reaching for a stun gun, but the kidnappers stopped her. “Hey, if you kill her now, how are we going to get the ransom?” Willow, frustrated, resorted to kicking me several times. By the time the Hawthorne family arrived, she had already transformed herself into the helpless victim. “Sister Elara is badly hurt! Save her first!” I had been given a drug beforehand, leaving me unable to speak. All I could do was stare, eyes wide, as they played out their cruel charade. The kidnapper feigned a kick to Willow’s chair, and the Hawthorne parents’ eyes instantly filled with fury. “Don’t hurt Willow! If you want to vent your anger, hit Elara instead! She’s tough, she can take it!” The kidnappers chuckled, then brought their clubs down on my already fractured arm. Tears streamed down my face from the searing pain. But the Hawthorne family only comforted Willow, completely ignoring me. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Mom and Dad will save you.” “Your brother has already prepared the ransom. Just a little more, Willow!” The kidnappers declared they could only save one person with the ransom. Without hesitation, the Hawthorne family chose Willow. “Elara, don’t blame us. Just blame it on fate, on us having no connection in this life.” I watched them in despair. “Mom, Dad, are we really not saving Sister Elara?” They shielded Willow, keeping her close, preventing her from seeing me endure the kidnappers’ abuse. “No, we’re not. When she dies, we’ll pick out a good burial plot for her.” “Elara can consider this repayment for all the bad things she did to Willow!” My expression was numb, my vision consumed by black. I thought I was dead. But then, the Hawthorne subordinates arrived. The kidnappers met a gruesome end, though a few managed to escape. I was rushed to the hospital once more. My only small relief was that Dax’s friends hadn’t come to torment me. One more day, and I would be free. But that very night, the Hawthorne family, disregarding my injuries, brought me back home. “Tomorrow is Willow’s birthday. She wants you to join us. Make sure you clean up nicely, don’t embarrass the Hawthorne name!” Dax’s attitude towards me had softened considerably. But I no longer cared. The next morning, I was woken early to prepare. Willow sent me a strapless evening gown. My body, a roadmap of scars, was exposed completely. The Hawthorne parents saw me and were instantly displeased. “You’re wearing this? Do you want everyone to know how badly we treat you?” My injured throat croaked out a defense. “Miss Willow sent it…” “Elara,” Dax shot me a chilling glare, “are you trying to badmouth Willow again? Haven’t you learned your lesson yet?” Willow smirked at me, a silent, triumphant taunt. “No one will believe you.” But in the very next second, her smile vanished.

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My roommate was the absolute epitome of a “damsel in distress.” She’d yelp like a kitten if startled or bumped, drank exclusively from a baby cup, and insisted her boyfriend spoon-feed her every meal. In my previous life, my inherent kindness made me her prime target. She latched onto me, bleeding me dry. On the Summer Solstice Festival, the illegal electric scooter battery she kept in our dorm exploded. She locked the door behind her, fleeing for her life, leaving me trapped, burned alive, charred into a mummy. Later, she monetized my agony, live-streaming my grotesque suffering for ten thousand dollars a day. My parents, hounded by online mobs and debt collectors, were driven to suicide. I withered away in a hospital bed, consumed by hatred, until my last breath. Then, I opened my eyes again. I was back, one month before it all happened. The moment she started her theatrics again, I gripped her throat, my voice a low snarl: “I’ll make you regret every breath you take.” 1 My eyes snapped open. A phantom agony, the ghost of fire, still prickled my skin. Instinctively, I touched my arm, expecting to find scorched, blistered flesh. Instead, my touch met smooth, unblemished skin. I sat up. The room was bright, no longer the charred, smoke-choked hellscape of my memories. “Does my little darling need a shot, huh?” a man’s teasing voice drifted into the room, and my heart seized. “Hmph, I’m just a wittle baby~ I don’t understand that, silly!” a sickeningly sweet giggle echoed. Serena Hayes, perched on her bed, was cooing into a video call with her boyfriend, Leo Maxwell, the speaker blaring at maximum volume. The saccharine sounds of their playful banter flooded my ears, relentlessly. “Are guys’ dorms like this too?” Serena tilted her head cutely, beaming at the camera. “Wonder what my roommate’s doing? I’ll show you—” With that, she swung her phone, aiming the camera directly at me, sitting on my bed. “She’s just sitting there,” Serena whispered, stifling a laugh, her voice airy and theatrical. “Oh dear, she’s not wearing clothes. How naughty!” A suggestive chuckle rumbled from the man on the screen. I was in my underwear, caught off guard, exposed to a stranger. A wave of fury surged through me. In my last life, these “accidents” had happened countless times. She’d spilled water on my bed, “accidentally” dropped my laptop, always batting her eyelashes and playing dumb to escape consequences. I’d treated her like a younger sister, showering her with patience and care. In return, I’d ended up with eighty percent burns, confined to an ICU, clinging to a life of agony. My parents, victims of relentless online bullying, were driven to jump to their deaths by debt collectors. A hot wave of rage consumed me. “Serena Hayes,” I snapped, my voice sharp, “did I forget to chew you out today?” “I didn’t know you weren’t dressed,” Serena chirped, her face a mask of innocence, the camera still aimed at me. “Elara has such big boobs, unlike me, I’m just a little baby.” Leo’s voice from the phone: “Even if my baby’s a runway, Daddy still loves it.” I knew she was unhinged, but not this unhinged. “My mistake. I forgot you weren’t human.” I quickly pulled on a jacket, then clamped my hand over her camera lens. “Point that camera at me again, and I’ll smash this phone right into your face.” “Meow!” Serena flinched, shrinking back, which made Leo croon, “What’s your roommate’s problem? She scared my little kitty!” “Why are you suddenly like this? I’m just a silly little dummy!” she whined into the camera, feigning sobs. “Silly little dummies can’t have bad intentions, can they? And he’s my boyfriend. What’s wrong with showing him?” My teeth ground. The anger I’d bottled up hadn’t even had a chance to erupt when Leo’s voice chimed in from the other end. “Don’t be sad, baby. Who knows if your roommate did it on purpose?” Serena’s eyes widened. She stared at me, a defensive glint in her gaze. “Elara, you wouldn’t intentionally wear just underwear when I’m video calling my boyfriend, would you?” My teeth gnashed audibly. “Are you serious? Is your head just for decoration?” Small brain, big confusion. Are you okay? Are you two okay? Watching the two of them descend deeper into absurdity, I took a deep breath. “Serena Hayes, is your brain just a hollow echo chamber? Did you hide when humans evolved, or what?” “This is my dorm too. I’ll wear whatever I want in my own space. And sorry, but I don’t recycle trash here. You two are a match made in hell: one an idiot, the other a monster. I wish you a hundred years of misery together. And can you please keep it down in the dorm? Stop barking all the time.” Reborn, inhabiting a body unmarred by fire, my tongue felt sharp, honed to a deadly edge. The pent-up resentment began to dissipate with each vicious word. Truly, it’s better to burn out others than to burn out yourself. “Judging by your logic, your common sense took a detour, didn’t it? And seriously, put on some headphones. If you can’t, get out. Nobody wants to listen to you and your boyfriend’s disgusting little acts.” Insulting once was sweet. Insulting repeatedly was pure bliss. The moment the words left my mouth, the dorm fell into an eerie silence. Even the boisterous sounds from the guys’ dorm on the video call went quiet. I couldn’t care less about their reactions. I finished getting dressed and walked straight out the door. I was moving out of this lunatic asylum. “Still quite the little firecracker.” A scoff drifted from behind me. Serena, having recovered her composure, joined in the laughter. “Girls with good figures have capital. What’s wrong with showing it to men?” A cold smile touched my lips. I mentally calculated the timeline. Her belly would soon be “poked” by her dear boyfriend. 2 Once I’d made up my mind, I quickly contacted a real estate agent to start apartment hunting. The savings from years of diligent part-time jobs, combined with my weekend tutoring income, were enough to secure a cozy one-bedroom apartment. As I returned to the dorm to pack my bags, the door suddenly swung open. Serena walked in, carrying a large battery. She immediately latched onto my arm, shaking it playfully, her voice dripping with her usual saccharine whine. “Elara, my love, can I charge this here? I don’t have enough outlets over at my spot.” I glanced at the already bulging battery, then smoothly pulled my arm away, my voice flat, devoid of any emotion. “No.” Serena pouted, her lips forming a sad little rosebud. “Elara, sweetie~ Just for a little while, please? I really don’t have enough plugs…” I took a half-step back, subtly widening the distance between us. “I’m moving out. After that, you can use the outlets however you want.” I looked up, catching a flash of annoyance in her eyes before it vanished. “What’s wrong with you lately? You’re not acting like yourself.” Her voice was laced with clear resentment. “Did someone say something bad about me?” The next second, she suddenly clasped her hands over her head and crouched on the floor, letting out an exaggerated wail. “Oh no! I made big sister Elara mad! It’s all my fault!” “Having another episode?” I blinked, unsure what new charade she was pulling. “If you’re sick, don’t come to me. I’m not a vet.” Serena’s face stiffened for a moment. She poked her index fingers together, still speaking in a high-pitched, childish voice, “Did kitty make you angry?” “Talk to me once your brain juice is properly stirred.” I took two steps back. “Elara Vance, you’re being so petty!” a familiar male voice suddenly boomed through the dorm. “You won’t even let her borrow an outlet, and you’re using moving out as an excuse!” Serena held up her phone. The screen clearly showed a video call. Leo Maxwell had been listening in the entire time? A wave of nausea washed over me. I wanted to spit on both of them. Were they so cheap they couldn’t afford a hotel? They had to treat a video call like a honeymoon suite. Serena seemed oblivious to my dark expression, prattling on. “Is it because of the video last time? Your figure is so good, Brody Reed even praised you! He’s the captain of the school basketball team!” I listened to her self-righteous words, sinking into a strange silence. All I could think were two words: Insane! “Honey! Say something!” Leo’s voice boomed from the speaker: “Elara Vance, I swear, my buddies all said you have big boobs and a tiny waist. You came out on top here…” “You two…” I took a deep breath, words of pure venom spilling from my mouth. “Are you operating with half a brain, or just a mouth full of bad food?” Serena’s face flushed crimson. She stomped her foot. “Honey, look at her! She wasn’t like this before!” “I’ve seen people with tiny feet, but never a mind so tightly bound. Since your darling boyfriend is so considerate—” I snapped my suitcase shut with a sharp click. “Why don’t you take that battery to his dorm to charge?” I grabbed my suitcase, heading for the door without looking back. “After all, he loves you so much, he’ll surely be willing.” “Of course, baby,” Leo crooned tenderly. “This weekend, Daddy’s taking you camping, just the two of us.” “Okay~ Daddy, I want my baby bowl,” Serena giggled, pointing at her small belly and mouth. “Baby wants her baby bowl, Daddy, baby’s tummy is rumbling!” I froze, a wave of pure physical revulsion rising in my stomach. Thanks for the invite… I’m thoroughly disgusted. Sometimes, I truly felt like an alien in this mad world, simply because I was so normal. 3 After signing the lease and completing the necessary paperwork with the dorm office, I moved directly into my new apartment. This time, there would be no blood bag for Serena to drain. Could she still maintain her “dumb beauty” act? And as for that battery, Leo had already taken it back to his dorm to charge. When that ticking time bomb would finally explode was no longer my concern. When she realized I hadn’t returned to the dorm for a week, Serena finally grew anxious. My phone buzzed incessantly with WeChat messages: “Elara, when are you coming back?” “Did you finish the class assignment?” “Elara… you’re not mad at me, are you?” I stared at the screen, a cold smirk on my lips. Yes, in my previous life, I had been her willing doormat. If she didn’t want to do an assignment, I’d pull all-nighters for her. If she caused trouble, I’d take the blame. Even when she “accidentally” live-streamed me changing, I’d just sigh, letting her charm and pretend her way out of it. But now? I typed a reply: Did you have a stomach bug these past few days and accidentally pass your brain? I already told you I moved out. Then, with a swipe of my finger, I decisively dragged her into my blacklist. The world was finally at peace. My rental was small, but I’d meticulously cleaned and brightened it. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, making the air feel light and free. I thought she had finally quieted down. Until, in the dead of night, my phone’s shrill ringtone suddenly ripped through the silence. I jolted awake, my heart pounding. This was a lingering effect from the accident in my previous life; whenever I was startled awake, my heart would race uncontrollably. I hadn’t expected it to follow me into this life. I glanced at the phone screen. It was Serena Hayes. I endured the discomfort and blocked her number. Just as I lay back down, trying to calm my racing heart, the phone rang again, tearing through the night’s stillness. This time, it was Alex Green, the class leader. I stared at the flashing screen, letting the ringtone echo through the room. But the calls kept coming, one after another, and the throbbing in my chest forced me to answer. I asked him what was so urgent. His voice immediately launched into a barrage of accusations: “Why aren’t you answering your phone?” “It’s twelve-thirty at night,” I paused. “I’m doing what normal people do: sleeping.” Alex’s voice immediately escalated: “Well, you still need to answer! You’re making Serena so worried! You need to apologize to her right now!” “Why should I apologize to her?” I retorted, a cold edge to my voice. But he wouldn’t let up, ranting on and on. “I’ve never met anyone so shameless.” “You’re not coming home at night, and you think you’re in the right?” His voice filled with righteous indignation. “Serena was worried you were being tricked by some guy, and this is the attitude you give her?” “…My chest tightened.” It was Serena again. “Are you insane or just stupid? Are you so emotional you can’t even think?”

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My roommate, Lily Kingsley, started stealing takeout, ballooning from ninety pounds to one hundred and fifty, turning into a veritable human blimp. Later, she wanted me to join her, but I refused. I told her it was wrong, but she just thought I was ungrateful. Eventually, the school caught on to her thievery and expelled her. She blamed me for reporting her. So, on the day she came back to pack her things, she pushed me from the top floor. She then claimed my job, the one I had worked so hard for, and promptly started dating my fiancé. I died consumed by hatred. But then I opened my eyes again. To my shock, I was back on the very first day Lily Kingsley started stealing takeout. 1 A rustle at the dorm door, and then it swung open. I watched as my roommate, Lily Kingsley, entered, juggling two large bags of takeout. She plopped down, opened the containers, and a delicious aroma wafted through the room. “What did you guys have for lunch?” she asked, oblivious. I stared at the bags in her hands, a chilling realization dawning on me. In my previous life, this was the day Lily started stealing takeout. Her first haul was two full meals. She got away with it—a roasted duck and a milk tea—and from that moment, she grew increasingly brazen. Soon, she was pilfering four or five meals a day. When no one pursued her, she started taking packages too. Her desk began to overflow with designer makeup, handbags, and jewelry. Later, she expanded her operations, stealing takeout across the entire campus, randomly snatching orders from under dorm buildings, grabbing whatever looked appealing. The takeout packaging grew increasingly luxurious: sometimes it was from a high-end hotpot place, sometimes a whole durian. Back then, I often wondered how she, a fellow scholarship student with an allowance of only $800 a month, could afford such lavish meals. It wasn’t until we were working on a group project that she approached me. “If you help me with this part, I’ll give you something good.” I was curious what she meant by “something good,” so I pressed her. “What kind of good thing?” she whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. “Whatever takeout you want, I’ll steal it for you. No, I mean, I’ll get it for you.” She then watched my reaction, a smug look on her face. I quickly waved my hands, refusing. “No, no, I can do this part, it’s fine. You don’t have to do that.” But she interpreted my refusal as disdain, and from that moment on, she silently resented me. 2 Later, whispers began in the dorm group chats. “Who took my takeout?” every now and then. “My package went missing, has anyone seen it?” I didn’t know it then, but the thief was living right beside me. When our homeroom teacher asked if anyone’s takeout had gone missing, Lily threatened me. She said if I dared to expose her, she’d claim I was her accomplice, dragging me down with her. The ridiculous part was, I actually listened to her then. I agreed to keep her secret. But this time, I’d make sure she got a truly “free meal” – courtesy of the justice system. I’d just returned to the dorm to find Lily coming in, laden with four or five takeout bags. My gaze fixated on her bags. Lily, noticing my stare, eyed me warily. “Don’t even think about it. I’m not sharing. Stop looking.” I plastered on a fawning smile. “Oh, what did you order? It smells amazing! How much was it? Can I see the receipt?” Lily hugged her bags tightly. “None of your business what I eat! Order your own food on the app, hmph.” “I just meant you’re eating so deliciously,” I countered. Lily smirked triumphantly. “Of course. You, a poor scholarship student, could never afford such fancy food. Don’t even dream about it.” I spotted a takeout slip on her desk and snatched it. The name on it was Bethany Chase. I shouted, “This receipt says Bethany Chase’s name, doesn’t it?!” Lily snatched the slip back with a jerk. “What are you looking at? My friend ordered this for me. Don’t be so dramatic.” I narrowed my eyes at the faint blush on Lily’s ear tips—her tell-tale sign of guilt. Bethany Chase was infamous in the Chemistry department for her explosive temper. Just last week, she’d verbally flayed a classmate for two hours straight in the hallway for using her laundry detergent without permission. I pulled out my phone, pretending to go get hot water, but actually hid around the corridor corner and started recording. “Where’s my eel rice?!” Ten minutes later, Bethany’s furious roar echoed from downstairs. She started bombarding the dorm group chat, accusing some “inhuman creature” of stealing her takeout. Seeing no one respond, she stomped towards the dorm supervisor’s room, ready to demand action. At that moment, I strategically poked my head out from the water station, phone in hand. “I think I just saw someone carrying a bag with a neon Japanese restaurant logo. They went to the left side of the dorms, but I didn’t get a good look at their face.” Bethany immediately set out to knock on every dorm room door, but many chose not to open. She decided to simply sit by the trash cans and wait. I returned to the dorm to find Lily had finished her meal. “Lily,” I said, “even though I can’t afford such food, can I help you throw away the trash? Just to smell the aroma?” Lily looked at me condescendingly. “Fine, fine. I know someone like you will never eat such high-class food in your life. I’ll be merciful and let you throw it away.” I took her takeout bag and walked towards the trash cans. Bethany, who was guarding them, immediately spotted the bag in my hand and rushed towards me. “So, it was you all along! You thief! And you’re playing the victim! I’m going to expose you, just you wait!” Bethany yelled. “If it were me,” I said calmly, “would I have pointed you in that direction?” Bethany rolled her eyes. “Who knows what you were thinking at the time? I don’t care. Either replace it with an identical meal right now, or pay ten times the price of this meal.” I calmly replied, “Wait until you see this video.” I pulled out my phone and handed her the video I had recorded from the hallway corner. Her face went from disbelief to absolute fury. Knowing Lily was a famous rich girl in our department, Bethany immediately wanted to confront Lily with the video. I quickly stopped her, saying conspiratorially, “If you go now, do you have any other evidence besides this video?” Bethany retorted, “This video is enough! I’ll tear her mouth to shreds!” I gave her a stern look and analyzed. “Think about it: Lily usually presents herself as generous. Who would believe she steals takeout? It’s just this one time, but where there’s one, there’s two. We just need to wait and see.” Bethany scoffed. “Easy for you to say. Are we just going to skip class and sit here watching the building all day?” I looked at Bethany, my voice firm. “Actually, from what I’ve observed these past few days, she’s no longer satisfied with just stealing takeout. Her desk is covered in designer bags and jewelry. Remember? She’s on a scholarship, just like me.” Bethany’s eyes widened in realization. “Now that you mention it, I remember! At the beginning of the semester, she looked like a country bumpkin!” I continued, “Right now, she’d only get a verbal warning or be socially ostracized in the dorm chat. That’s not a real punishment. So, listen to me…” Bethany’s face lit up. “Okay! That’s a good idea! But… what’s your beef with her? You’re so ruthless!” I looked at Bethany. “You’ll find out later.”

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On Valentine’s Day, Michael, my husband, surprised me with a colossal bouquet of roses. But a nearly identical arrangement, ordered by our son, Ethan, never arrived. The delivery driver had been in an accident. His fiancée, Chloe, mistook me for a mistress. She stormed my college reunion, ripped my clothes to shreds for all to see, and beat me within an inch of my life. When Michael tried to save me, they bound him too. “Girls, they say their love runs deep, don’t they? Let’s see just how deep it goes!” To protect me, Michael endured as they smashed bottle after bottle over his head. Just then, Ethan burst in. Seeing two bloody, battered figures, our son dropped to his knees, sobbing, “Mom! Dad!” It was only then that Chloe realized her world had imploded. 1 Our son, Ethan, who’d been living back home, was finally getting engaged. For years, Michael and I had carried the quiet ache of guilt, knowing we’d spent so little time with him. Even with his booming business keeping him swamped, Michael had insisted I return stateside to throw Ethan a truly grand engagement party. I’d cleared my schedule weeks in advance, flying back a full day early. Not only that, but I’d also prepared a significant gift for Chloe: the heirloom jade bangle passed down through generations of the Davis family. I’d barely landed when my phone buzzed with Michael’s call from overseas. “Happy Valentine’s, honey! I ordered you a bouquet online; it should be arriving at the hotel any minute now.” Michael and I had been married for years, and our bond remained as strong as ever. “Thank you, darling,” I’d purred, blowing a kiss into the phone. A moment later, I snapped a picture of the roses and posted it to my social media. I often shared glimpses of my life abroad, and I’d built up quite a following. Sarah, a dear friend from college, had organized a reunion dinner the moment she heard I was back. On the way to the restaurant, I idly scrolled through my feed, and there it was—Ethan’s public display of affection. “The most beautiful roses for the most beautiful you, my love!” The accompanying photo featured a bouquet identical to the one Michael had sent me. I chuckled, shaking my head. Like father, like son—their taste was truly uncanny. I liked the post, adding a comment, “Wishing you and Chloe a lifetime of happiness!” Ethan replied almost instantly: “You’re my favorite woman too, Mom.” My fingers flew over the keyboard: “Being your dad’s favorite is more than enough. Save your complete love for your wife, that’s what truly matters.” I wanted my son to have a small, happy family just like ours. “Linda’s really made it big, hasn’t she?” one classmate murmured. “Well, she married well! Her husband’s not just rich, he’s thoughtful. Still sending flowers after all these years!” “It’s enough to make you sick with envy. My husband never sent me a bouquet that big, not even when we were dating.” “Linda, you’re so lucky! You’ll have to share your secret to keeping the romance alive.” Old friends, reunited, were a whirlwind of chatter and warmth. I smiled. “No problem.” Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the private dining room. “You home-wrecker! Get out here! So brave to steal someone’s boyfriend, but too chicken to show your face?” “You wretched witch! I know you’re in there! You think hiding will protect you, you relationship-destroying trash?” The room fell silent for a beat, then buzzed with renewed whispers. “Sounds like a girlfriend catching her man cheating.” “These young people today, honestly. Back in our day, things weren’t such a mess.” “What’s that saying? ‘Back when cars were slow, you only loved one person for life’?” “Why does it sound like she’s yelling at someone in here?” Sarah scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Oh, please. We’re all old friends here, we know each other. She must have the wrong room. Let’s just ignore her.” “You trash! You think staying inside will save you? Come on, girls, let’s go in there and drag that woman out!” Suddenly, the door burst open. A group of furious young women stormed in. Sarah immediately stepped forward, trying to mediate. “Excuse me, ladies, but I think you have the wrong place. We’re having a college reunion here.” “Wrong? How could we be wrong? Even if that bitch burned to ashes, I’d still recognize her!” Under the stunned gaze of everyone in the room, her eyes narrowed, locking onto me with pure venom. In an instant, every single person’s attention swiveled to me. “Me? Young lady, you must be mistaken. I just flew back from overseas today, and I’ve never seen you before in my life.” “She’s right, girls. My friend has lived abroad for years. There must be some misunderstanding.” “No misunderstanding.” She pulled out her phone, bringing up my social media profile. “Everyone, look! Isn’t this her account? That bouquet she just posted? That was my boyfriend’s Valentine’s gift to me! Somehow, this hussy snatched it, and then she had the nerve to flaunt it online!” “Wait, what? Linda’s flowers were from another guy?” “No wonder! What old married couple celebrates Western holidays like that?” “Exactly! I asked my husband what Valentine’s Day was, and he didn’t even know!” “I can’t believe Linda. All that talk about her perfect marriage, and behind our backs, she’s playing games like this!” The classmates who had just been so warm and friendly now turned on me, their expressions hardening. “And now, my boyfriend and I are about to get engaged, and you’re still clinging to him!” The young woman pointed at me, her voice thick with emotion, big tears streaming down her face. I’d been abroad for so long, and aside from Sarah, I’d barely kept in touch with anyone back home. I racked my brain, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out who I supposedly “seduced.” 2 Sarah immediately stepped forward, defending me fiercely. “You lot better watch what you’re saying! Linda and I were roommates in college. We know exactly what kind of person she is. I don’t believe she’d ever do something like this.” “People change, you know. After all these years, who knows what she’s become?” “Yeah, I heard things are pretty wild overseas. Maybe she and her husband have an open marriage, doing their own thing?” “Young lady, how old is your boyfriend? Linda’s probably old enough to be his mother!” Sarah’s face went cold. “You all are going too far. Linda helped every single one of you when you were in trouble! Your son had leukemia, didn’t have money for chemo? Linda sent money from abroad! And you, you got laid off? Linda used her connections to find you a job! Your daughter’s school application? Linda pulled strings for that too! You can’t be so heartless!” If Sarah hadn’t brought it up, I honestly would have forgotten those details. “Oh, look at you, Linda hasn’t even said anything, but you’re already so worked up. Linda must have given you quite a few perks over the years, huh?” “Yeah, Linda’s really got a loyal dog.” “Come on, let’s get out of here. Being friends with someone like this is just embarrassing.” “Everyone, come take a look! This old woman is that online ‘socialite’ who lives abroad! For years, she’s been harassing my boyfriend through social media, and tomorrow, my boyfriend and I are getting engaged, so she flew back from overseas just to stop it!” Hearing the commotion, diners from other tables flocked over, forming a curious circle. “Let’s see what kind of mistress is so shameless!” “Mistress? More like a ‘grand-mistress’!” “Don’t be scared, sweetheart! We’re all with you! We’ll make sure this brazen hussy has nowhere to hide!” The young woman cried to the crowd, “This vixen used who-knows-what tricks to snatch the bouquet my boyfriend ordered for me right off the delivery truck!” I forced myself to remain calm. “Young lady, there must be a misunderstanding. Those flowers were from my husband.” “Hear that, everyone? This old woman is already calling my boyfriend ‘husband’!” “She’s absolutely shameless! At her age, she still can’t behave!” “Stealing someone else’s gift and then flaunting it online? That’s just too brazen!” “Look, isn’t this old woman’s social media account?” “Yep, that’s her! She’s always posting pictures of gifts. Who knows how many men sent them to her!” “I’m reporting her! I hate women who play the field!” “It’s a misunderstanding, there must be a misunderstanding. Young lady, what’s your boyfriend’s name?” I patiently tried to explain, my good upbringing still guiding my tone. The girl raised an eyebrow. “You know who you’ve been seducing, don’t you? Or have you been flirting with so many men you can’t keep track?” Engagement. Flowers. It was only then, in my panic, that the pieces clicked. This young woman thought I was my own son’s mistress. I forced a laugh. “You’re Chloe Anderson, aren’t you? And your boyfriend is Ethan, right?” I’d been living abroad, and due to visa issues, Ethan had tried to bring Chloe to visit us many times, but it never worked out. This was, in fact, my first time meeting Chloe in person. Chloe’s eyebrow shot up. “So now you’re not playing dumb! See, everyone? She not only knows my boyfriend’s name, but she knows I exist! She’s deliberately trying to interfere in my relationship with my boyfriend!” 3 The crowd erupted, their anger fueled. “She’s absolutely shameless! With so many men in the world, why does she have to steal someone else’s?” “At her age, she’s still so brazen!” “My own husband was stolen by an older woman! Every mistress in the world deserves to rot!” Chloe’s aggressive demeanor was starting to chafe. Ethan had spoken of her often during our calls, describing her as kind and gentle, someone who wouldn’t even step on an ant. The girl in front of me was clearly not the person he’d described. “Chloe, I know you’re upset right now, but shouldn’t you at least hear me out?” “Hear you out? What is there to explain? Girls, she’s the mistress who’s been messing with Ethan and me. Let’s teach her a lesson together!” As soon as Chloe finished speaking, the girls who had stormed in with her surrounded me. “Alright, today we’ll show this hussy what happens when you try to steal someone’s boyfriend!” “How dare she mess with our friend? She must have a death wish!” Sarah, flustered, stepped in front of me. “What do you think you’re doing?” The girls shoved Sarah out of the room, then locked the door from the inside. “Get out of our way!” “You old hag! You think you’re so charming, do you? At your age, still clinging to Ethan like a parasite!” She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. I was caught off guard and took the full force of the blow. “Chloe, this is a misunderstanding! I’m not Ethan’s mistress. I flew back specifically to attend your engagement ceremony. I’m his—” I swallowed my rising anger and tried to explain. Before I could even utter the word “mother,” Chloe lunged forward, grabbing a fistful of my hair. “You vixen! You must have found out about my engagement to Ethan and deliberately flown back from overseas to ruin it, didn’t you?” Chloe yanked my hair, pulling with all her might. A searing pain shot through my scalp; it felt like my skin was tearing away from my skull. “You shameless witch! Of all the men to steal, you just had to go after my friend’s!” Then, a heavy punch landed square on my eye socket. Stars exploded in my vision, and a sharp, throbbing pain pierced through half of my face. I’d never encountered such a situation in my life. I quickly tried to explain, “Stop, all of you! This is a misunderstanding! I’m not a mistress!” The girls grabbed my arms, pinning me down onto my knees. “You brazen bitch! Ethan’s flowers were delivered straight to you, and you still dare say you’re not his mistress?” “You really think your fox tail is so well hidden? I’ve seen you frequently interacting with Ethan on social media for ages!” “And at your age, calling my boyfriend ‘sweetheart’? Aren’t you disgusted with yourself? You’re old enough to be Ethan’s mother!” Chloe crossed her legs, sitting leisurely before me. With every word, she kicked me hard in the chest. “Chloe, I really am not Ethan’s mistress—” Before I could finish, the other girls started to jeer. “She’s right, she’s not a mistress. She’s an old mistress!” A burst of laughter rippled through the group. “Exactly! A dried-up old mistress!” “Ethan must have some really peculiar taste. What does this old woman have that Chloe doesn’t? Even if he’s cheating, couldn’t he at least find someone better looking?” “Don’t you know? Men like to try anything they haven’t tasted before!” They continued their barrage of kicks and punches. The vulgar words flowed into my ears, one after another, their sheer malice washing away any goodwill I might have had left for Chloe. A sudden, sweet taste filled my throat. I gagged, then spat out a mouthful of blood.

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My family believed that after my death, I returned as a vengeful spirit. They summoned an exorcist, determined to shatter my very soul. “You have no idea how disgusting this woman was! She coveted the uncle who raised her!” “She messed around with men, and then caused her uncle’s girlfriend to miscarry!” “She was trash in life, and she’s a menace in death, never giving us a moment’s peace!” My family whispered, their accusations a venomous chorus. Yet, the exorcist, after witnessing the memories left by my spirit, wept. “Perhaps, after you see this, you will understand how truly miserable she was.” Later, those who saw my memories were consumed by agonizing regret. They knelt at my grave, begging my ghost to return and look upon them. But I had already faded away. From the moment I chose to leave, I had no intention of lingering by their side. … Rhys Kaelan, the exorcist, meticulously arranged the sticky rice, a rooster, and talismans. Before beginning the ritual, he sought final confirmation. “Are you truly set on shattering her soul? This is no small matter. She was, after all, your family. Are you certain?” My mother, Mrs. Sterling, grimaced, her face etched with disgust. “Absolutely. She shamed us in life, and now, even in death, she won’t let us rest!” “Exactly!” my brother, Zane Sterling, chimed in. “Brooke has been having nightmares lately. It’s definitely her ghost haunting us! If we don’t obliterate her, we’ll never have peace!” “She coveted the uncle who raised her, spouted nothing but lies, and engaged in wild parties with over a dozen men. A woman like that is better off vanished forever.” Rhys Kaelan nodded. From their words, this deceased spirit didn’t sound like a decent person in life. If that were the case, he felt no moral qualms. He would simply use his abilities to dispel her. Rhys Kaelan lit the incense and candles, then burned a talisman, beginning the summoning. He tried several times, but nothing appeared. Frustrated, Rhys Kaelan turned to Mrs. Sterling. “It seems the situation is… peculiar.” “Did the malevolent spirit have anyone she cared about before her death? Make a video call to that person. With the image and voice of someone she cared for, the spirit is more likely to appear. Only then can I subdue her.” My mother cursed under her breath. “That wretch! Even dead, she’s still so much trouble!” My brother added, “Who knows, maybe she’s deliberately hiding, shamelessly wanting to see that person one last time! Just thinking about her disgraces the entire Sterling family!” “Disgusting and vulgar creature!” “Tell me about it!” The family members present chattered, their words a cacophony of condemnation. My mother, following the exorcist’s instructions, dialed Asher Thorne’s number. Asher Thorne, the uncle who had cared for me after my father’s death. On the other end of the video call, Asher, clad in a bathrobe, looked composed, almost distant. Upon hearing my mother’s explanation, his brows immediately furrowed. “Mrs. Sterling, you know I never want to hear about that wretch again.” “I know you detest that rogue, Asher, but her lingering presence isn’t an option. Having her soul shattered is also for Vivianne’s peace of mind.” At the mention of Vivianne Thorne, Asher’s brow twitched. A gentle female voice drifted from the other end of the video. “Asher, I think I heard someone call me?” “It’s nothing,” Asher replied curtly. “What do you mean, ‘nothing’? I heard it all. It’s fine. Cassandra Vance is dead and gone. I no longer care about the evil she did to me. If they need our help to shatter her soul, then let’s assist them.” Convinced by Vivianne, Asher reluctantly agreed. “Just keep the video call active. I’ll just watch, right?” The exorcist nodded, then resumed his incantations to summon my spirit. This time, a fierce wind roared through the room, extinguishing the candles on the altar. Rhys Kaelan stared, stunned, at the entity he had summoned. 2 The swirling mist, though it took on my familiar silhouette, pulsed with horrifying crimson veins. Especially around the wrists, countless streaks of red were visible. My fingertips and lips also seemed to bleed. Rhys Kaelan knew these red veins symbolized the trauma and suffering the spirit had endured in life. He stood frozen, utterly stunned. But my mother and the others saw only terror and revulsion. “Typical Cassandra Vance’s ghost! Just as hateful and disgusting as she was!” “Not an ounce of a good girl left! Get rid of it quickly!” “What are those vast patches of red on her? Why are they spreading? Is this malevolent spirit trying to harm us?” “Hey, Mrs. Sterling, didn’t Cassie used to self-harm due to stress? They said she had depression back then?” “Depression? Please! It was all just for Asher Thorne’s attention!” My brother, Zane, couldn’t take it anymore. “Exorcist! What are you waiting for? Shatter her soul!” Rhys Kaelan hesitated. “You don’t understand. What has been summoned isn’t truly her soul, but rather the memories left behind by her soul.” Moreover, spirits that leave behind such fragmented memories usually dissipate on their own. But Rhys Kaelan kept this to himself. My mother cut him off. “So, what now? We hired you to dispel her! If you can’t do it, we’re not paying!” “Just looking at it is bad luck! Get out! Our Sterling family’s reputation is ruined by this hussy!” My brother picked up an ashtray and hurled it at my spectral form. If I hadn’t already been dead, I would have been bleeding from my head. The ashtray passed through my body, and my misty shape blurred, swaying in the air. Rhys Kaelan had come to collect a fee, of course. So, he didn’t mention the fact that I was already gone. He simply wanted to wait for my memory fragments to finish, then collect his payment. He put on a show of mystical theatrics. “Please, be patient, everyone. This is called a ‘life review.’ Once it’s over, I will begin the ritual.” At that moment, my mist dissolved, and scenes from my past life began to play out. The misty image of me was that of a small girl, held by Asher Thorne’s hand, slowly walking towards a luxurious mansion. I had just lost my father. Due to a lawsuit before his death, our family had gone bankrupt. My mother, Mrs. Sterling, was unable to support two children. Asher Thorne had come at someone’s request, offering to help support one child. My mother, after deliberation, chose to keep my brother and entrusted me to this stranger. When I first arrived at the Thorne family home, I was extremely timid. Like a small puppy afraid of the light, I spent my days hiding in dark corners. The Thorne family servants whispered amongst themselves, saying I looked like bad luck. But Asher Thorne doted on me then. He fired those servants and would always gently take my hand and lead me into the sunlight to play. No matter what others said about me, Asher always stood by my side, gently encouraging me. “I’m not worth your kindness. Mom and Dad don’t like me, my brother doesn’t like me. Maybe I was born to be hated. You’ll probably hate me someday too.” I cried, pushing away Asher’s meticulous care, but he simply held me close. “Nonsense. My little Cassie is the best girl in the world. Uncle will never hate you.” Finally, my defenses crumbling in Asher Thorne’s embrace, I wept uncontrollably. Back then, I believed I had finally found my anchor, someone who would never abandon me. Rhys Kaelan watched the scene unfold, a pang of sadness in his chest. The girl in the memory was simply a vulnerable, unloved teenager, completely at odds with the “hussy” and “wretch” my family described. Could she have been led astray later in life? My mother and brother also fell silent. Although their decision to give me up had been unavoidable—the family’s assets couldn’t support two children—they had still wronged me. Their faces held a mixture of discomfort and shame. As for Asher Thorne on the video call, he was lost in thought. He had forgotten his promises to me, and the harmonious days we once shared. Vivianne Thorne sensed Asher’s shift in mood and immediately nestled into his embrace. “I can’t believe your relationship was so close back then. No wonder Cassandra became so obsessed with you, even repeatedly targeting me to get you.” Her voice dripped with a manufactured grievance. “Sigh, now that I think about it, maybe my appearance ruined your perfect match.” Asher’s face instantly hardened. 3 The warmth of shared memories instantly evaporated as Asher Thorne recalled my supposed actions against Vivianne. He hugged her tightly. “Nonsense, Vivianne. No matter what, you are and always will be the only one in my heart.” “She did so many wicked things to you back then. Even if she hadn’t taken her own life, I would have avenged you myself!” As he spoke, Asher’s fists clenched. If I were standing before him, I imagined he’d kick me to vent his fury. “Taking her in was the biggest mistake of my life. If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t have suffered so much!” Meanwhile, my mother and brother snapped out of their reminiscence. “Hmph! What’s the use of being well-behaved as a child? She still grew up to be a menace!” “Exactly! She committed every evil imaginable! Even if the Vance family wronged her back then, it’s all been repaid now!” “She even dared to haunt us in our dreams as a malevolent spirit! A born ingrate!” Other relatives who had come with my parents chimed in, echoing their sentiments. “Precisely! A creature that knows no peace, even in death! Her ultimate fate is to be annihilated!” “Exorcist, isn’t it over yet? When can we ensure she’ll never be reborn?!” At that moment, the scene in the mist shifted again. Vivianne Thorne appeared in my memory fragments. She looked vibrant and youthful. The first time I saw her, she was already holding Asher Thorne’s arm, sweetly declaring she was his girlfriend. But at that time, they hadn’t even formalized their relationship. Asher gave her a cold look. “Don’t talk nonsense and fool the child.” Vivianne playfully hugged Asher’s arm. “How am I fooling a child? I am your girlfriend! Unless you want your adopted daughter to be your girlfriend?” The word “daughter” stung me. Though I didn’t yet understand my feelings for Asher, I knew he was too young to be my father. Asher, exasperated yet doting, tapped Vivianne’s forehead, then turned to ask the housekeeper to prepare some snacks. After Asher left, I returned to my room. But as I turned, Vivianne screamed behind me, dropping and shattering a glass. She fell directly onto the shards of glass. The sight horrified me. Asher rushed over, torn between concern for Vivianne and questioning what had happened. “It’s fine. Cassie didn’t mean it. Don’t blame her.” I was too young and naive to grasp the strangeness of her words. She seemed to be defending me, yet not quite. I wanted to explain, but Asher’s gaze frightened me into silence. His eyes were terrifyingly, terrifyingly cold. Disappointment mingled with anger. I froze. That incident was just the beginning. In the subsequent memory fragments, Vivianne appeared with increasing frequency. During a Thorne family banquet, she sat smiling, chatting with me, but somehow, her dress ended up mysteriously doused in champagne. When Asher asked what happened, she would still say, “It’s not Cassie’s fault. I was just clumsy.” She spoke the truth; it wasn’t my fault. But Asher’s gaze upon me grew increasingly disappointed. On New Year’s Eve, Asher instructed me to stay up late, but I found myself locked in the basement, unable to get out. As I was trapped, I vaguely saw a figure that looked like Vivianne, but I couldn’t be sure. I was only released by the servants the next morning. That was the first time Asher truly lost his temper with me. “You don’t even care about keeping vigil on New Year’s Eve? Cassandra Vance, how could you become like this? Do you consider me, your uncle, family? I told you so clearly yesterday, and you just ignored it?” I tried to explain, but Asher’s disappointment cut me off. “I thought you cared about me too. It seems I was mistaken.” “This New Year’s trip, Vivianne and I will go together. You stay home. I imagine someone with your personality would prefer to be alone anyway.” Asher and Vivianne left. That Lunar New Year was utterly bleak. I thought I just had to endure the loneliness, but on the night of the New Year, a group of men burst into the Thorne residence. They looked at my photo, their smiles twisted and predatory. “Looks like this is the one. We thought these kinds of jobs were for ugly broads, but look at this little beauty.” “Don’t be scared, little beauty. We’re just doing a job. Just be a good girl and spend the night with us.” “See? There aren’t many of us, just eight or nine. We’ll make sure you have a good time.” I struggled desperately, but it was futile. They took photos, they recorded videos. Afterwards, I lay broken and shattered on the ground, while they, invigorated, showed me the pictures and videos. They warned me not to yearn for what wasn’t mine. If they ever found out I was pursuing another woman’s man again, they would return and make these photos and videos public. A week later, Asher and Vivianne returned from their trip. I dared not tell Asher what had happened, living in silent terror. I retreated into myself once more. I yearned for Asher to care for me and love me as he once had, but this time, his heart belonged entirely to Vivianne. Their relationship had changed, solidifying during that week of my repeated torment.

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1 I was the true heiress, lost to the Sterling family, and on the day of my grand reintroduction. Willow Sterling tumbled down the grand staircase, weeping dramatically for all to see. “Sister,” she choked out, tears streaming down her face, “I know you don’t like me. I can leave, but how could you…” She looked back, her words catching in her throat, the “push” unsaid. It was only then she realized I wasn’t behind her at all. Standing there was her brother, Henry Sterling. I was quicker, my eyes reddening first, my hand flying to my mouth. “Henry, how could you push your sister?” She looked back again, only to find me already standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if silently asking, How are you here? The guests, seasoned socialites, instantly grasped the full picture. A ripple of amused disdain spread through the room as they watched Willow. Her face burned with humiliation; she was utterly mortified. Henry, ever the perfect brother, stepped in to smooth things over. “Willow, you’re a grown woman. How can you still be so clumsy?” His voice was laced with doting affection, completely ignoring the fact that she had just tried to frame his own sister. And my supposed fiancé, Marcus Thorne, rushed towards her, his face a mask of concern. He helped her up, cradling her protectively in his arms. My biological parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, also looked at her anxiously, asking if she was hurt. Even though her scheme had failed, watching her family dote on her, Willow shot me a triumphant, challenging glance, hidden from the public eye. Should I be hurt? laughable. So-called “blood ties” were worthless in my eyes. And what I truly wanted had never been “these.” A single tear slipped from Willow’s eye. “Sister,” she said, feigning sincerity, “I’m so sorry, I ruined your reintroduction party.” She expected me to explode, to lash out, to demand explanations hysterically. But I did none of that. My face etched with seemingly genuine concern, I stepped forward to help her. “It’s okay, sister. I’m just glad you’re alright.” “Ah—” Willow suddenly shrieked. 2 “What’s wrong, sister?” I asked innocently, my voice laced with feigned concern. This time, her tears were real. Tears of pain. Before she could utter a word, I exposed her pale arm to the assembled guests. A large, angry red welt marred its surface. “Oh, sister, you really are clumsy. You must have fallen and hurt yourself just now.” She was furious and desperate, but utterly helpless against me. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling looked heartbroken, immediately whisking her off to the hospital. I was left alone to face the guests. I plastered a smile back on my face and graciously entertained everyone. I made a favorable impression on many wealthy families, earning myself a great deal of goodwill. It was an exhausting day, indeed. A few days prior, the Sterling family had approached me, claiming I was their daughter, accidentally switched at birth. If I hadn’t subtly leaked some information, they never would have found me. The moment I arrived at the Sterling mansion, Willow had already packed her bags, feigning a dramatic departure. She cried with such heartfelt conviction, claiming she had taken over my rightful life and shouldn’t remain. Every word she spoke implied I would resent her presence and treat her cruelly. The Sterling family looked at her with pity, comforting and coaxing her, while casting reproachful glances at me. I hadn’t said a single word, yet they glared at me as if I were their enemy. It was utterly ridiculous. “Elara, we’ve raised Willow for so many years, and the Sterling family isn’t short on money. It won’t be a problem to have an extra person.” Mr. Sterling didn’t consult me; he simply decreed Willow’s fate. They stared at me, their gazes threatening, as if my disagreement would mean I, not Willow, would be the one leaving the Sterling home today. I nodded, tacitly accepting. Perhaps they, too, felt their behavior was excessive. Mr. Sterling and Henry each handed me a bank card. Mrs. Sterling presented me with her jade bracelet. I accepted everything. A flicker of jealousy crossed Willow’s eyes. Just after I’d finished showering, a knock came at the door. When I opened it, Mrs. Sterling stood there, her eyes filled with an undeniable guilt. “Elara, may I come in and sit for a moment?” I stepped aside, allowing her to pass. She slowly walked in, her gaze taking in the minimalist black and white decor of the room. They had brought me back without preparing a proper room, so I had been staying in a guest room. Mrs. Sterling’s heart ached. On one hand, there was the daughter she had raised for twenty years—even caring for a pet creates affection, let alone a human. On the other hand, there was her biological daughter, whom she hadn’t seen in twenty years, who had suffered so much, and had finally been found. She was unwilling to give up either; both were the flesh of her heart. She sat on a chair and took my hand, her eyes looking at me with a soft, maternal affection. “Elara, Mom has already had a room prepared for you these past few days. Mom is so sorry. I neglected your feelings.” “It’s okay, Mom. I’m fine living here.” The more compliant and sensible I was, the guiltier she felt. Her eyes shimmered with tears. She sighed, her lips curving into a bitter smile. “Elara, Marcus Thorne and you were betrothed since childhood, but the person he loves now is Willow.” I cut her off. “So, Mom, you think I would steal my sister’s fiancé?” A pang of bitterness ran through me; after all, she was my mother. Her voice rose in haste. “It’s not like that, Elara! Mom just meant… Mom can find you a better match. Or, if there’s someone you like, Mom will respect your choice.” I turned my head away, my voice muffled. “I understand, Mom. And I won’t fall in love with a stranger I’ve never met.” She tried to say more, but I told her I needed to rest. She bid me goodnight and left. Elara Vance, you cannot let so-called false kinship blind you. You have more important things to do. [How’s life at the Sterling’s?] [It’s okay. Just walking the dog every day.] [Need my help? The kind where you bat your eyelashes and I’ll give you my life?] [No thanks. I’ve got enough strength and tricks of my own.] [Alright, whatever you say, darling.] [Lysander Hayes, who are you calling darling?] …After indulging in some banter with my boyfriend, I fell asleep.

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I was livid and confronted him, only to be chastised: “How can your thoughts be so dirty! My big brother isn’t here, it’s only natural for me to help my sister-in-law.” I raged, then laughed bitterly. “Natural,” he said. I immediately sent the scene I had just recorded to his elder brother, who is out of town and is a walking powder barrel. 1 “My wife is being utterly unreasonable and picked a huge fight with me. Any advice, internet? I want to teach this woman a lesson.” Late at night, when I scrolled past this post, my heart skipped a beat. Because today, when I got home from work, the sight that greeted me as I opened the door was my sister-in-law. “What are you two doing?!” I demanded, my pupils constricting in disbelief, my voice sharp with accusation. What the hell? What were they doing? Being intimate right under my nose?? “Oh, Riley, you’re back? Your sister-in-law was crying in pain just now, and your big brother isn’t here, so I had to help her out.” Ben Carter looked up at me, nonchalantly. My sister-in-law, Clara Thorne, chuckled awkwardly, pulling her clothes back down. “Oh, bless you, Ben. Your brother is useless, you know. He couldn’t even make it back when I was giving birth.” Listening to their explanation, a mix of fury and indignation surged through me. “And what about Adam working his fingers to the bone out of town? Does he know his own brother and his wife are doing this?” “Oh, heavens, what a terrible thing to say! How could you think that of us?” My sister-in-law immediately burst into tears, and my nephew, Liam, next to her, started crying too. SLAP! Ben’s face flushed. He sprang up abruptly, his hand raised high, and delivered a powerful slap across my face. I was caught off guard, instantly knocked to the floor, my cheek burning, my ears ringing. Tears of humiliation welled up in my eyes. It was the first time he had ever laid a hand on me! He used to be so careful that if I even scraped my hand, he’d gently apply antiseptic, carefully blowing on my palm. But how had he become like this? “That’s a lesson for you! Don’t let me hear you say another insulting word about Clara!” Ben glared down at me, lecturing. Then, he picked up the crying child and followed Clara into the bedroom. He didn’t come into our room until late that night. He roughly pulled me into his arms, coaxing, “I’m sorry, Riley. I lost my temper today. Sigh, it’s just… Clara’s all alone here, and I was only trying to help. Besides, Riley… seeing Liam, I envy it too.” Hearing his words, my anger instantly dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt. I knew he had always wanted children, but due to my health, we hadn’t been able to have one. Sigh. Late that night, my mind racing, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. It was then I coincidentally stumbled upon that online post. This post… it sounds exactly like something Ben would write. Suspicion gnawing at me, I instinctively clicked on it. Countless comments flooded the screen: “Holy crap, if this were my husband, I’d die of rage. Don’t you know there are boundaries between men and women? Especially with your sister-in-law!” “As a man, I think it’s nothing. Brother and sister-in-law are family. If big brother isn’t there, isn’t it right to take care of sister-in-law? She’s being unreasonable, he just didn’t hit her hard enough.” “Pah! You people are shameless. You wouldn’t be doing anything with your sister-in-law, would you?” …The thread’s popularity soared. The original poster finally spoke: “What do you know? My sister-in-law is all alone here, and my big brother is out of town. She has no one else to turn to. Besides, my wife is just a barren hen. Who would want her if I left?” My entire body trembled uncontrollably as I read. The loud snoring beside me only fueled my irritation. I wanted to turn and strangle Ben, who was peacefully sleeping. I can’t get pregnant, and it’s because of him! It was a while ago. I had just gotten a positive pregnancy test. We were overjoyed, eagerly planning a comprehensive check-up at the hospital. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Halfway there, a fierce storm erupted. Just then, Clara called. “Ben, I think I have a fever. Can you come over?” “Yes, I’m on my way,” Ben agreed without hesitation. He then turned to me. “Riley, you go ahead by yourself. I’ll pick you up later.” Despite my immense reluctance, I couldn’t say anything more. I simply got out of the car. Unexpectedly, as I stepped out, my foot slipped, and I fell to the ground. Ben, however, sped off, completely oblivious to my cries of pain. That’s how we lost our first child, and my body was left with a lingering illness. “Riley, why aren’t you asleep yet?” Ben suddenly woke up, interrupting my painful memories. I suppressed the turmoil in my heart, speaking to him as if nothing were wrong. “It’s nothing. Going to sleep now.” After all, I couldn’t be 100% sure this post was actually him. What if it was just a coincidence? For now, I needed to observe and plan carefully. “Riley, go wash Little Leo’s diapers.” My sister-in-law’s command reached me the moment I opened the bedroom door that morning. “I’ve made plans to go shopping with friends,” I replied, refusing. In the past, I had pitied her, alone and vulnerable here, with Adam constantly working out of town. I often bought groceries and clothes for her. I even agreed to Ben bringing her home to live with us after she gave birth. But it seemed she hadn’t grasped the reality of the situation? She thought my help was a given, and now she was ordering me around with utter ease. “Oh, my life is so hard! All alone with a child, and even getting help to wash a diaper is difficult. I know you look down on me. I’ll go! I’ll take Little Leo and leave right now!” My sister-in-law started crying again. Wiping her tears, she picked up Little Leo, feigning a departure. In the past, I would have rushed to stop her. But now, I simply watched her theatrics, arms crossed, my expression cold. Seeing I made no move, she plopped back down on the floor, howling and beating the ground with her hand. “I’ll just die with my child! I don’t want to live anymore!” This outburst, however, did bring Ben out. Annoyed that his work was disturbed, he emerged from the study, a frown on his face. When he saw his sister-in-law crying dramatically on the floor, he rushed over, helping her up. “Clara, what’s wrong? Talk it out. The floor is cold.” “She bullied me,” Clara accused, pointing at me, crying even harder. “Apologize!” Ben immediately turned to me, his face contorted in a furious glare, commanding me. “Hmph.” I suppressed the sting in my nose and sneered at them. So I’m the only outsider here? He seemed to have forgotten. On our wedding day, he had been so excited he couldn’t sleep, whispering in my ear all night: “Riley, I love you. Don’t worry, if you and my mom both fell into the sea, I’d save you. After all, you’re the one I’ll spend my life with. I’ll always take your side, unconditionally.” Is this what he calls taking my side? I snatched my bag, pushed past them, and ran out the door, fearing my tears would fall the next second. Once outside, I checked my phone and saw the post had been updated. “My wife, that nasty woman, is getting more and more disobedient. If it weren’t for her good family background, why would I have married her? My sister-in-law is so much better, understanding and fertile. And she has plenty of milk. Don’t even ask, I had it once and wanted more, hahaha… I hear it’s good for beauty too.” This update made the post’s popularity explode even more. Netizens: “Holy crap, I’m jealous. I want to taste it too.” “Your wife is so pathetic. A disgusting man like you deserves to die!” “Go away, go away, what do you know? There was too much milk, it would have been a waste not to drink it.” …My eyes burned with a fierce dryness. My family’s financial situation was indeed good then, but Ben was the best of all my suitors. He’d bring me an umbrella in the rain, food when I was hungry. Every day, come rain or shine, he was there. Coupled with his handsome looks, I quickly fell in love, marrying him against my family’s wishes. In just a few short years, everything had changed. His constant favoritism towards Clara, and their ambiguous closeness, had forced me to face reality. “Wasting milk” was just a twisted excuse for his perverse desires. Torture and agony festered in my heart, pushing me to the breaking point. I raised my tear-streaked face, gazing at the bustling street. My eyes gleamed with a cold, ruthless resolve. A brilliant counter-attack plan began to form in my mind.

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1 The moment the just compensation hit my account, I immediately transferred every last dime to my adopted daughter. My son, Mark, was on his knees before me, snot running, tears streaming. “Mom, your granddaughter is still in the hospital, fighting for her life! She needs that money!” I ignored his pitiful pleas, turning instead to buy my adopted daughter a house in a bustling metropolitan area. Relatives swarmed, their voices cloying with “wisdom,” begging me to reconsider. “A daughter given away is like water poured out, and she’s not even your blood,” they’d nag. “You’ll end up out on the street, old woman, mark my words.” I didn’t listen to a single word; instead, I promptly showed them the door. In a flash, my story went viral online, hitting trending topics: “Small-Town Grandma Gives Redevelopment Fortune to Adopted Daughter, Biological Son Gets Nothing.” A national TV network even invited me to appear on “Life Unscripted.” Outside, the biting wind howled, and my son, Mark, hammered on the door, “BANG! BANG! BANG!” Inside, the house was a haven of warmth. My adopted daughter, Dawn, kept piling generous portions of my favorite braised pork onto my plate. Her husband, David, set a steaming mug of warm milk beside me. “Mom,” David ventured, his voice gentle, “are you sure we shouldn’t open the door for Mark and the others?” I slowly chewed a mouthful of pork, savoring the rich flavor. “Don’t mind them,” I said, my voice deliberately unhurried. “Just sit down and eat while it’s hot.” Mark’s furious pounding finally tore the old door from its hinges, sending it crashing to the floor. A flurry of relatives and reporters surged in, encircling us in a suffocating wave. Camera flashes popped like fireflies around us as Mark crawled on his knees from the doorway, straight to where I sat. “Mom,” he choked out, his voice raw, “Lily’s been given a critical prognosis. Please, just give me some money to save her. Even if it’s just a loan, okay?” I sat at the head of the table, unmoving as a stone. My daughter-in-law, Brenda, her hair disheveled, knelt tragically before me. “Mom, I’ll bow to you!” she wailed, banging her forehead lightly on the floor. “Please, save Lily! If we wait any longer, your granddaughter won’t make it!” I cast a cold, indifferent glance at them. “If you want charity,” I said, my voice flat, “go beg on the streets. Don’t come here wailing like banshees. You’re an embarrassment.” My words ignited a storm of indignation from the relatives. “Eleanor, this is completely out of line!” one shrilled. “Dawn is just an adopted daughter! You know what they say, ‘a stranger’s heart is a world away.’” Another chimed in, “Mark is your biological son! You’re giving your money to an outsider instead of him? What will people say?” “Exactly!” someone else added. “And your granddaughter is dying in the hospital, waiting for that money! You wouldn’t just watch her die, would you?” A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched my lips. Without warning, I snatched a handful of Mark’s hair and slapped him hard across the face. The relatives gasped, startled by my sudden ferocity, and rushed forward to intervene. I slowly released him. “Mark is your nephew, isn’t he?” I asked, my voice dangerously calm. “Why don’t you all be charitable and lend him some money to save Lily?” Their faces twisted, a kaleidoscope of discomfort and anger. “What kind of talk is that?” one spluttered. “We all have our own struggles! You got a massive buyout, so why wouldn’t you save your own granddaughter? Isn’t that just common sense?” I gave them a cold, dismissive look. “My money is mine to give to whoever I please,” I stated flatly. “I don’t need your input. It’s getting dark. You all should leave.” The relatives flushed crimson with fury. “What deep-seated grudge,” one muttered, “could make you abandon your own flesh and blood?” “Hmph! You just wait,” another sneered. “See what happens when Dawn takes all your money and kicks you out!” I merely offered a faint smile, watching them disperse. Mark and Brenda, however, refused to budge. “Mom, I’m begging you,” Mark pleaded, his voice cracking. “Lily is truly in danger. If we don’t get her treatment now, it’ll be too late!” I tilted my chin, picked up another piece of braised pork, and put it in my mouth. “If it’s too late,” I mumbled around the food, “then go save her. Why are you still standing here?” “Don’t you have that house in the city?” I added, my voice carrying. “Sell it. Use the money to save your daughter.” My words choked them, and they finally shuffled out, dragging the reporters with them. Only then did David and Dawn let out a collective sigh of relief, carefully setting the door back in its frame. I continued to chew my pork, the rich flavor truly satisfying. “No need to pack much,” I announced. “I bought you a house in the city. We’re moving there right now.” Dawn’s eyes widened, a mixture of joy and apprehension flickering in them. “Mom,” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, “is this really fair to Mark? He’s your biological son, and I’m just… you picked me up from the roadside…” “You found me by the old creek bed…” I reached out and patted her shoulder, a rare, tender gesture. “Don’t you worry, sweetheart. Mom knows what she’s doing.” My hand tightened, clutching the small clump of hair I’d pulled from Mark’s head moments ago. The next day, the video of Mark and Brenda kneeling before me, desperately pleading for money to save Lily, exploded across social media. 2 Dawn scrolled through her phone, her foot tapping a furious rhythm on the polished floor. “Mom,” she fumed, “they’re absolutely despicable! They posted our old address online!” Her voice trembled. “Good thing we moved into the new place. Otherwise, we’d have been beaten black and blue.” I took the phone from Dawn’s hand. The screen showed a chaotic video of a mob breaking into our old house under the cover of night, smashing everything in sight. Even a simple ceramic bowl lay in pieces on the floor. The comments section was a cesspool of vitriol: “Good riddance! Too bad they got away, or we’d have taught them a lesson.” “That stupid old woman! Abandoning her own son and granddaughter for an adopted kid, pah!” “And that adopted girl’s no better, just standing there, watching her brother and sister-in-law suffer.” I chuckled, a dry, humorless sound, and handed the phone back to Dawn, telling her to send the video to the police. Soon after, the video was taken down, only fueling the online outrage. “Why would they remove it?” raged one comment. “Those old fools who ignore their own kin should see what happens when you refuse to save your own granddaughter!” “I bet the old woman reported it herself. She’s just pure evil.” “Hope that old hag kicks the bucket soon, and all her money goes to her son!” Mark, predictably, hadn’t sold the house to pay for Lily’s treatment. Instead, he and Brenda were milking the internet fame, live-streaming a tearful plea while peddling cheap goods. Behind them, Lily lay on a hospital bed, tubes snaking into her mouth, her tiny body barely clinging to life. The chat was flooded with insults directed at me, but actual sales were pathetically low. I decided to fan the flames. I opened my own burner account and typed into their live chat: “Don’t you have money? Why aren’t you selling that city house for cash?” Brenda’s expression shifted, a flicker of alarm, but she quickly pulled a mournful face. “Oh, we want to sell,” she whimpered, “but the housing market is so bad right now. We can’t get a good price.” I pressed on, shaping the narrative. “If you were truly desperate to save her, you wouldn’t care about the price,” I wrote. “Seems your daughter isn’t as important to you as you claim.” Mark’s face turned green. “Who are you?” he spat, glaring at the screen. “You’re not here, you can’t possibly understand a parent’s love for their child!” The chat exploded with agreement: “Exactly!” one user typed. “Desperate parents wouldn’t let their child suffer a moment longer. The critical prognosis came days ago, and you’re still live-streaming?” “As a mother myself,” another wrote, “if my child was critical, I’d sell everything I own, no matter the price!” “Go save your kid!” someone else chimed in. “Stop wasting time on this broadcast!” Before they could respond, their live stream was reported and shut down. 3 Two days later, I received a text from a realtor: Mark and Brenda were listing their house. I instructed the agent to drive the price down to the absolute minimum, promising them double commission if they secured it for me. I bought that house. Mark, undeterred, started another live stream from a different account. On screen, Lily lay weakly in her hospital bed, but her eyes were open now. Brenda wept into the camera, “We’ve already sold our house. Once Lily’s discharged, we’ll have nowhere to go!” Mark wiped away a tear that wasn’t there. “Mom,” he sniffled, “I know you’re watching. I know you bought a big house.” “Please,” he begged, “take us in. Lily needs a place to recover after she leaves the hospital. We’re truly desperate.” I remained completely unmoved by their performance. Live in my house? Not a chance. Then, someone leaked a video online confirming that I had bought Mark’s house. The live chat erupted: “Who’s heard of a mother this wicked?” “Her own son sells his house to save his daughter, and his mother manipulates the price to buy it for a steal?” “That person who told Mark to sell his house last time? Was it that old hag pulling the strings? Were we all just manipulated by her?” “Is this even human behavior? Worse than an animal!” Just then, a bold red comment flashed across my screen: “I’m the director of ‘Life Unscripted.’ I refuse to believe a mother would treat her own son this way without reason. Ms. Eleanor Hayes, I sincerely invite you to be a guest on our show.” Without a second thought, I typed “YES,” not missing the flicker of panic in Brenda’s eyes. The director then challenged Mark and Brenda to appear on the show to confront me. Mark, puffing himself up, declared self-righteously, “I live my life with integrity! I’ve never done anything to betray my mother! Let the audience be the judge!” The appointed day arrived quickly. The “Memory Weaver” device sat center stage, gleaming under the studio lights. The audience seats were packed, and the live stream viewership surged. Even Lily had been brought along. Mark, a smirk playing on his lips, sauntered over to my chair. “Mom,” he whispered, his smile widening, “it’s not too late to back out. Otherwise, when the audience sees how obviously you favor Dawn, it won’t be a pretty outcome for you.” I didn’t respond, though a bitter smile touched my lips. Even now, he had no idea where he’d gone wrong. My expression, which he interpreted as a sign of my being trapped, only made his grin stretch wider. After a brief introduction, the host placed a headset-like device over my temples. Instantly, I was plunged into a swirling vortex of memories. On the large screen behind me, a scene unfolded: Mark’s family welcoming me into their home after the old property was demolished. I clutched Snowball, my loyal white dog, as I stepped into a spacious, brightly lit room. A tall, comfortable bed, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, beckoned. Brenda bustled around, diligently making my bed and unpacking my bags. Mark waited on me hand and foot, bringing tea, fetching water, even offering a shoulder rub. Lily sat on my lap, hugging me tight, begging me to stay forever. The three of them served me lavish meals, brimming with meat and vegetables. From the audience seats and the live chat, a torrent of insults poured forth: “This old woman doesn’t know how good she has it! Mark’s family treats her like royalty. How could she even think of giving the buyout money to her adopted daughter?” “Mark’s family has hearts of gold, wasted on this old hag!” “My own son and daughter-in-law aren’t even this good to me, and I’d still leave them everything! This old woman is just a total ingrate!” “The old woman’s crazy, she needs professional help.” The host’s gaze, laced with thinly veiled disgust, swept over me. Mark and his family, basking in the public’s praise, held their chins high. I ignored their judgmental stares and slowly closed my eyes.

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