1 My wife, Serena, had sworn for fifteen years that she was infertile. Then, out of the blue, she was pregnant. I dug deeper, and what I found shattered my world: she had secretly rekindled things with her first love, Marcus, and her own mother was living with him. When the truth exploded, I lost control, clashing with Serena in a raw, desperate argument. Everyone around us chimed in, a chorus of misplaced advice. “You two have been married for years, Ethan. This child might still be yours. And even if it isn’t, Serena finally has a chance to be a mother. You can’t possibly deny her that right, can you?” I looked at Serena, despair clouding my vision. Though middle-aged, she remained impeccably preserved, a testament to her meticulous care. “You can carry the child to term. If it’s mine, we keep it. If not, you leave, with the child and with him.” It was the furthest I could concede, a fragile olive branch extended from the depths of my broken heart. Serena’s expression remained unnervingly placid as she turned to leave. For a fleeting moment, I thought she had agreed. But then, at the threshold, she paused. “Marcus has been my rock for years. I can’t just cast him aside.” Her voice, calm as a lake, cut me to the bone. “If you can’t accept that, then Marcus and I will simply build a new life elsewhere.” A dull ache pulsed through my chest. I lowered my gaze, abandoning all hope of mending what was irrevocably shattered between us. “Then let’s get divorced.” … My words plunged the already strained atmosphere into an icy silence. Serena dropped the doorknob, disbelief etched on her face as she spun to face me. “Ethan Vance… don’t be ridiculous. Even if you’re trying to scare me, I won’t send Marcus away.” Her brows furrowed, as if I’d uttered the most heinous blasphemy. “Ethan, Serena’s right,” an aunt chimed in. “You two have been married for so long. Everyone makes mistakes. Spouses are one; what can’t be resolved through discussion?” A friend added, “Don’t blame Serena. All these years, she’s told everyone it was her problem. Now that she’s pregnant, it proves the problem was with you. Serena sacrificed fifteen years. Just forgive her this once.” Another relative pressed, “She just wants a child. It’s not like she doesn’t love you.” Family and friends, a Greek chorus of judgment, clamored around us. Serena stood tall behind them, the very picture of an innocent victim. “You think so too?” I asked, my lips trembling as I looked at Serena. Outsiders might be oblivious, but she knew the truth, didn’t she? For fifteen years, we’d undergone annual check-ups. She even collected the reports. My health had always been perfect. Except for last year… but even if I had issues, Serena had no right to let me bear such slander. And I knew, deep down, there was nothing wrong with me. “Ethan Vance, what’s the point of dwelling on this now? We’re not children anymore.” Her voice, surprisingly steady, sliced through my swirling thoughts. “Why can’t you be more like Marcus? All these years, he’s never asked for anything, even repeatedly urged me to come home. All he ever wanted was to be by my side. What fault does he have?” “He’s been there for me, silently, for so long. And now you expect me to throw him away? I can’t. He’s the father of my child. I can’t be that cruel.” With that, Serena opened the door and walked out. The gawking relatives, sensing their cue, discreetly followed. I desperately dug my nails into my palms, the night suddenly feeling colder than ever before. Fifteen years ago, I fell for Serena the moment I saw her at a blind date. She was beautiful and kind. I thought I’d struck gold; how could someone so extraordinary need a blind date? When we discussed marriage, Serena confessed, holding up a medical report, that she couldn’t have children. If I couldn’t accept it, she understood. My parents were vehemently against it then, insisting the Vance name couldn’t end. But I loved Serena. I even declared I’d get a vasectomy if she was uncomfortable. Against all odds, we walked down the aisle. For fifteen years, I believed we were happy, despite no children, despite my parents’ disapproval. But now, I understood. That happiness was a fragile illusion, a bubble poised to burst, leaving behind only an endless void of sorrow. What was even more infuriating was my mother-in-law, Eleanor. A few years back, to ease her mind, I had proactively told her I’d had a vasectomy, promising Serena would never suffer. Eleanor had sworn to treat me like her own son then. Yet, five years ago, she moved out, claiming she needed to care for Serena’s affair partner. A sharp pang gripped my heart. Lost and distraught, I drifted to the balcony and sat there, numb, through the long, cold night. Serena didn’t return until the next morning. She greeted me with an unnerving calmness. “Ethan Vance, have you thought it through? Marcus never intended to ruin our marriage. He just wants to join our family.” Her words, delivered with a bewildering nonchalance, twisted the knife deeper. “We have so many years of shared history. I don’t want to make things hard for you, and I don’t want to see you upset. Just try to understand. If you agree, I’ll bring Marcus home tomorrow. I promise, he won’t compete with you for your place.” I let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh, reading her message. In her eyes, I was the unreasonable one? My refusal to welcome Marcus into our home meant I wasn’t understanding? “Serena Thorne, what do you take me for? You’re pregnant with another man’s child, and you expect me not only to accept the baby but to live with your lover? To see him every day? How can you possibly ask me to endure that? Have you no conscience left?!” I screamed, my voice raw, desperate to awaken a flicker of remorse in her. She remained silent for a long moment, then, finally, a whisper of guilt entered her tone. “I’m sorry, Ethan. But what’s done is done. We just have to learn to accept it. I told you when we married…” “…I had a first love I couldn’t let go of. Please, I’m begging you, just for my sake, try to accept Marcus. I can give you time.” The softest voice, delivering the most disgusting words. It felt like I was seeing Serena’s true face for the very first time. Calmly, I found a lawyer. “Draft a divorce agreement for me. I don’t want anything. I just want out.” Every single second I spent in that house felt like a suffocating nausea. If I could just be free, I’d give up everything. Three days later, the lawyer had prepared the complete divorce agreement. Serena still hadn’t returned. This was her tactic, her way of threatening me: if I didn’t agree, she wouldn’t come home. I didn’t care. I spent my days aimlessly scrolling through videos. Eleanor, seeing how things had escalated, decided to flood my phone with photos and videos of Serena and Marcus together. From her perspective, her daughter, who had never cooked a day in her life, was now lovingly preparing meals for her beloved man. Marcus, too, was incredibly considerate, always finishing every bite. I could see it clearly: in every photo, every video, Serena’s smile was genuine. She was willing to cater to him, all because of love. “See? Serena never loved you. She never wanted to get pregnant because she said she would only ever have Marcus’s child.” “I don’t understand why you’re making such a fuss. The one who isn’t loved is the third party. Serena not kicking you out is a huge blessing, and yet you can’t even tolerate Marcus.” Paragraphs of text and photos flooded my screen. I tapped my phone, ruthlessly tearing down Eleanor’s argument. “No matter how little I’m loved, the marriage certificate still bears my name in Serena’s spouse column. She loves him so much, but the child she’ll bear will still be illegitimate, with no legal standing.” The moment I sent it, Eleanor fired back a sixty-second voice message. It was the software’s limit, and I could almost hear her enraged screams. I didn’t want to listen to her filthy accusations. Just as I was about to ignore it, a video call popped up. I answered. Eleanor’s enraged voice blared through the speaker. “Ethan Vance! No matter how heartbroken you are, you have no right to slander a child like this! What? You want my grandchild to be cursed before they’re even born? How can you be so vicious? I’m telling you, absolutely not.” She was entirely focused on protecting the unborn child. I bit back my tears, looking at her contorted face. How could a person change so drastically? It was she who, not long ago, had kindly told me, “Ethan, we’re sorry. Don’t worry, to me, you’re like my own son, Serena doesn’t even compare.” How long had it been? She had changed, and Serena had changed too. It was as if I was the guilty one. 2 Time stretched on, moment by agonizing moment. I hung up the phone and broke down crying on the balcony. When Serena returned, my eyes were bloodshot, staring blankly out the window. She seemed to have expected it. She walked onto the balcony and hugged me tightly. The warmth, mixed with the cold air, made me shiver. I lowered my gaze. Serena said nothing, simply burying her face in my chest. She was silently telling me she was there, urging me not to give up hope. In the past, when I faced difficulties at work, we would hold each other tightly on that very balcony. The vast city offered no refuge, and my parents were often unyielding in their understanding. In my darkest moments, I truly wanted to end it all. I always thought, Give up. Giving up is the best choice, for both Serena and me. Serena sensed my despair. Her voice, choked with tears, softly asked, “Ethan, are you regretting it? Do you not want me anymore?” Her tears soaked my chest. I hugged her back, my swirling thoughts settling into focus. “Serena, I’m sorry. I was just so overwhelmed. Releasing some emotion. I could never abandon you. I love you. I will never divorce you, not in this lifetime.” The cicadas of summer bore witness to my vow, and a bitter heart was infused with a fragile hope. It was that day I asked Serena. “Serena, can we go to the doctor? I know how much you want a child.” “Let’s get ourselves checked. See if there’s any hope. If not, we can always adopt.” I saw new blood as the hope for our family. Serena, however, was vehemently against it. She didn’t want her body to change, nor did she want to endure the pain of childbirth. … “So why? With him, you’re willing to have a child? Why did you lie to me?” I feigned ignorance, though my heart already knew the answer. Serena sighed, lingering before responding. In those brief minutes, my heart had already turned to ice. “Ethan, I’ll explain all of this to you later. Right now, I want to introduce you to someone.” The door opened again. A nervous Marcus, dressed in smart casuals, extended his hands politely, a characteristic smile gracing his lips. “Hello, I’m Marcus Knight. I know you’re hurting. Serena and I… we’re deeply sorry for what we’ve done to you. But the child is innocent. I’m begging you, please, let my child stay. You can send me away if you want.” He stated his demand stubbornly, his eyes filled with a desperate longing for Serena. Again and again, even before the child was born, they were so certain it was Marcus’s. Looking at myself, standing there, I felt like a pathetic clown. “Can you do that?” Marcus asked again, his gaze lingering on Serena’s hand, which was still grasping mine. His sorrow wasn’t feigned. When we married, I knew Serena had a first love. They had been deeply in love, but young and foolish, and separated due to work. I always considered it a thing of the past. Until today, witnessing the undeniable love in their eyes, I realized how utterly foolish I had been. “Ethan, Marcus’s talking to you.” Serena instinctively released my hand, leaning into Marcus’s embrace. Their intimacy was so natural, as if rehearsed a thousand times. Tears welled in my eyes again, and I lifted my head, a chill spreading through me. “What if I say no?” I gritted out, the last ounce of my helplessness. Serena glared at me, displeased. “Ethan Vance, I’m telling you, not asking. Things are already like this. You’re seriously going to pick a fight with a pregnant woman?” 3 She squared her shoulders, pushing out her barely-there bump. Marcus, ever protective, anxiously pulled her into his arms. “Serena, don’t get upset. Ethan is just having trouble accepting it right now. You’re carrying Markus Jr., don’t let this stress you out and affect the baby.” Markus Jr. The name hammered into my brain, obliterating all past hopes. My mind reeled. A crashing sound echoed in my skull as every belief I held crumbled. That name… The inspiration for it came from a post I’d seen by a father online. He’d named his child ‘Mu Xin,’ meaning ‘admiring his wife.’ I found it incredibly romantic. I’d wistfully told Serena, “You know, if we ever have a child, should we name them ‘Lyric’ or ‘Grace’? Or maybe even take your last name, and we could call them ‘Willow’s Blessing.’” Hearing my words, Serena hadn’t been pleased. She thought I was criticizing her inability to conceive. In reality, she was probably laughing at me inside, wondering who would ever bear my child. “Serena, is the child really named Markus Jr.?” I stared at her, disbelief coloring my voice. She avoided my gaze, masking her discomfort with a few coughs. “Ethan Vance, don’t make something out of nothing. What’s wrong with that name? This is my child, a life I’ll carry for nine months. Can’t I decide his name?” She blustered, trying to cover her guilt, fearing I’d expose her. Marcus wasn’t foolish, but he was smarter than that—he knew when to advance and when to retreat. “Ethan, if you’re unhappy, the child can be named… anything. I don’t mind. This is Serena’s precious child, born from her own risk. If she wishes it, I can leave. I only ask that you treat the child as your own.” He said, casting a longing glance at Serena’s belly before turning to walk away. His performance completely erased the last shred of guilt Serena felt towards me. She angrily pointed to everything in the house, comforting Marcus. “Marcus, I love you. I want to have a child with our blood. Don’t listen to Ethan. Everything in this house, under the marriage contract, is in my name. If he doesn’t like it, he’s the one who has to leave. He has no right to kick you out.” She was brazenly enjoying everything I had earned, openly bringing her lover home, simply because, before our marriage, I had signed everything over to her as a gesture of security. I had thought of her in every way, and in the end, those considerations became daggers, stabbing me without hesitation. “Serena, don’t say that,” Marcus murmured, his attempt at humility not quite convincing. As Serena held him back, he shot a smug look at me. I scoffed, suddenly finding this home, which had once given me warmth, utterly nauseating. No, this wasn’t my home. This was their home. “Ethan, apologize to Marcus now, and I won’t hold this against you. I know you really want children. After Markus Jr. is born, I can let him call you his godfather. If you treat him well, he can even call you Dad.” “Don’t be childish. We’re not kids anymore, and I’m pregnant. I can’t handle too much emotional stress.” She was convinced that I loved her too much to divorce her. I lowered my head, a bitter smile twisting my lips, and picked up the divorce papers I had already prepared from the table. Fifteen years of marriage. Serena had been with me when I had nothing, enduring a lot of hardship. So, I was willing to compensate her, giving her half of my assets. “Take a look. If everything’s in order, sign it.” My heart gradually settled into a cold calm. The moment Serena signed, I could leave this place immediately. I didn’t even need the divorce certificate right away. “I can wait until you give birth. This house, I’ll leave it to you both. Just sign.”

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At the wedding rehearsal, my fiancée, Aurora, suddenly retched. Her adoptive brother, Julian, frantic, swept her into his arms and rushed her to the hospital. Half an hour later, my phone rang. Her voice, chillingly calm, spoke through the receiver: “I’m pregnant.” My heart soared with a surge of unexpected hope, only to shatter as she continued, “It’s Julian’s… after his breakup, he was drenched and heartbroken, and I simply offered comfort. I never imagined it would lead to this…” “We have to keep this from Mom and Dad. Julian will stay here to help me, and we’ll tell them after the baby arrives.” “The wedding will be postponed for a year. You go explain and apologize to the guests.” My throat tightened, no words surfacing for a long moment. She pressed on, “You need to quit your job immediately. I don’t want any accidents these next few months. Julian’s career is on the rise; he can’t be distracted caring for me.” A bitter laugh escaped me. “Fine,” I heard myself say. She sounded satisfied as she hung up, unaware I had a wager with someone else: if I wasn’t married by my thirtieth birthday, I’d marry her. And today, was my thirtieth birthday. Perhaps my calm was too unsettling. Three seconds after she hung up, Aurora called again. “Ethan, I’m so sorry. I know I made a mistake first. But believe me, I only see him as my brother. The baby really was an accident.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Right. Such profound sibling affection, warming each other right into bed. Truly touching.” The line was silent for a beat. She sighed, a weary sound. “I understand if you’re angry, but Julian is an orphan. The Hayes family would disown him if they knew.” “So I hope you’ll claim the child. If you quit your job and stay home, no one will suspect it’s not yours.” I tilted my head back, forcing back the burning in my eyes. “Aurora,” I said, my voice dry, “let’s not get married.” “Not get married?” She was silent for a few seconds, then roared, “Ethan Vance, are you insane?! Didn’t you say we’d been together for five years and needed to get married soon?” “The entire social circle knows you’re my fiancé! Are you treating marriage like a game? Since when have you been so reckless?” I could picture her brows furrowing. Sure enough, her next words were a threat: “Mr. Thorne, I’m asking you one last time! Are you really not going through with this wedding?!” I clutched my phone, a bitter smile twisting my lips. “Yes, I don’t want you anymore, Aurora.” She scoffed. “I don’t have time for your childish tantrums. Do whatever you want!” The call was violently disconnected. I stood in the center of the banquet hall. Under the astonished gazes of the guests, I ripped off my boutonnière and bolted out. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes quickly intercepted me. Mr. Hayes preempted me, “Ethan Vance, what’s gotten into you? Just because her brother took her to the hospital, you’re going to ruin the wedding? Make the hundreds of guests laugh at the Hayes family?” Mrs. Hayes sneered, “I always said it wasn’t a good match. Our family, with its distinguished academic lineage, and your family, nothing but new money. It was never a proper pairing.” She added with a huff, “My daughter insisted, so I couldn’t do anything. See, now everyone’s laughing at us!” Mr. Hayes chuckled coldly, “Good! It’s better he doesn’t marry her. Saves us from his temper offending people and ruining the Hayes name.” They blamed me, despite Aurora being the one in the wrong. I clutched the crumpled boutonnière, my fingertips trembling. “Your daughter canceled the wedding. As for the reason… you two should ask her. I’m too embarrassed to say.” Hearing it was Aurora’s decision, they actually became more indignant. “Even if my daughter canceled, you, as the groom, just run off without a word? Shouldn’t you apologize face-to-face?” Mrs. Hayes scoffed, “How were your parents raising you? You don’t even understand basic social graces. How could you be a Hayes son-in-law?” I took a deep breath. “I will not marry Aurora. If you two are done, please move.” “You!” Their faces contorted in shock, clearly not expecting such defiance from the usually docile me. I ignored them, striding directly to the dressing room. A bespoke gown draped her familiar silhouette. Under the lights, the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her exhaustion. Seeing me, she approached gracefully, that sweet, practiced smile on her lips. I turned my face away. “Didn’t someone swear they’d never attend my wedding?” She suddenly leaned closer, her warm breath brushing my ear. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I saw the stubborn girl from ten years ago. “Ethan Vance, a bet’s a bet.” My lips thinned, unspoken. She grew anxious. “You forgot?!” “I don’t care. We’re getting married in three days. If you don’t show up…” She paused, “I’ll come to the Thorne family and claim you!” With that, as if afraid to hear a refusal, she swiftly slipped out the door. I suddenly laughed aloud. That fool. Of course, I remembered the bet. Our families were old friends, and we grew up together. Too familiar, perhaps, to become lovers. Ten years ago, she confessed her feelings for me, but I only saw her as a friend. She was hurt, and insisted on a wager. Now, it seemed, I had finally lost. 2 The moment I changed out of my wedding attire, Aurora sent me a photo. All my belongings were piled outside the villa gate like trash. The wedding quilt my mom had painstakingly sewn was the most glaring, stuffed carelessly into a clear plastic bag, its vivid crimson silk hurting my eyes in the sunlight. “Come pick it up immediately!” “If you don’t, I’ll tell Mrs. Davis to throw it away.” I stared at the screen, my fingertips growing cold. She knew exactly how to manipulate me. Other things I could discard, but that quilt had to come back. “Fine. I’m coming.” That quilt, my mom had spent three months on it. A woman who never touched a needle and thread, her fingers had been pricked and dotted with blood. On the night before the wedding, she had smiled, handing me the quilt. “My son, may you be happy your whole life.” But when I arrived, the doorway was empty. Just half an hour. I’d told her I was coming. Was she really that eager to kick me out? Fury surged. I shoved open the villa gate and stormed inside. The next second, I was plunged into ice. Aurora sat on the edge of the dining table, Julian’s hands resting on her waist, his cheek pressed to her slightly rounded belly, his eyes impossibly tender, blindingly so. “Aurora,” Julian suddenly whispered, “the baby kicked me.” Aurora’s lips curved into a smile I had never seen, her gaze so soft it seemed to drip with emotion. “So mischievous, just like you were when you were little. If only his eyes could be like yours too.” Julian smiled, his lips pressed together. Aurora leaned in, placing a familiar kiss on his lips. Her voice suddenly filled with remorse. “Are you really sure you want to leave once the baby is born? Actually… you could stay and help me care for the baby. A child so young, how could he not have his birth father?” Julian raised his index finger, pressing it gently to her lips, and shook his head. “Aurora, if I don’t leave, what about your husband?” At the mention of “husband,” Aurora visibly stiffened, then her expression darkened. “Him? He’s just throwing a tantrum saying he wants to break up. Once the baby’s born, won’t he come begging me to help with childcare? A man from a merchant family like that, all he cares about is profit, what dignity does he have?” “Have you forgotten how desperate he was to be my boyfriend? That sickening, eager look… even now, thinking about it makes me sick.” My tears fell silently. So, my confession, offered with such courage all those years ago, had sickened her for so long. The Hayes family was the premier family of calligraphers in Maplewood City. Aurora was its youngest renowned master calligrapher. Five years ago, she came to my father with a handwritten proposal, seeking investment for the Hayes Calligraphy Institute. My father praised her endlessly, specifically introducing her to me. I fell for her instantly, shamelessly insisting she teach me calligraphy. She was furious, pointing at me and scolding, “You’re clumsy! No talent at all!” I, ever the charmer, grinned, “Then be my girlfriend, we’d balance each other out perfectly, wouldn’t we?” She glanced at Julian, who was hunched over his writing, then suddenly clasped my hand, a self-deprecating laugh escaping her. “Fine.” I was so thrilled I hugged her, completely missing Julian’s hurried exit, and her momentary rigidity. Now I understood. Her heart had always belonged to Julian. No wonder she later refused to teach me calligraphy, or even let me into her study. My chest ached. I wanted to turn and leave, but then I remembered the wedding quilt my mom had sewn – it couldn’t be left behind. “Ethan Vance!” Aurora suddenly spun around, a sneer twisting her lips. “What are you doing, lurking at the door? I told you, all your things were thrown out. Regretting it now?” I dug my nails into my palms. “Where’s my wedding quilt? Give it back.” She paused, her face growing colder. “A tattered old quilt, why would I care about that?” “My mom sewed it herself,” my voice began to tremble. “Give it back, and I’ll leave immediately.” Seeing I was on the verge of tears, she frowned. “You’re crying? Are you insane? Is it really that big of a deal?” “Yes! It is!” I roared, and the tears finally broke free. 3 Aurora ran a frustrated hand through her hair, looking as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t. Julian, by her side, suddenly seemed to remember something, speaking quickly. “Ethan, don’t yell at Aurora. I told the staff to put your things in the guest room.” He said, gently caressing Aurora’s slightly swollen belly, his eyes instantly turning red. “Ethan, please don’t move out. If it’s because of this child… I… I can convince Aurora to terminate the pregnancy. His arrival was a mistake anyway. None of you welcome him…” He broke off, dissolving into choked sobs before finishing his sentence. “I forbid it!” Aurora’s voice was almost out of control, as she trembled and leaned into Julian’s embrace, glaring fiercely at me. “He can leave if he wants, but he won’t touch my child! You and the baby are my everything now!” “Ethan Vance, if that’s why you came here, then get out!” I scoffed, walking directly to the guest room. The wedding quilt lay carelessly on the floor, stained with grime and cigarette burns. The intricate phoenix and dragon embroidery was now disgustingly soiled. My fingers trembled as I pointed to the quilt. “Julian, explain this!” He cringed, shrinking his neck. “I didn’t mean to. I just thought it was unwanted trash.” He made to bend down to pick it up. “Ethan, please don’t be angry. I’ll help you wash it clean.” As he leaned down, Aurora suddenly lunged forward, shoving me violently to the ground. “Julian, don’t wash it! Don’t dirty your hands!” My head slammed hard against the bed frame. Excruciating pain exploded, and a warm liquid immediately trickled down my temple. I bit my lip, silent, only smiling as I looked at Aurora, trying to see if she had any heart left. She clung to Julian, her eyes cold, filled with extreme disgust. “How much money? I’ll pay! I’m begging you, stop causing trouble. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment by tormenting me and my brother with such insignificant trinkets?” My chest felt like it had been ripped open. She had always been distant with me, but never had she looked at me with such utter contempt. Now, she must truly hate me. Suddenly, it all felt pointless. Why bother to stay and annoy her further? I surrendered. The wedding quilt was dirty. I didn’t want it anymore. This soiled woman, I didn’t want her either. I pushed myself up. “Aurora, I don’t lack money.” As I turned to leave, she suddenly grabbed my arm, a hint of helplessness in her expression. “You’re upset today. Go back to the Thorne family and calm down for a few days. I’ll pick you up in three days.” I shook off her hand and quickly left. This home, which we had built for years, I was ultimately just a passerby.

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1 Over the Memorial Day weekend, my out-of-state roommate came home with me to visit. To my utter disbelief, that very night she plied my brother with drinks until he was unconscious, then spent the night with him in his room. Afterward, she ruthlessly caused my sister-in-law to miscarry from the shock and stress. Then, she spread rumors everywhere, claiming she was pregnant with my brother’s child and threatening to take her own life, wailing that she couldn’t face the world. As rumors swirled through the university, threatening to engulf me, my brother, pressured beyond measure, married her out of necessity. From the moment she moved in, Chloe began to stir up endless trouble. She used the baby as leverage, forcing my parents to transfer the house deed into her name. After countless agonizing battles, my already frail parents were literally sick with rage, ending up in the hospital. My brother, caught in the middle and buckling under immense stress, accidentally broke his leg and lost his job. Our family, plagued by illness and injury, was utterly miserable. Then, I was reborn. Back to the day before that fateful holiday. Chloe’s feigned distress echoed in my ear: “Ugh, Lily, it’s such a drag. Everyone else is going home for the holiday, and I’m stuck in the dorm all by myself.” The moment I heard Chloe’s voice, the realization hit me: I was back. In my previous life, during that Memorial Day weekend, Chloe was the only one in our dorm who couldn’t go home, being from out of state. My parents, always so warm and hospitable, had heard Chloe complain more than once during our video calls, expressing envy for our family’s atmosphere. She’d hinted multiple times that she wanted to come home with me to meet my parents, and I understood her underlying intentions. But usually, my studies were demanding, leaving me with scarce free time. When the Memorial Day weekend finally arrived, Chloe complained again in front of me. I didn’t think much of it and invited her to our place. Little did I know, that single decision would almost tear my family apart. My family photo was my social media background. Chloe saw the gold bracelet on my sister-in-law’s wrist, her face alight with envy. I casually mentioned it was a gift from my brother, failing to notice Chloe muttering, “Your brother is so good to your sister-in-law. If only…” The casual tidbits she gleaned from me were enough to ignite her greed. I didn’t know when exactly Chloe had set her sights on my family, plotting to replace my sister-in-law and marry my brother. I, meanwhile, was completely oblivious to her true intentions. I only saw Chloe as my best friend. The holiday arrived. Seeing her pitiful, alone in the dorm, I impulsively invited her home. I had, quite literally, invited a wolf into our fold. My parents, thrilled to hear I was bringing a good friend home, gave Chloe the warmest welcome. Mom pulled out all the stops in the kitchen, and Dad uncorked a cherished bottle of fine wine. No one noticed Chloe subtly plying my brother with drinks until he was unconscious, then slipping into his room. The next morning, she confronted Sarah, who had just returned from visiting her family. Chloe was a torrent of snot and tears, loudly wailing that my brother had taken advantage of her, demanding retribution. Overwhelmed by the shock and emotional turmoil, Sarah suffered a miscarriage. Less than a week later, rumors had swept through the university, with Chloe shockingly implicating me as an accomplice. The way my classmates looked at me changed completely. For my sake, my parents, with heavy hearts, compelled my brother to divorce Sarah and marry Chloe. Less than six months after their wedding, my parents were hospitalized one after another. My brother broke his leg and lost his job. And I, far away at university, endured the constant barrage of accusations. When I learned of the tragedies at home, I suffered a complete mental breakdown. I was consumed by self-blame, convinced Chloe was right. It was all my fault for bringing her home. None of this would have happened otherwise. In a spiral of regret and despair, I became a coward. I jumped from the rooftop. Instead, I woke up the day before the holiday. And at this moment, none of it had happened yet. Chloe, seeing my silence, grabbed my hand and whined playfully, “Oh, Lily, please just let me stay with you this holiday. I’ll be so lonely in the dorm all by myself!” I forced myself to stay calm, not daring to reveal any sign of my true emotions. But inside, a burning hatred flared. Heaven had given me a second chance. It had to be to settle the score with this manipulative witch! But it wasn’t time to show my hand yet. I had no evidence. For now, all I could do was avoid her. So, facing Chloe’s plea, I flatly refused. I quickly came up with an excuse: “I’m not going home this holiday. I picked up a part-time job; I want to earn some spending money.” Rejected, Chloe looked at me with suspicion. “Really? Your family is so well-off, and you need a part-time job?” My family did live in a comfortable house in a neighboring city. I wanted to placate Chloe for now and settle accounts later. So I continued to spin my story: “I just want to save up to buy a gift for my future niece or nephew, you know, my brother’s baby.” This wasn’t entirely false. Sarah and I were close, and I often shared photos of gifts she gave me on my social media. It was only natural that I’d care about her. After I offered this reason, Chloe didn’t push the issue. Having dealt with Chloe, I collapsed onto my bed, utterly exhausted. My phone suddenly pinged with a notification: ‘Ticket successfully booked!’ I remembered then that in my previous life, I had secretly bought Chloe a train ticket as a surprise. Luckily, it wasn’t too late to cancel. I quickly refunded the extra ticket. The next morning, Chloe wasn’t in the dorm. I found it a bit odd, but didn’t dwell on it. I grabbed my luggage and headed for the train. Our hometown was in a neighboring city, a two-hour train ride away. The journey was uneventful, and the knot of anxiety in my chest slowly began to loosen. As long as I didn’t bring Chloe home, as long as I kept my distance, the tragedy of my past life wouldn’t repeat. Two hours later, I finally arrived home. Mom waved to me from the doorway. My eyes widened in a smile. I was about to hurry over when another figure moved faster than me. Chloe, carrying a backpack, rushed forward and grabbed my mother’s hand, a wide smile on her face. “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, I’ve heard so much about your famous hospitality from Lily. I’m so sorry to intrude this holiday, please bear with me!” Chloe, with her smooth charm, quickly struck up a conversation with my parents. I, meanwhile, stood frozen, my blood running cold. I never would have imagined Chloe showing up at my house. She had followed me! But then, the reason dawned on me: the canceled train ticket from yesterday. The text message had the train time and location. Chloe only needed to buy a ticket, even a standing one, to follow me home. While I was still reeling, Dad had already welcomed Chloe into the house. Mom, seeing me rooted to the spot, took my luggage with a chuckle. “Sweetie, don’t you recognize Mom and Dad?” Hearing her familiar voice, my nose stung. I longed to throw myself into her arms, to cry and explain everything. I wanted to tell her, desperately, that Chloe was trouble, to kick her out. But what happened in my previous life was so bizarre. My parents, always so warm and trusting, would likely dismiss my accusations as preposterous. Returning this time, I hadn’t yet fully formulated a plan to deal with Chloe. But now that she had come looking for trouble, I figured it was as good a time as any to settle the score. I frowned in thought for a long moment, and a plan quietly began to form in my mind. Just like my previous life. Chloe continuously plied my brother with drinks. I watched as Daniel started to lose his bearings from the alcohol. Without missing a beat, I joined in, raising my glass to Gary Morgan. “Mr. Morgan, I’d like to toast you too!” Gary, a colleague of Daniel’s, was a frequent guest at our house. A divorced single father, he was a rough-around-the-edges kind of guy, utterly useless in the kitchen, and always seemed to show up around mealtime, invariably leaving with leftovers. My brother, too good-natured for his own good, never knew how to say no. Gary, especially when he’d had a few too many, would get a leering look in his eye and, in front of my parents, more than once suggest he wanted to marry me. My parents detested him, only tolerating his presence for Daniel’s sake. The plan was unfolding as expected: Gary, too, got drunk and stayed the night. Mom was bustling around, grumbling good-naturedly as she tidied up. Chloe’s eyes gleamed the moment she saw Daniel completely out cold. She stepped forward, eagerly offering, “Mrs. Hayes, let me help you!” As if I’d let her. I quickly squeezed past her. “Oh, no, Chloe, you’re a guest! We couldn’t ask you to help. If you really want to be helpful, you can clear the dishes. My brother’s all taken care of with Mom and me.” Feigning not to notice Chloe’s crestfallen expression, I ushered Mom to take the two drunk men upstairs. Keeping an eye on the footsteps behind me, I subtly steered Daniel into the guest bedroom, making sure to avoid his actual room. Mom, not paying attention, followed me into the room and then looked confused. “Your brother’s room is next door, sweetie. Have you been away so long you forgot?” No, I hadn’t forgotten. I’d just correctly guessed Chloe would be relentless and follow me. But I didn’t tell Mom the truth. “Mom, you can’t just take Daniel straight to his bedroom without him showering. Sarah will never tolerate the smell when she comes back. I’m just being considerate. You can help him clean up later and then move him to his own room.” With my explanation, Mom slapped her forehead. “You’re right, you’re right. Sarah’s had a tough pregnancy. She’s finally feeling better; we can’t let Daniel mess things up.” By the time we carried Gary upstairs, Chloe had already cleared the dinner table and wasn’t paying attention to us, a relaxed smile on her face. Even though I’d already laid a trap for Chloe, I still felt it wasn’t foolproof. I was terrified of any unforeseen complications. Before bed, I slipped upstairs and locked my brother’s bedroom door from the outside, finally breathing a sigh of relief. If Chloe didn’t have such twisted intentions, then everything I had done would, of course, be for naught. 2 In my previous life, Chloe slept in the guest room next to my brother’s. This time, Gary was staying there. So, I had to let her share my room. After showering and spending a little time on my phone, Chloe began urging me to sleep. But I wasn’t about to let her have her way. “If you wanted to go to bed early, you should’ve stayed at school. Why did you insist on coming home with me?” Already in the wrong, Chloe didn’t dare press me further after my blunt words. It was nearly 1 AM by the time I finally agreed to turn off the lights. I don’t know how much time passed, but then Chloe rustled close to me, softly calling my name. When I didn’t respond, she tiptoed out of bed. I heard the soft click of the door, then silence. My heart rate quickened. If she insisted on coming, then she should be prepared to get burned. I squeezed the outline of the key in my pocket, reassuring myself. I told myself, this time, I was ready. The tragedy of my previous life would not happen again. It absolutely would not. I forced myself to listen, but roughly an hour later, Chloe still hadn’t returned. I finally drifted off to sleep. Perhaps it was because I’d stayed up so late, but I slept deeply. A short, sharp scream jolted me awake. Startled, I quickly threw on some clothes and rushed out. The living room was thick with tension. Chloe sat hunched on the corner sofa, clutching her disheveled collar, her eyes slightly red. Mom’s face was ashen as she tried to soothe Sarah and Chloe, trembling herself. Seeing me, Sarah looked at me as if I were her savior. I quickly went to her, helping her sit down. “Sarah, are you okay?” Before I could comfort Sarah, Chloe demanded in a tearful voice, “Lily, something so terrible happened to me, and you’re not even comforting me?” “Do you know what your brother did to me?!” I didn’t need to ask to know what happened. But Sarah and Mom didn’t. Hearing Chloe’s words, tears streamed down Sarah’s face like broken pearls. Sarah finally burst into sobs. “Lily, your brother, he… how can we live like this?!” Mom, too, wiped her tears, completely flustered. Chloe, seemingly deeply wronged, gritted her teeth and threatened to call the police. Mom, beside herself, quickly tried to stop her. “Sweetie, let’s talk this out, please, let’s talk this out!” “Can we discuss this calmly, please? Auntie is begging you!” Mom pleaded desperately, but Chloe’s goal clearly wasn’t to de-escalate. She too screamed, crying, “How can I live like this! How can I live after something like this happened!” The two wrestled, and I watched Chloe’s theatrical performance, disgusted. I was about to reveal the truth when Sarah, next to me, let out a painful groan. “My stomach.” Thankfully, I had been constantly monitoring Sarah’s condition. In my previous life, Mom and I were both so distraught by Chloe’s pitiful display that we lost all sense of composure. No one anticipated Sarah would return home so early from visiting her family, hearing the devastating news and having her pregnancy affected. In the chaos, no one paid attention to Sarah, leading to the miscarriage. I quickly dialed 911, interrupting Mom and Chloe. “Mom, Daniel isn’t even downstairs yet. Hearing things is one thing, but we need to at least ask the person involved!” I soothed Sarah, then looked at Chloe with a cold expression. Chloe’s eyes widened. “Lily, you don’t believe me?” I scoffed. “Believe you? We were in the same room last night. My brother was drunk. Am I supposed to believe a drunk man somehow got into my room and carried you upstairs?” At my words, Mom finally snapped back to reality. “You’re right, you’re right. We need to ask Daniel. Daniel would never do something so reckless. Sarah, trust Mom, I’ll get to the bottom of this!” Under Mom’s and my reassurances, Sarah finally steadied herself, nodding tearfully. The paramedics arrived quickly. Dad, rubbing his sleepy eyes, was startled awake. Before he could even grasp the situation, I shoved him into the ambulance. “Dad, I’ll explain later. Just help me watch Sarah for now.” By the time he recovered, only half an hour had passed. Chloe was already impatient. “You don’t believe me, then let’s go upstairs and confront your brother!” Mom, seeing Chloe’s certainty, was starting to waver, her resolve softening. Noticing this, I pulled Mom upstairs. “Mom, you have to trust Daniel.” A large, noisy group marched upstairs. Thankfully, the two drunk men were sleeping soundly. Once we reached the second floor, Chloe lunged ahead, trying to bypass us and open the guest room door. But Mom stopped abruptly at my brother’s actual bedroom door, taking a deep breath, hesitant to open it. I asked Chloe gravely, “Last night, there were two occupied rooms upstairs. Are you sure it was my brother who attacked you?” Seeing us stop at the guest room door, Chloe looked stunned, frozen in place. But she gritted her teeth and insisted, “Yes.” 3 She shoved Mom aside, twisting the doorknob. But the door didn’t budge, blocked by the lock. Chloe’s face paled slightly, but she still wanted to solidify my brother’s guilt. “Your brother is such a coward! He violated me, then got scared of taking responsibility and locked the door!” She said, pounding on the door. Soon, there was a stir inside. My brother’s lazy voice asked who it was, and he rustled around, trying to open the door. Of course, he couldn’t. Our locks were one-way: if locked from the outside with a key, they couldn’t be opened from the inside. I’d secured it. “You rotten kid, open this door right now!” Mom was frantic, wishing she could drag my brother out and get the truth. I, however, remained calm, looking at Chloe and asking again, “Are you sure my brother attacked you?” The hallway fell silent. Only my brother was still fumbling with the lock. Mom’s face flickered with hope. Chloe’s lips were pressed together, silent. “Chloe, you might not know this, but our locks here only work one way. My brother has a habit of sleepwalking, and to avoid scaring guests, I locked his door from the outside last night.” As I spoke, I pulled out a key from my pocket, tossing it up and down. This time, Chloe finally understood. “You did this on purpose! Last night, I clearly saw…” She was about to say she saw my brother in the room next door. “Saw what? It was dark. You must have been mistaken,” I interrupted Chloe. “Do you still insist it was my brother who attacked you?” Under my relentless questioning, Chloe’s face alternated between green and white. “No, I… I must have seen wrong.” There was no need for further words. Mom finally let out a sigh of relief, muttering under her breath that she was glad it wasn’t true, otherwise she would have broken my brother’s legs. Mom didn’t know I had orchestrated everything. Even if Chloe hadn’t confessed, I had the evidence. Thinking this, I subtly glanced at the security camera in the corner. Since she confessed, I didn’t release the footage. Still, the fact that Chloe had been assaulted in our house was true, and Mom couldn’t just brush it aside. She spoke kindly to Chloe, trying to find a solution. “Sweetie, since it was Gary who attacked you, Auntie will definitely get you justice. I’ll ask him to discuss compensation later.” She added, “Gary, even though he’s divorced with a kid, he’s a decent, hardworking man. If you’re willing, you can get married after you graduate. If not, Auntie will make sure he compensates you.” Mom tactfully avoided delving into why Chloe had inexplicably ended up upstairs and assaulted. After all, she was a young woman, and rumors wouldn’t be good. Chloe glared at me, but could only nod in agreement. Gary genuinely wanted to marry Chloe, but the negotiations went nowhere. Since Chloe was unwilling, he gritted his teeth and paid her $30,000 in compensation. After such a convoluted farce, everyone was mentally and physically exhausted. Chloe kept apologizing to Mom, pleading to stay at our house until the end of the holiday. Before I could speak, Mom flatly refused. “Sweetie, I’m really sorry, but we have to go to the hospital soon, so we probably won’t be able to host you these next few days. Here, Auntie will reimburse you for your train ticket.” Flatly rejected, Chloe, despite her reluctance, had no choice but to agree. Clutching the $30,000 and the train ticket, she returned to school. After she left, we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It was then that I had the chance to tell Mom that I hadn’t invited Chloe home at all. She had secretly followed me. In all her years, even Mom had never encountered someone like that. She couldn’t help but sigh with relief. “Thank goodness nothing serious happened.” Yes, thank goodness we didn’t repeat the same tragedy. I too felt a wave of relief, and seized the opportunity to ask Mom to help me change dorm rooms. I had a feeling that if I stayed in the same dorm as Chloe, there would be more trouble. But I never imagined that when I returned to school after the break, rumors would already be rampant across campus. Before I could even pack my things to move dorms, I was blindsided by the sudden news. What followed was a notice from the university: a mandatory leave of absence.

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The day my brother, Dominic, arrived at the orphanage to claim me, my boyfriend, Ethan, coldly spat a warning: “If you acknowledge them, we’re over!” I knew his pride ran deep, his inability to accept class disparities profound. For him, I bravely abandoned the family reunion just within reach. For decades thereafter, I toiled relentlessly, saving every penny to propel him to success. Before I reached fifty, I lay dying in a hospital bed, ravaged by years of overwork. On the television, Ethan, freshly crowned with the highest research award, tearfully thanked another woman: “For years, I felt unworthy, as if I could never measure up to Ms. Felicity Sterling. Today, with this award, I can finally begin to articulate a love decades overdue.” The Ms. Felicity Sterling he spoke of was the fake heiress, swapped with me at birth. The camera zoomed out, showing a perfectly preserved Felicity Sterling blushingly accepting the trophy. “Though I’ve waited decades for you, matters of marriage still need my brother’s blessing, of course~” Dominic, now the head of the Sterling family, watched her, his eyes brimming with a doting affection mixed with a hidden current of emotion. “Handing me over to our uncle’s family was always to protect Felicity. My life’s mission is to ensure the Sterling family’s sole princess remains happy.” It was then, on my deathbed, that a horrifying truth slammed into me: my seemingly selfless choice, the one I thought I’d never regret, had been a calculated trap, orchestrated by two men to protect Felicity. Consumed by rage and despair, I died, my eyes wide open. When I next awoke, I was back. Back to the day Dominic came to claim me. I swept past the two men frowning at me, their gazes a mixture of disdain and impatience, and resolutely slid into the car. “Take me home.” In this life, I swore, I would force every single person who stood in the wrong place to crawl back to the rotten mire where they belonged! … 1 “Elara, I’m telling you! If you let your vanity get the best of you and go back to being a rich girl, we’re done!” “Save me from everyone saying I’m after your money, Miss Heiress! I, Ethan, may be poor, but I have my dignity!” Just like in my previous life, Ethan, whose arm I had desperately clung to for advice, violently shook me off. The dull thud as my elbow hit the wall sent a jolt of pain, making me realize—I was reborn! Reborn on the day Dominic came to claim me! Dominic, with his aristocratic bearing, frowned at his watch, his face a mask of indifference and impatience. “If you’re not accepting, don’t waste my time. It’s been so many years, anyway. My parents aren’t really that bothered…” He was clearly rushing through this formality, eager to return to Felicity. In my past life, he had deliberately used that haughty, dismissive tone, leaving me, a twenty-two-year-old orphan, feeling not an ounce of familial warmth, only apprehension. Coupled with Ethan’s threat to break up, I had rejected my birth family without even meeting my true parents. Now, listening to Ethan’s impatient complaints beside me: “Elara, can you make up your own mind for once?! Don’t ask me about everything!” I spoke, my voice firm and clear: “I accept!” Two words, short and powerful, left both men stunned. Dominic frowned, as if he couldn’t believe his ears. “You… what did you say?” This twenty-two-year-old body now housed a fifty-year-old soul, hardened by life’s trials. In my eyes, they were merely callow youths. I met Dominic’s gaze. “Didn’t the family send you to pick me up? Let’s go. Don’t keep my parents waiting.” It was only on my deathbed in my previous life that I learned Dominic wasn’t my biological brother. He was merely an adopted son, brought in by my parents from a distant relative’s family to accompany and protect their “only daughter,” Felicity. Yet, he, an adopted son, had put on such airs in front of me, their true daughter. As I moved to get into the car, Dominic, still far from the cunning old fox he would become, instinctively glanced at Ethan, his eyes filled with silent reproach for Ethan’s “failure”—they had indeed known each other all along. These two seemingly unrelated men had conspired to ruin my entire life for the sake of a fake heiress! The next second, Ethan violently grabbed my arm. “Elara, are you crazy?! Stepping your muddy shoes into a million-dollar luxury car? If you scratch it, can you afford to pay?! Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and cause trouble. I won’t be cleaning up your mess!” I was adopted by my Nana from Maplewood and named Elara. My family and Ethan’s were both struggling in our small town, but he always acted superior—just because my affection had granted him that privilege. I loved Ethan, following him like a shadow since childhood. He excelled academically, came from poverty but refused to be humbled, and never once called me “the stray.” After Nana passed, he became my sole anchor in the world. Despite both of us getting into high school, I dropped out to work and fund his tuition. When he said city kids found famous tutors, I risked my life climbing thirty miles of treacherous mountain roads to gather rare medicinal herbs from cliff edges, borrowing money to pay for his classes. It wasn’t until I lay in that hospital bed in my previous life, watching Ethan, then nearing sixty, blush as he reminisced about meeting Felicity at a tutoring class: “I was insecure and poor then, but she never looked down on me. I’d never seen such a wonderful girl. In that moment, I decided I would spend my entire life trying to catch up to her.” The back I broke, desperately struggling on the cliff’s edge, had become their stepping stone, a bridge to their affair. He could trample my love, but he had no right to use it to destroy my life! Seeing Ethan’s young face again, all that remained in my heart was disgust. “The car is here specifically for me. If I don’t get in, who else will snatch my place?” 2 Ethan hadn’t anticipated my sharp retort. His eyes widened, his throat bobbed. His face flushed as he strained to conjure a few sarcastic remarks. “Elara, are you really that greedy for money?! They abandoned you for all these years and didn’t care!” “Now, they just casually remember to ask, and you’re already fawning over them!” “So spineless! So shameless?!” In my past life, he habitually used such accusations, such crushing words. If Ethan had questioned me like that before, I would have been consumed by shame, convinced I had indeed done something wrong. But I had already endured a lifetime of hardship. On dreary, rainy days, every aching, twisted joint screamed at me, Why did you give up a golden opportunity within reach, just to suffer pointlessly for a man who didn’t deserve it? I coldly shook off his hand. “Ethan, whether I’m fawning or not, the Sterling family is my home.” “And my family matters are none of your business, outsider.” With that, I didn’t spare him another glance and got straight into the car. From Dominic’s disapproving gaze, Ethan, unwilling to accept defeat, shouted from outside the car: “Elara! I’m giving you one last chance! Get out right now!” “Otherwise, we’re over!” “And look at yourself! No class! No education! How can you be a Sterling heiress?!” “When you get kicked out, don’t come crawling back to me for another chance!” I simply closed the window, blocking out his curses, and calmly instructed the driver without any hint of subservience. “Please take me home. To my parents.” Despite knowing the Sterlings were wealthy, seeing the sprawling villa and luxury cars before me still left me stunned. Dominic sneered, dismissing my “uncouth” reaction. “This villa was a gift from the family to Felicity when she turned eighteen.” Felicity’s eighteenth birthday gift was an entire villa, while on my eighteenth birthday, my hands were raw from washing dishes in murky restaurant sinks, earning money to support Dominic through his crucial final year of high school. “Felicity always said she was a little princess, so the entire design mimics a European castle.” Dominic’s lips curved into a smile as he recalled the memory, but the moment he caught sight of me, his face returned to cold indifference. “Ms. Vance, since you’ve chosen to come back, as the future heir of Sterling Enterprises, I still have a few words for you.” Felicity had shown no aptitude for academics or business since childhood. Dominic, however, had entered the company early. Though no one had ever officially promised him the position, he clearly already considered himself the “Crown Prince.” “While you do share a bloodline with our family, perhaps, as your boyfriend said, Mom and Dad only remembered you on a whim.” “But Felicity is different. She grew up in this house since she was a baby. She has always been our family’s little princess. Felicity was also swapped at birth. She wouldn’t know anything about it. She is innocent. She owes you nothing!” Each arrogant word pierced my ears. I looked up at him. “Thank you.” Dominic’s eyebrow twitched, clearly confused. But I was already striding forward. Thank you for telling me all this. Now I know everything that should have been mine! In my past life, after rejecting my birth family, I had actually wanted to secretly visit the Sterlings, not for wealth or glory, but just to know where I came from. But Dominic had stopped me at the gate. “Ms. Vance, you decided to reject your family for a man. Your parents are utterly disappointed in you.” “Coming back to bother us now is simply pathetic and undignified!” “You’ve missed your chance. Please leave immediately!” “After all, our entire family doesn’t wish for Felicity to be disturbed. She’s about to have her birthday, and she doesn’t know you exist. Ms. Vance, I ask you to be a kind person and not hurt my sister.” That day, Dominic’s bodyguards had shoved me aside like a stray dog. Through the crack in the gate, I saw Felicity, delicate as a flower, surrounded by my parents in the garden. At the time, I didn’t know Dominic was adopted, and I believed he spoke for the entire Sterling family. But during my near-death experience, I learned that in my previous life, my parents had indeed wanted to meet me, but Dominic had ruthlessly blocked them. He painted me as an unhinged, irresponsible girl, claiming: “She said she wouldn’t contact the Sterling family unless they all died off, so she could inherit everything.” “Otherwise, she wouldn’t even deign to look at any of us Sterlings.” Humans are, after all, creatures of emotion. My parents, who had no pre-existing affection for me, listened to his words, then looked at the innocent and charming Felicity. In the end, they were left with nothing but a sigh. In my past life, I only knew how to accept my fate. I didn’t understand that if you weren’t born with a silver spoon, you had to fight for what you wanted—be it money or love. So, when I knelt before my parents, crying uncontrollably, confessing my “longing,” they embraced me, tears in their eyes. “Our precious girl has suffered!” “Mom and Dad will make it up to you a hundredfold!” Leaning on my parents’ shoulders, through tear-filled eyes, I saw young Felicity. 3 Even though she didn’t speak immediately, I quickly caught the flash of resentment in her eyes. Felicity looked like an innocent little rabbit, her eyes red, her lips trembling, holding back tears. “Mom, Dad, who is this sister?” “Why is she calling you Mom and Dad too?” Just as my parents realized they had neglected Felicity and were about to comfort her, I quickly grasped Felicity’s hand. “This must be the sister who honored our parents in my stead.” “Just as my brother said, she’s a million times better than me!” “Even though sister’s birth mother swapped us and then abandoned me in Maplewood to fend for myself, I know my sister knew nothing of her eighteen years of privilege in the Sterling family. My sister is innocent!” “And my brother has already warned me that my sister is the little princess cherished by the whole family, unlike me, who never even met my birth parents…” I took a pendant from my neck. “I don’t have anything presentable for our first meeting. This is the only memento my Nana, who raised me, left me. I hope it protects my sister and keeps her safe always.” Without waiting for Felicity to refuse, I pressed the pendant into her hand. The sharp corner of the pendant pricked Felicity’s delicate palm. With a high-pitched shriek from her, I preemptively recoiled two steps, falling backward onto the floor. The pendant dropped and shattered into fragments. Under my parents’ astonished gaze, I immediately knelt, cupping the shards in my hands. My hands were soon covered in blood, and tears streamed down my face as I apologized incessantly. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t think this through!” “Even if this is my most precious possession, it doesn’t compare to my sister, a Sterling heiress…” My parents, their hearts aching, pulled me up. Their voices choked with emotion. “Elara, what are you doing? You’re Mom and Dad’s biological daughter!” When our eyes met again, Felicity’s eyes held an unconcealed resentment. Felicity truly wasn’t a clean flower protected by the mud. This was perfect. It saved me from any useless guilt! From the moment I was reborn, I had decided that whether Felicity was innocent or not, I would take back everything that was mine. Even if she truly knew nothing, I would still claim it. Because these things were rightfully mine. Felicity and I were swapped. Felicity’s birth mother, pregnant out of wedlock, coincidentally gave birth on the same day as my mother. Seeing my mother’s expensive attire and lavish lifestyle, the woman, unwilling to let her child suffer, stealthily swapped us when no one was looking. She didn’t even intend to raise me; she simply abandoned me in Maplewood. If Nana hadn’t found me, I would probably have been nothing but bones. Compared to Felicity’s privileged, mistaken life, I was the truly innocent one. As for the jade pendant, of course, it wasn’t an heirloom. It was just a cheap trinket Ethan won from a street raffle years ago, the only gift he ever gave me. A piece of worthless glass that I had treasured for years. Now, it was perfectly suited to pave my way. My father frantically took the glass shards, calling for someone to mend them, while my mother, heartbroken, had the family doctor tend to my bleeding hands. “Felicity! How could you drop your sister’s gift and push your sister?!” “Is that what we’ve taught you all these years?!” Unlike my daily humiliation and gaslighting by Ethan, this was probably the first time Felicity had ever been reprimanded in her life. Her face flushed with indignation, her neck stiff, but she had no idea how to defend herself. Dominic, who had been protecting her from the start, finally spoke. “Mom, Dad, you’re misunderstanding Felicity.” “I was standing right there. I clearly saw Elara intentionally fall and shatter the pendant herself.” “While I don’t know why Elara would try to frame Felicity right after coming home, I believe the house’s surveillance cameras would have captured it.” “After all, Elara is the kind of person who, to return to the Sterling family, would heartlessly dump a boyfriend she’d been with for years, her childhood sweetheart.” With that, Dominic pulled out his phone. On the screen, the footage clearly showed my conversation with Ethan—the bits where I’d said “snatch my place” and “none of your business, outsider,” edited cleverly to look damning. Sure enough, my parents’ brows furrowed. Dominic seized the opportunity to lean close to me and whisper, “You don’t know about high-tech surveillance, do you?” In this era, surveillance was indeed still a novelty; most ordinary families had no idea what it even was. Dominic’s lips curled into a smug smile. “I warned you that Felicity is innocent. I told you not to touch her!” “But since you insist on using dirty tricks, you only have yourself to blame for your wicked intentions!”

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Before I married Alex, I knew he had a formidable sister-in-law, Olivia. He’d always warned me, “Whatever you do, don’t cross Olivia.” Our first Christmas at his parents’ house after we got married, I was stuck in the kitchen all day, preparing a holiday feast for over a dozen people. Meanwhile, the rest of Alex’s family was out in the living room, munching on the fruit I’d sliced, chatting away as if they didn’t have a care in the world. When dinner was finally on the table, Alex’s older brother, David, and Olivia strolled in, fashionably late. Just as I was about to sit down, I realized there wasn’t a spot for me at the table. Olivia let out a dismissive laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’ve heard so much about our dear new sister-in-law, Riley,” she drawled. “So virtuous, so filial, and so easy to get along with.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the spread. “It’s just a shame about the food… it’s not quite up to par.” Anger flared within me. I was ready to fire back, but then she turned to Martha, Alex’s mom. “Next time, Martha, you should stick to cooking. Your food is always so much better…” 1 Martha’s face turned green. I stood there, momentarily bewildered by the sudden shift in atmosphere. The tension grew thicker, but Olivia just calmly sipped her drink, completely unfazed. Finally, Alex’s dad, Robert, nudged Martha’s arm. Martha pursed her lips. “Riley’s from down south,” she announced, “She said she wanted to cook us some southern dishes to try.” I raised an eyebrow. My opinion of Martha dipped a few notches. I hadn’t said anything of the sort since I walked in the door. Alex and I were newlyweds, celebrating our first Christmas with his family. My mom always told me to be empathetic, to put myself in others’ shoes. Even though everyone said in-law relationships were complicated, I was willing to make an effort for Alex’s sake. You treat people well, and they’ll treat you well back, right? So, I’d simply asked if they needed any help. But to my surprise, Martha had dumped every single kitchen chore on me. She’d claim her back hurt, or she needed to pick up Chloe and her family, who were visiting for the holidays. Alex and I had agreed to always support each other, but Martha constantly pulled him into conversations. After a few times, Alex seemed to forget I was stuck slaving away by myself. I spent the entire day in the kitchen: peeling vegetables, chopping, frying fish, stewing meat, even making some elaborate holiday pastries. With every task, I swore to myself I wouldn’t come back next year. And after all that, they didn’t even save me a seat at the dinner table! Just as I was contemplating throwing in the towel and walking out, Olivia’s voice cut through the air, raised slightly. “Doesn’t Riley have a seat? Why is she standing there? It almost looks like Martha is deliberately picking on her.” Her words pierced everyone’s ears like needles. Everyone froze, exchanging uneasy glances. Martha’s face cycled through several shades of red. Alex finally reacted, quickly getting up to pull a stool beside him. “Honey, come sit next to me.” I stared at the cheap blue plastic stool. A bitter taste filled my mouth. Everyone else had proper chairs; I was the only one on a flimsy stool. Alex came to my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, and whispered, “I’m so sorry, babe. You shouldn’t have to put up with this. Take my seat.” Looking at the man I loved, I swallowed the sting of hurt. A small hiccup wouldn’t ruin everyone’s holiday mood. The rest of Alex’s family ate merrily, but Olivia remained detached, as if it had nothing to do with her. Then, Martha cleared her throat. She pulled a crisp envelope from her pocket and offered it to me. “Riley, since it’s your first Christmas with us, this is a small token from Robert and me. Don’t think it’s too little.” She added, “It’s a family tradition, though, that daughters-in-law don’t get holiday money after this. Once you and Alex have a baby, then we’ll give it to the grandchild, okay?” She finished with a pointed glance at Olivia. “Like your sister-in-law here, she hasn’t gotten any holiday money for years.” The envelope was pushed towards me. It should have been a happy moment, but her words felt like a punch to the gut. As I hesitated, wondering whether to take it, Olivia let out a snort. “Martha, are you trying to fool an idiot here?” 2 David lightly nudged Olivia’s elbow. Olivia shot him a side glance but continued, “Martha, if you don’t want to give it, just don’t. Don’t use me as an excuse.” My heart fluttered, and the hand I’d extended to take the envelope froze. Martha finally snapped. She slapped the envelope down on the table. “What, are you jealous? My younger daughter-in-law is sensible; she knows how to care for her parents-in-law.” She glared at Olivia. “I’m willing to give it! All you do when you come home is eat and lounge around, you don’t lift a finger. Isn’t it right that I don’t give you anything?” Martha’s emotions were clearly spiraling, her long-held resentment towards Olivia pouring out. Olivia shrugged indifferently, saying nothing more. I forced an awkward smile. “Martha, the money isn’t necessary. You’re Alex’s mom; it’s only right that I help you.” As I said it, I caught a glimpse of Olivia letting out a silent sigh in my peripheral vision. Martha beamed, her face beaming with delight, and praised me as a wonderful daughter-in-law, all while slipping the thin envelope back into her pocket. Just then, Chloe, Alex’s younger sister, who’d been silently eating, suddenly cried out, “Why is there ginger in this dish?!” She spat out the mouthful of food onto the table. “Didn’t I say no ginger? I hate ginger!” She whined, “Mom, didn’t you tell Riley?” Martha reflexively said, “I did! Who knows why she put it in again.” Chloe’s eyes landed on me. I quickly waved my hands. “I didn’t know! Martha didn’t say…” My voice trailed off as Alex squeezed my arm, signaling me to stay silent. Martha’s face instantly darkened. “I didn’t say? I clearly told you Chloe doesn’t eat ginger, not to put it in. How could you forget?” My chest tightened. I wanted Alex to say something, to defend me. But he only shook his head. Chloe slammed her chopsticks on the table. “I’m not eating! How can anyone eat this? It’s Christmas, and I can’t even get a decent meal!” Martha rushed to appease her, stroking Chloe’s head. “Don’t be mad, don’t be mad. You can’t be upset on Christmas. Riley, make a couple more dishes without ginger. Don’t be angry.” She turned to me. “Riley, go make a few more dishes. This time, absolutely no ginger!” Martha commanded me as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I was too stunned to speak. Alex’s sister was two years younger than me but had married two years earlier. Since coming home for the holidays, she’d barely touched the ground; his parents practically spoon-fed her. And now, this newly married daughter-in-law was being ordered to cook for her again? I’d never been indulged like this in my own home! Seeing me remain seated, Martha prompted, “Go on! Riley, what are you waiting for?” Alex leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Maybe you should just make two more. Chloe really doesn’t eat ginger.” But it wasn’t about her not eating ginger! I frowned, staring at Alex. I didn’t understand what he was doing, what this was all about. Was he really letting them bully me, just like Olivia implied? Alex tugged at me, looking distressed. “Please, babe, just do it for me, okay?” I remembered my mom’s words: Empathy. Give a little first, and they’ll see your goodness. The situation was rapidly spiraling out of control. Chloe was on the verge of tears, and Alex was practically pleading with me. I swallowed the surge of humiliation and headed back to the kitchen to stir-fry two more dishes. 3 When the dishes were on the table, Chloe poked at them with her chopsticks. “Who eats this stuff on Christmas? Riley, are you doing this on purpose to spite me?” she whined. “I finally come home for the holidays, and I can’t even get a single meat dish!” She began to cry, dropping her chopsticks. “Is it true what they say? That once you’re married, you’re just… tossed aside?” Martha immediately comforted her. “Of course not, darling, you’ll always be our little princess. Your dad, David, and Alex would never let you suffer.” Then she turned to me. “Riley, go make some sweet and sour ribs. Chloe loves those.” I finally snapped. I pointed at the braised ribs already on the table. “There are ribs right here. No ginger.” Martha paused, seemingly taken aback by my defiance. She tilted her head, scrutinizing me. “Are you deaf? Braised and sweet and sour are completely different! I told you to make sweet and sour ribs, so just do it. Why all the chatter?” In just two sentences, Martha had transformed. The warm, praising mother-in-law of moments ago seemed to vanish. I couldn’t believe my ears. I’d never been spoken to with such words, in such a tone, in my entire life! My eyes, blazing with fury, darted to Alex. He squeezed my hand reassuringly, then spoke up. “Mom, Riley already made a ginger-free dish, and there are ribs here. It’s Christmas; let’s just eat.” I thought he’d diffuse the situation. Instead, it was like he’d struck a raw nerve with Martha. She roared, “You useless good-for-nothing! What, are you going to be like your brother, forgetting your mother and sister the moment you get a wife?” She gestured at me. “Are you uniting with an outsider to bully your own sister? Is that how a brother acts?” Alex stammered, “No, I’m not! I didn’t!” His voice was low, laced with a hint of compromise. My heart sank. Sure enough, he looked at me pleadingly. “Babe… maybe you should just…” “Alex, do you even hear yourself?” I asked coldly. “What did we promise each other back home?” United. Always supporting each other. That was Alex’s promise to me first. I’d felt so touched at the time. Everyone said in-law tension directly depended on the husband’s role. I’d believed that with Alex mediating and my sincere effort, we’d have a harmonious family life. I’d come here so confident. But reality? Seeing Alex’s spineless reaction, I realized his promise was absolute nonsense. As my face grew darker, Alex knew I was furious. But Martha continued to fan the flames. “Riley, how dare you speak to my son like that? So what if I ask you to make a few dishes for Chloe? Why are you being so dramatic? And giving your husband attitude? Alex said your parents were educated, but I don’t see much sign of good upbringing in you!” She leaned forward, her voice sharp. “Didn’t your parents teach you to be docile, sensible, and obedient when you married into a family?” Alex tried to intervene. “Mom, stop talking.” I stood up, my chest tight with rage. “How dare you talk about my parents like that!” 4 I glared at Martha, my hands clenched into fists. Martha, however, was emboldened. “What are you doing? Why are you standing up? Who are you trying to scare?” she sneered. “Let me tell you, this is my house, and everyone here is a Miller! If my daughter wants something, you’ll make it for her. That’s how we do things in this family. What about your parents? Did I say anything wrong?” I gasped for air, my chest heaving. Alex put a hand on my arm. “Riley, honey, just calm down. Don’t say anything else.” I suddenly laughed, a short, bitter sound. “Me calm down? Alex, are you deaf? For this long, who really needs to calm down? Can’t you tell?” “ENOUGH!” Alex suddenly roared, making me freeze. “That’s my mom! She raised me! So what if she says a few things?” He continued, his voice rising, “And besides, you’ve already made so many dishes. What’s the big deal about making sweet and sour ribs for my sister too? You’re a sister-in-law now, how can you be so petty? You weren’t like this before!” Alex’s stream of complaints left me stunned. I couldn’t comprehend how the loving, respectful husband I knew had suddenly changed. I violently shook off his hand, sending the dishes in front of me crashing to the floor, shattering into pieces. Robert, Alex’s father, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Alex, this is the wife you chose?” He pointed at me. “Such a small thing, and she’s causing such a fuss. How did you pick a woman like this? You know, back in my day,” he scoffed, gesturing at me, “someone like that wouldn’t even step foot in a Miller home!” He threw his wine glass onto the floor. Shards of glass flew up, one cutting my hand. Tears instantly welled in my eyes. I suddenly realized my mom was wrong. Some people just don’t deserve empathy. Alex saw my hand bleeding, and a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. But Martha’s voice cut through the air. “She’s throwing a fit about serving her in-laws and her sister-in-law? If word gets out, everyone will laugh at our family!” She shook her head in disgust. “Robert and I put all our effort into putting Alex through college, and he ends up marrying such an ill-mannered wife. It’s a disgrace, an utter embarrassment!” Alex’s parents continued their tirade, one after another. His face grew grim, and when he looked at me again, all warmth had vanished. He grabbed my wrist. “Riley, you’re causing a scene on Christmas. This is incredibly disrespectful.” His grip tightened. “Now, apologize to my parents and my sister!” I stared at Alex in disbelief. A cold dread deepened in my heart. He couldn’t see my injury, couldn’t see my tears of humiliation. He couldn’t see me, exhausted and half-dead, cooking for his whole family. He certainly couldn’t see them ganging up on me. In fact, he’d joined them. My voice trembled. “Say that again?” Alex gritted his teeth. “Apologize to my family!” Rage twisted into a bitter laugh. I yanked my hand free from Alex’s grasp. Then, with my other hand, I slapped him hard across the face! The sharp crack echoed through the silent room. “Apologize for what?!” After a moment of dead silence, a few claps broke the stillness. Olivia, who had been quietly observing, stood up and walked towards me. Her voice was laced with delight and excitement as she put an arm around my shoulder. “I thought you were a pushover, someone who’d just let herself be walked all over. Turns out, you’ve got some fire in you. I like it.” Her cold gaze swept over Alex’s family. She braced her hands on the edge of the dining table. “Riley, Martha was right about one thing: everyone here is a Miller. The outsiders? That’s just you and me. So now, let’s give the Millers a proper Christmas greeting!”

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“Can you, a transmigrator, just disappear already?!” Liam glared at me, his face filled with disgust, as he swatted the cake I had personally baked to the ground. The two small figures I had painstakingly drawn on it lay smashed and jumbled. I stared blankly at the ruined cake, my face, I realized, was wet with tears. “Don’t you dare cry in front of me. It’s truly annoying!” “You’ve taken over my beloved’s body, stolen everything that was hers. I wish I could kill you!” But I was innocent. Transmigration wasn’t something I could control. Why was I being blamed for everything? 1 “What do you think I should get Liam for his birthday?” I asked Jenny, hugging a pillow to my chest, my face flushed with shyness. “Oh, looking shy, are we? So, you’re going to confess to my brother on his birthday?” I buried my face deeper into the pillow and softly hummed a “yes.” Liam and I had grown up together, childhood friends. Our families were close, and everyone pretty much assumed we were a couple. It was no surprise that I had fallen for him. Jenny leaped up from her chair, excitedly exclaiming, “Riley, you’re finally going to be my sister-in-law! My best friend is my future sister-in-law. Is there anyone luckier than me in the world?!” I blushed, smiling shyly. “It’s not a done deal yet. Maybe Liam doesn’t even like me.” Jenny thumped her chest, assuring me, “Riley, don’t worry. My brother, that ice block, definitely likes you. I’ve never seen him be as gentle with anyone else as he is with you.” “What do you think about me baking a cake myself? Liam isn’t short on expensive gifts, nor on people to give them to him. So, I think the thought counts most. What do you say?” “Of course! I bet my brother wouldn’t even want to eat it then! Want me to come help you?” “No, I want to do it all by myself. That way, it’ll truly be from the heart.” For the next few days, every moment outside of classes was spent at baking lessons, learning how to make the perfect cake. From awkwardly shaped blobs at first to something reasonably presentable now, I finally finished the cake on the morning of Liam’s birthday. On top, I’d drawn two small figures, holding hands, with the words “Ten fingers interlocked, tightly embraced, accompanied for a lifetime” written below in English. Liam always preferred low-key celebrations, so for his birthday, he’d only invited a few close friends for a get-together. After carefully packaging the cake, I set it aside, constantly checking my phone for a message. I waited from morning until night, but no invitation from Liam arrived. I felt a strange sense of unease, refreshing my phone repeatedly. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I quickly opened it, only to see a message from Jenny. My eyes dropped, disappointment clearly visible. “Riley, my brother’s birthday party is almost over. Why haven’t you shown up?” “Liam didn’t invite me.” I stared at Jenny’s message, reading each word in disbelief. The hope I had clung to finally shattered completely. “Huh? How could that be? Did my brother forget to send it to you?” Forget? No way. He invited the same people every year. Unless it was intentional, he wouldn’t forget. But why would Liam do this? My heart felt like it was crawling with countless ants, sending sharp pains through me. Unbeknownst to me, my eyes had already welled up, blurring my vision. My fingers trembled as I typed, trying to find an excuse for Liam, but my tears wouldn’t listen, splattering onto the phone screen. “Can you send me the address? I’ll head over.” “Okay, in private room 4416.” Jenny then sent a location pin. I looked at the address, called my family’s driver, and turned off my phone. I quickly wiped the tears from my face, picked up the cake, and walked out the door. My phone, still in my jacket pocket, kept vibrating with notifications, likely Jenny trying to comfort me. But I didn’t want to look. My mind was a tangled mess, and all I wanted was to get to Liam and ask him what was going on. The evening weather had suddenly turned cold. I had rushed out, only grabbing a thin jacket, and shivered in the biting wind, pulling my collar tighter to ward off the chill. Thankfully, Uncle Bob arrived quickly. I swiftly got into the car, closed the door, and finally felt a bit of warmth. “Uncle Bob, to the Grand Hotel. Please, a little fast, thank you.” Uncle Bob glanced back at the cake on the seat beside me and casually asked, “Miss, going to Liam’s birthday?” I forced a smile. “Yes.” “No wonder you’re in such a rush. Don’t worry, Miss, I’ll get you there in time. That Liam, really, not even bothering to tell you in advance. Making you rush like this. He needs a good talking-to,” the driver chuckled. “Yeah.” 2 I stood nervously outside the private room, taking several deep breaths, trying to plaster a smile on my face. I knocked, then pushed the door open. Liam’s birthday party was clearly over. Liam wasn’t a fan of flashy decorations, so the room had no special setup, only a pile of gifts on the floor. I stepped inside and saw Liam sitting on the sofa, texting someone. A gentle smile played on his face, and his eyes shimmered with a soft glow. My heart sank, but I kept my expression neutral, maintaining my smile. “Liam, how come you didn’t invite me to your birthday? That’s so rude!” Liam looked up when he heard my voice. The gentleness vanished from his face, replaced by a slight frown. “Why are you here?” The coldness and distance in Liam’s tone were undisguised. I froze, my smile faltering, trying to suppress the ache in my chest. I walked up to Liam, offering him the cake. “I came to bring you a birthday cake. I made it myself…” Before I could finish, Liam abruptly stood up and knocked the cake to the floor. “Get away from me!” I stared blankly at the ruined cake on the ground, my face, I realized, was covered in tears. Why had it come to this? Everything had been fine just a month ago. All I’d been doing was learning how to bake a cake, and now, suddenly, everything had changed. “Crying? How dare you even cry?” I looked up at Liam in disbelief. The disgust in his eyes was like a sharp sword, piercing my heart. It hurt so much, so much… “Why?” Liam scoffed as if he’d heard a joke. “Fine, you want to know why? I’ll tell you.” His voice was low and menacing. “My kindness towards you for the past three years was all for this moment, to humiliate you right to your face.” His eyes narrowed. “Riley Jenkins, every time I called you ‘Riley’ I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted to kill you with my own hands!” He snarled. “You’ve taken over my beloved’s body, stolen everything that was hers. I’ll make you, a shameless transmigrator, pay the price!” Yes, I was a transmigrator. In my original world, I was an orphan, alone and friendless. After a car accident, I woke up in this world. The Riley Jenkins of this world was born into a family that adored her, surrounded by loving parents and friends. No one knew how terrified I was when I first woke up in that hospital, facing unfamiliar surroundings and people. But gradually, I began to acquire all of the original Riley’s memories, almost forgetting my past life. Over time, I truly started to believe I belonged to this world. So, I shamelessly usurped “Riley Jenkins’” life. I thought this secret would forever remain mine, but it turns out, it was a joke from the very beginning. I don’t remember how I got back. After Liam finished speaking, I just left, abandoning myself there. I only remember how cold the wind was that day, its chill seeping through my skin and into my heart. 3 “Riley, Riley! Can you hear me? You have a fever. We need to go to the hospital, okay?” So, that’s why I felt so awful. I had a fever. I struggled to open my eyes and saw Jenny’s worried face. I tried to force a smile, hoping to reassure her. “It’s nothing. I just need to lie down a bit longer.” “No, we have to go to the hospital. You’re burning up. It must be a high fever.” Jenny touched my forehead, her expression serious. Jenny asked our two other roommates to call in sick for us, then helped me out of bed and called an Uber. I wore a mask, leaning weakly against Jenny, my head throbbing. “Jenny, if I weren’t Riley, would you still be this good to me?” Jenny frowned, checked my forehead again, then hers for comparison. “You really are burning up. No wonder you’re talking nonsense.” At the hospital, my temperature was 103.1°F. I lay in the hospital bed, an IV drip in my arm. I watched Jenny bustling around the room for me, pouring hot water, buying me porridge. My eyes welled up. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Jenny, finishing her tasks, stretched and noticed my tears. She rushed to my side. “Are you feeling unwell somewhere else?” I bit my lip hard, trying to hold back the tears. But as I saw the worry in Jenny’s eyes, the tears still rolled down like broken pearls, my shoulders beginning to tremble, my body shaking uncontrollably. “Riley, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me.” Jenny hugged me, patting my back, repeatedly asking what was wrong. After finally calming down, I pulled away from Jenny, wiped my tears, and explained, “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just touched.” Jenny paused, surprised by my answer, then laughed. “Because when I was little, I got sick once. My family wasn’t home, and you found me and took me to the hospital.” Jenny’s words struck me like a lightning bolt, leaving me utterly shattered. Jenny saw my stunned expression and thought I had simply forgotten the incident. “Oh, it’s not a big deal, really. But from that day on, I decided we’d be best friends for life.” My mind was a tangled mess, I didn’t know how to speak. Jenny’s worried gaze felt like countless sharp swords, slowly tearing me apart. Just then, the door opened. I turned my head and saw Liam walk in. Panic flashed in my eyes as I lay helplessly in the hospital bed. Why was he here? Was he here to expose me? “Bro, you’re here.” “Yeah.” “Well… I’ll head out then. You two chat.” Jenny winked at me, then left the hospital, leaving Liam and me alone. I wasn’t so naive as to think Liam had come on his own. Jenny must have tricked him into coming. We stared at each other for a long time. I wanted to say so much, but in the end, I swallowed all the words. “I’m sorry…” I couldn’t stand the oppressive atmosphere in the room anymore and spoke first. A thousand words could only be condensed into those three. Liam’s eyes were beautiful. When he smiled, the corners tilted up, like charming, soulful eyes. But when he didn’t smile, his gaze became cold, sharp, calm, and indifferent. When he heard my apology, his suppressed anger seemed to ignite. “Riley Jenkins, does ‘sorry’ help? Can you get out of her body and give her back to me?” I didn’t know what to do. I could only cover my face and cry, begging him not to tell anyone. “I’m so sorry, so sorry. Please, don’t tell Jenny and my parents…” Liam scoffed as if he’d heard a joke. “The day you took over her body, you should have expected the day you’d be exposed.” His voice was chilling. “Not only will they know, but I’ll make sure everyone you know finds out what a selfish, disgusting person you are.” “Liam, I beg you, please don’t tell them? I promise I’ll stay far away from you.” I ripped out the IV needle in the back of my hand. My legs gave out as I tried to get out of bed, and I fell to the floor, having to brace myself with my arms. Liam walked over and knelt down, pinching my chin. He saw my tear-streaked face and smiled with satisfaction, then forcefully shoved my face away. The fingers that had touched my face vigorously rubbed on my clothes, as if I were something dirty. His grip was strong, and the skin where he had touched burned with pain. I gasped. Liam seemed very pleased with my pathetic state. “This is just the beginning. From now on, I’ll make you pay back double, make you regret ever coming to this world.”

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The night before I was set to leave the country, my childhood friend, whom I’d secretly loved for years, told me to abandon my dreams and stay by his side. He promised me a beautiful future if I stayed. But when I didn’t board the plane, he just smirked and winked at his friends. “See? She really wavered for me! Five hundred bucks each, pay up, a bet’s a bet!” After collecting the money, he warmly embraced my best friend, who had come to see me off. He then mocked me, “Sophia, don’t be naive. The one I truly care about is her, not you. You didn’t actually think I’d support you chasing that impossible dream, did you?” He dropped to one knee, publicly proposing to my best friend. Seeing my pale face, he grinned cheekily and added, “You can still make it to your flight if you leave now. But I’m afraid your parents might be disappointed in you too!” What he didn’t know was that this was just my final test of him. 1 As Ryan dropped to one knee, making a promise to my best friend, Chloe, I finally understood this was yet another cruel deception, a farce. I was the one who had received Ryan’s “confession” message. Chloe was the one who had secretly, persistently, urged me to pursue “true love.” Yet now, they stood there, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes amidst the gasps of the crowd. And I, with my luggage beside me, was left standing awkwardly, feeling like a complete joke. After Ryan dramatically kissed Chloe, he turned to his friends to collect money. He grinned, “See? Sophia really hesitated for me. Witnesses and evidence are all here. Five hundred bucks each, no backing out!” “Dude, look at you! You got the girl, of course, we gotta chip in for our bro!” “Congrats to you and your future sister-in-law, wish you two all the sweetness!” After their congratulations, his friends turned to me, scoffing. “Sophia, should I commend your bravery? Or call you incredibly naive? You’re about to leave the country, and you’re still harboring fantasies about Ryan?” “Seriously! Ryan’s not the type to support your unrealistic dreams! Wake up!” “We, your buddies, genuinely bet you wouldn’t stay. And look how foolish you are, falling for it even when you’re about to go abroad. You’re hopeless!” I stood there, gripping my boarding pass so tightly it was almost crumpled. Ryan, after pocketing the cash, walked towards me, leaning in to observe my expression. He feigned concern. “So, Sophia, are you about to cry?” Then he spun around, chastising the group who had just insulted me. “Are you all heartless? You’re about to make our international student cry. Today’s her day to start a new life; how can you say such things?” I abruptly lifted my head, still hoping this was just a nightmare. But the next second, Ryan shoved a piece of paper into my hand. He smirked. “Sophia, today’s my big day. Everyone else has given me gifts, but you haven’t.” He chuckled. “But it’s okay, we’re old friends, right? You don’t have to give me money, just write a few words.” Ryan’s eyes crinkled with mirth. “Just write, ‘Wish you and Chloe happiness!’” My breath hitched. I couldn’t believe those words had come from his mouth. The people around clapped and cheered, praising his generosity. Chloe’s face was bright red with feigned embarrassment. “Who said I’d be with you? You’re so annoying!” Ryan blew her a kiss, then turned back to me, commanding, “Write it! You used to love writing, didn’t you? Write!” “Seriously, Sophia! Back in school, didn’t you always secretly write little notes to Ryan? Too shy now that there are people around?” Ryan nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, that’s right. You even practiced your handwriting every day to get my attention. Come on, quick, write that blessing for my dearest girlfriend. Consider it your wedding gift to us.” “Sophia, write!” Ryan started clapping, urging me on. His friends immediately joined in, clapping and shouting, “Write it! Write it!” An overwhelming wave of rage and humiliation washed over me. My hands trembled violently, almost dropping the paper. In school, when Ryan lost a competition, I would write him encouraging notes every day, secretly tucking them into his desk. I even diligently practiced calligraphy at home because I worried my handwriting wasn’t pretty enough. But now, these memories I cherished so deeply had become tools for him to amuse his girlfriend. I choked back a sob and shoved the paper back into Ryan’s hand. “I won’t write it.” My voice was flat. “And I don’t wish either of you happiness.” The moment I finished speaking, someone called out. “Sophia, you haven’t given up on Ryan yet, have you?” “Ryan, you better be careful! These clingy, persistent women are the worst! She’s about to go abroad and she’s still throwing herself at you. She’d probably even be your fallback!” “My fallback?” Ryan scoffed, rolling his eyes at me. “As if you’re worthy.” Their words, one after another, were like sharp blades tearing my heart apart. In the past, I would have broken down, sobbing and asking Ryan why he was doing this to me. But today, I fiercely held back the tears in my eyes. “Ryan, I’m the one going to pursue my dreams. You should bless me first. You don’t have to speak, a note will do.” Ryan and Chloe exchanged glances, then both burst into laughter. “Sophia, you wavered for me. Do you think your parents will still support you going abroad?” “Yeah, Sophia, I heard you prepared for this trip for a long time and gave up a lot. Now that you’ve caused such a big scene, your dream of going abroad must be shattered.” I forced a tight smile. “That’s none of your concern. My plans to go abroad will proceed as scheduled.” 2 I had actually sensed that Ryan was planning to trick me into giving up my dreams. This morning, he had called me. His voice was slurred, even tinged with a sob. He said, “Sophia, please don’t go abroad, okay? Don’t leave me, I can’t bear it. You know I can’t live without you.” He pleaded, “If you still care about me, don’t get on the plane. Wait for me at the airport.” He promised, “As long as you stay, I’ll be with you without hesitation! From now on, our world will only be us!” He hung up immediately. On my end of the phone, my heart was pounding. Ryan and I had been childhood friends for over a decade. I had poured out my dreams to him countless times, but he had never supported me, calling my dreams unrealistic. Was he only acting this way now because I was truly about to go abroad to pursue them? At the same time, my best friend Chloe also sent me a message. She told me, “Sophia, I know you’ve always wanted to be with Ryan.” She continued, “As long as you make up your mind, no one in this world can stop you two from being together!” Just as I was genuinely swayed, I received a voice message. In it, Ryan was chatting with his friends. Someone asked him, “Ryan, Sophia’s leaving the country today. You’re not preparing a farewell gift for her, are you?” Ryan scoffed. “Is she worth it? I’m preparing a surprise for Chloe. I’m going to propose to her and ask her to be my girlfriend!” “But Sophia is leaving today. Isn’t Chloe seeing her off at the airport?” A sly smile suddenly appeared on Ryan’s face. “Sophia’s leaving today, right? Well, I bet you guys, all I need to do is make one phone call to her, and she’ll give up going abroad.” He challenged, “Want to see a foolish girl abandon her dreams for a man?” Everyone immediately cheered, “Yeah!” Someone else added, “Hey, Ryan, those flowers you got for Chloe are really beautiful. Such a big bouquet, must have cost a fortune, huh?” Another person quickly answered, “Beautiful? They’re tulips flown in from Holland! And this coffee shop, it’s always packed. Ryan spent a fortune and pulled strings just to get the best for Chloe!” Ryan smiled faintly. “Of course. Only the best for Chloe.” I remembered Ryan had prepared a gift for me, which I hadn’t opened yet. When I opened the gift box, I found an old photo album inside. On the card, he had written, “Sophia, these are all our memories!” But when I flipped through the album, it was filled with the little notes I had once written to him. They read, “Ryan, you got this! You can do it!” and “Believe in yourself, you’re the best!” In high school, when he participated in various competitions, I used these notes to cheer him on. And he just picked out a few of them to give me as a farewell gift, while spending a fortune to fly in fresh tulips from Holland for Chloe. The voice message ended abruptly, and my heart shattered into countless pieces. The initial excitement and anticipation turned into utter despair. I repeated Ryan’s name over and over, from heartbreak to pure resentment. He knew my dreams, he knew how much I had sacrificed to go abroad, yet he still treated me like this. The memory of my childhood friend, who always stood by me, listened to my dreams, and promised to always support me, seemed to have died. Ryan, I will never like you again. 3 “Ryan, you said I didn’t give you a blessing? Here, take this.” I pulled a notebook from my bag and handed it directly to Ryan. He looked at the notebook thoughtfully. Years ago, when he lost a competition and was dejected, I gave him this notebook, filled with my encouragement and support. I had hoped then that he would pick himself up and work towards his dreams with me. But today, it was the day he pledged himself to another woman. Chloe stepped forward and took the notebook. “Thank you, Sophia. Ryan and I will be very happy.” Chloe then casually eyed me up and down, reaching out to touch my suitcase. “Sophia, your suitcase looks pretty expensive. Since you won’t be able to leave the country anyway, why don’t you just give it to me?” I was astonished by her greed and instinctively stepped back. “Chloe, you’re still carrying the bag I gave you. How can you have the nerve to ask for my suitcase?” Chloe looked at the bag on her shoulder, frowning. “You said you gave it to me. But today, I’m supposed to be the star. Besides, I already know you and your parents are at odds over you going abroad. And now you’ve backed out. Your dream of going abroad is definitely shattered.” She scoffed. “Since that’s the case, why can’t you give me the suitcase?” I retorted loudly, “Who says I can’t leave the country? I just came here temporarily. After I leave, my plans to go abroad will proceed as scheduled.” I pointed towards the airport terminal. “In a little while, I’ll be boarding there.” Chloe snorted a laugh. “Right, right. Your parents love you to death, and they can even tolerate their daughter abandoning her dreams for another man and making such a huge fool of herself.” She looked at me with immense pity. “Sophia, I know you’re hurting, but isn’t this what you chose? Stop deluding yourself and saying such ridiculous things.” She continued, her voice dripping with disdain, “Do you know how much you need to prepare to go abroad? Just the application materials alone are a huge pile! No, it’s not just about materials, you need talent too.” She boasted, “Ryan, for my sake, helped me arrange all sorts of training well in advance, which is how I got the chance to go to a better place. You’re still bragging about going abroad? Be careful you don’t bite off more than you can chew!” When she finished, her cronies behind her burst into laughter. “I think Sophia’s delusional. She’s daring to boast like that.” “Tsk, tsk, such a pathetic deluded woman. I almost feel sorry for her.” Seeing my reluctance to hand over the suitcase, Chloe turned to Ryan. “Ryan, do you think this suitcase should stay with her, or should it come to me?” Ryan didn’t even look at me. He raised an eyebrow, asserting confidently, “Does that even need asking? Of course, it’s for you, babe.” After he made his choice, Chloe immediately reached for my suitcase. She chuckled, “I know your suitcase is quite expensive, a designer brand your parents bought for you. Sophia, we’re such good friends, just let me use it, okay?” It was because we were good friends that I had allowed her to be my best friend. But I never imagined she had already been scheming with Ryan. I shouted, “Don’t touch my suitcase! I still have to go into the departure lounge to board my flight!” Chloe sneered. “Stop pretending! Board what flight? Give me the suitcase!” Seeing my fierce resistance, she turned to the people behind her. “What are you staring at? Come help me!” Those people ignored her, all looking at Ryan, waiting for his command. I, too, stared intently at him. For nothing else, but for the sake of our years of friendship, he shouldn’t treat me like this. But Ryan just gave me a dismissive glance and said indifferently, “Didn’t you hear your sister-in-law speak? Go, grab Sophia’s suitcase and let my girlfriend try it out.” In an instant, several hands reached for me, grabbing my suitcase, tugging at my backpack. I screamed, I yelled, and finally, in despair, I closed my eyes. This was the man I had loved for fifteen years. My childhood friend who always put me last. Just then, someone roared, “Stop! What are you doing?!” I was startled. That voice… it sounded so much like my estranged cousin.

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It was the third year since I broke up with Ryan, and I returned to the States brimming with a fierce determination for revenge. But to my surprise, Ryan had completely vanished from the city of Fairview. I thought I would never see him again, until, while visiting my uncle at the mental health hospital, I heard a nurse call out: “Ryan Shaw, come take your medicine.” My steps faltered. As if drawn by an invisible thread, I turned back and saw Ryan sitting on a hospital bed, his face stretched into a goofy, childlike smile. I felt as if I’d been struck by lightning. I never thought I would reunite with him in a place like this. 1 For the three years I was exiled, I dared not slack off or stop for a single moment—all to return with enough power to crush the Shaws and send Ryan to hell. When I finally returned to Fairview, Ryan had vanished like smoke. I scoured every alley, every shadow, but the city swallowed him whole. Just as despair clawed at me, a nurse’s voice pierced through the sterile hospital air — “Ryan Shaw.” My steps halted. “Ryan Shaw, come take your medicine.” My heartstrings tightened. I instinctively turned, stepping back a few paces, and there he was: sitting on a hospital bed, my ex, Ryan, the man I wished I could slice into a thousand pieces! He was smiling foolishly, innocently. “…” In that moment, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. Before I could even react, I saw Ryan pull a ring from his pocket and place it in front of the nurse, his face beaming with pride. “It’s for Riley.” I recognized that ring. Years ago, Ryan, the heir apparent to the Shaw family, fell in love with a humble, ordinary girl. His mother spoke to the girl, telling her to be sensible and leave her son. The girl, her pride as high as the sky, began to waver. Ryan suddenly arrived, took her hand, and declared firmly, “I won’t leave Riley.” Ryan tossed his wallet and phone onto the table, his stance clear. “I’m willing to give up my inheritance of the Shaw family. Please, Mother, don’t make things difficult for the one I love.” Later. The Shaw family’s golden boy gave up everything for love, moving with the girl into a damp, dark fifteen-square-meter basement apartment. It was perpetually damp and dim, but those were the happiest times for the girl. She tried to grow like a wild weed, even in such adversity, hoping to build a good life with the man she loved. Even if it wasn’t lavish, at least they would escape that perpetually sunless basement. And Ryan. He showed no trace of the spoiled arrogance of a rich young master. For the one he loved, even when facing setbacks at work, he was willing to carry bricks at construction sites, to wash dishes in restaurants. He worked twelve hours a day, saving his first bit of money. With it, he bought this ring. He held the ring, his eyes reddening, like a puppy waiting to be taken home by its owner, and asked the girl: “Riley, will you be with me, a man with no special talents, but willing to work hard?” The girl stood by the bed in the basement, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes red-rimmed, she nodded frantically, “Yes, I will.” She told Ryan with all her might, “Yes, I will. Yes, I will!” That day was the happiest day in her bleak life, and the most complete day she had ever felt as an orphan. She gave her all, completely merging with the man she loved. She finally felt whole. She woke up in the arms of the man she loved, and just looking at that ring made her feel so happy. But happiness was too short. Now. Three years later. Reunited. Everything had changed. I stood outside the hospital room, watching Ryan lovingly cradle the ring as if it were a precious treasure. Under the nurse’s coaxing, he earnestly asked her, ” If I take these pills… will Riley come back to me?” His voice trembled, fragile as the hope he clung to. But I wouldn’t fall for it again. Watching Ryan’s extraordinary acting, it was hard not to believe he was setting another trap for me. I smiled and walked into the hospital room, raising my hand to take the ring from Ryan’s grasp, sliding it onto my ring finger, and raising an eyebrow at him. “Ryan, what are you playing at?” 2 Three years ago. Ryan personally forced me to leave the country, looking down at me with an arrogant demeanor, uttering the words: “Skylar Olsen, playing seriously with me? You’re not worthy.” He smiled cruelly. “Someone like you, from the slums, only wants to use my status to cross social classes.” He sneered. “Now, I’m tired of playing. You don’t need to be in the country, bothering my eyes.” Back then. I simply couldn’t believe that was Ryan. I cried, begging him not to drive me away. I even shamelessly pressed him, “Is someone forcing you?” I thought of the Shaw family and, with red eyes, demanded, “Is it your mother? Is she forcing you to say these things?” I frantically grabbed Ryan’s hand, placing it on my lower abdomen, crying as I told him, “Ryan, we’re having a baby. We’re having a baby, Ryan.” I thought Ryan would love that child. That’s why his expression softened, why his eyes involuntarily grew tender, why his body stiffened as he instinctively looked at my still-flat belly. But the next second, my dream completely shattered. Ryan, utterly disregarding our past affection, spoke in a cold, indifferent voice from above my head. It was he who said: “Bearing a Shaw child? You’re not worthy.” Ryan violently shoved me away. I fell to the ground, staring at him in disbelief, as he ordered the bodyguards beside him, “Don’t let her leave with the child. It will become a liability.” I cried out Ryan’s name, desperately crawling towards him. But he didn’t look back, letting the bodyguards drag me to the hospital. Despite my fierce struggles, I was no match for the burly guards, who pinned me to the hospital bed and administered anesthesia. Before losing consciousness completely, I thought I saw Ryan glance at me in a panic. But I wouldn’t believe it again. Liar. As my eyes closed, I thought, Ryan, we are over. When we meet again, it will be either your death or mine. So, I looked at the perfectly fitting ring on my ring finger, then back at Ryan on the hospital bed. “You heard I was back in the country, so you hid in a mental hospital?” I raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Mr. Shaw, you really are—” I eyed him from head to toe. “—flexible, aren’t you?” I scoffed. “What a shame.” My gaze hardened. “Even if you hide here,” I pressed my fingers into Ryan’s neck, “what you owe me, you still have to pay.” Ryan’s bewildered eyes were filled with my domineering reflection. I saw my own reflection, and the next second, as Ryan’s eyes narrowed slightly, it fragmented into confusion. My hand was suddenly seized by Ryan. He gripped my wrist tightly, then called my name in a soft voice. “Riley.” His voice was gentle, no different from the boy who had lived in the basement and swore to love me forever. “Are you here to take me home?” Ryan smiled, his eyes crinkling. “I’ve waited for you for so long. Have you finally come to take me?” I looked at Ryan, so innocent and bewildered, and my impulse to strangle him sharply diminished. I instinctively took a step back. I saw the nurse step in front of him, treating me like a dangerous beast. “Miss, Mr. Shaw is currently not of sound mind. Please do not take advantage of his condition.” The moment the nurse finished speaking. Ryan peeked his head out from behind her. “Riley, she’s Riley.” Ryan seemed very happy. He pushed the nurse aside and explained for me, “She’s the best Riley in the whole world.” 3 I was startled by Ryan’s sudden change in behavior, still unwilling to believe that the Shaw family’s young master, who had once manipulated me so easily, had become like this. I suddenly felt an urge to flee. I didn’t want to stay here for a second longer. I pushed Ryan away with force. Seeing his face twisted in hurt, I pulled the ring from my finger and threw it at his face. “You’re not worthy!” Each word was enunciated clearly. “To receive my true heart! You’re not worthy!” I watched Ryan, like a wounded puppy, looking at me with pitiful eyes. I turned and walked away without a second glance. Before I reached the door, Ryan caught up to me. He grabbed my wrist, looking bewildered and wronged. “Riley, don’t be upset. It’s my fault.” His deliberately softened posture created an illusion of time warping, the young man before me overlapping with the boy from years ago. I remembered the first time I discovered Ryan working at a construction site, moving bricks. He had been maliciously targeted, fell from the second floor, and cut his head, but he tried to hide it from me, saying he accidentally bumped it. When I found out, I was furious. He also pulled at me, looking wronged, and said, “Riley, don’t be angry. I was wrong, it’s my fault.” Back then, I looked at Ryan and felt a pain in my heart so intense I could barely breathe. Ryan was the golden boy, born with a silver spoon. He could have lived a life of luxury, yet I, living in the mud, had dragged him down from the clouds. I cried uncontrollably, not just out of heartache, but a heavy sense of guilt. I cried and asked Ryan if I should let him go, let him return to his original life path. I cried, saying I had dragged him down, but even if I had dragged him down, I still loved him so much. I still couldn’t let him go. I cried hysterically in Ryan’s arms. In the end, it was Ryan who consoled me, saying, “Wherever Riley is, that’s my home.” He gently kissed away my tears, his eyes filled with deep affection. “Wherever Riley is, I’ll be there. So, stop talking nonsense. Don’t make me a wanderer. Only with you can Ryan truly be Ryan.” Such a good Ryan, such a heartbreaking Ryan, such a beloved Ryan – it was all a lie. How much of this Ryan was real? I pushed Ryan away with force, stepping back a few paces, warning him, “Don’t come near me!” I kept my voice flat, suppressing the tumultuous emotions in my heart. “Ryan, I don’t care if you’re faking mental illness or playing dumb. It won’t work on me.” My gaze turned cold, just as cruel as he had been to me three years ago. “I’m telling you, I came back for only one purpose: to make your Shaw family pay for my unborn child!” I turned to leave. I bumped into Ryan’s mother, Eleanor Shaw, who had just arrived at the hospital to visit him. Enemies meeting, eyes blazing with hatred. I simply looked at the elegant, aristocratic woman, the hatred I had hidden for three years now etched on my face. However. Eleanor didn’t have her usual haughty demeanor towards me. Instead, she clutched at me as if I were a lifeline. “Skylar Olsen! You’ve finally returned!” She pleaded, “Please, save Ryan!”

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1 After ten years of grinding at the company, my boss, convinced my pregnancy was to blame for a drop in performance, tried to force me out. I filed a labor arbitration claim against him and cut off all my business partnerships. Eventually, the company went bankrupt, and the boss faced court enforcement. Desperate and cornered, he blamed everything on me. On the day I was supposed to give birth, he intentionally ran me over with his car in a fit of rage, killing me. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day my boss first started making my life hell. Suddenly, a few lines of comments popped up above my head: [The protagonist’s reborn! Go get ’em! Ruthlessly crush everyone, equally!] [Love watching the protagonist go insane, if it’s not messy, I’m not watching!] … I looked at the floating comments above my head, bewildered. The slight bump of my belly and my hurrying colleagues jolted me awake. I had been reborn! I gasped, taking deep, excited breaths, my eyes welling up. It’s real! It’s real! My baby’s still here. Amber frowned, her face etched with disdain. She rapped a file box sharply on my desk. “Manager Lee, are you dense?” she snapped. “I told you pregnant women aren’t suited for work. Look at you—I’m just trying to brief you on a project, and you start crying! Honestly, first thing in the morning, how unlucky!” Seeing me ignore her, Amber tossed a final remark over her shoulder as she sashayed away. “You can explain to the boss why your sales are down now that you’re pregnant.” I looked down at the date on my phone. On this very day in my previous life, the boss had sent his conniving assistant, Amber, to subtly torment me. At noon, he called me in, using my declining sales performance as an excuse to force me into early maternity leave, even though I was only five months pregnant. In the afternoon, he had me move out of my manager’s office and removed me from the company’s organizational chart. That evening, I received my termination notice. I had worked at this company for ten years; no one had more seniority than me, except the boss himself. The company had grown from a cramped storage room of less than 100 square feet to its current 20,000 square feet. Over those ten years of growth, I had contributed 70% of the company’s revenue. Yet, simply because I was pregnant with my second child at an older age, and my performance wasn’t what it used to be, I was forcibly laid off. My decade of dedication had been utterly wasted on a scumbag. In my previous life, after being laid off, I collected evidence and filed a labor arbitration lawsuit demanding legal compensation. I also severed ties between my loyal clients and the company’s business. Without my clientele, the company’s revenue plummeted, leading to its eventual collapse and bankruptcy. All of Leo’s assets were seized by the court to repay bank loans. Cornered and desperate, Leo blamed everything on me. On the day I was supposed to give birth, he ran me over with his car right outside the hospital in a fit of rage, killing me. Even after hitting me, he wasn’t satisfied, repeatedly running over my body with his car. Now, with a second chance at life, I absolutely would not let that tragedy repeat itself. At noon, in the conference room, lines of comments appeared before my eyes again. 2 [Don’t agree, protag, absolutely do NOT agree to maternity leave!] [This jerk is discarding you after using you, he deserves to rot in hell.] [Just send the boss to jail, then become the boss yourself.] I paused for a second. This time, I certainly wouldn’t agree to maternity leave. Sending the boss to jail seemed like a pretty good option. I declined the iced coffee Leo offered, making no comment on his forced maternity leave demand. “Thank you, Mr. King. The doctor advised me not to drink coffee.” Leo gave an awkward smile, while Amber stood by, seething. “Manager Lee, this coffee was specially handmade for you by Mr. King. Don’t be so ungrateful.” Leo lowered his gaze, smirking, tacitly approving Amber’s behavior. Just then, the comments popped up again. [Go get her, quickly, that scheming bitch! Roast them!] [Isn’t that bitch trying to usurp the original wife?] [Let that witch know the scumbag boss’s wife is pregnant. That’ll infuriate her.] I leaned back in my chair, half-joking, “Assistant Amber is still young. In a couple of days, when you get pregnant, the doctor will tell you if you can drink iced coffee.” Others might not know about the boss and his assistant’s frequent office rendezvous, but I certainly did. It wouldn’t be surprising if she ended up pregnant one day. It was just a pity for his long-suffering wife at home, toiling to give him a third child, a son to ‘honor the ancestors.’ Amber’s face turned green with rage. “Leo, fire her! Fire her now!” I stared coldly at Leo, speaking unhurriedly, “Mr. King, your wife must be seven months pregnant by now, right? You’ll be a dad of three soon. You must know what a pregnant woman can and cannot eat.” I paused, “Right, Mr. King?” Leo nodded, his face flushed with embarrassment. I turned to Amber, smirking. Amber’s eyes turned red with fury; she looked like she wanted to kill me. I let out a soft laugh, then pressed Leo further, raising my voice to ensure all my colleagues in the outer office could hear. “Mr. King, I’m an old-timer here, a loyal employee to the bone. No one knows my contributions over the years better than you.” My voice sharpened. “I know you’re considering my pregnancy and hard work, but are you really going to fire me just because I won’t drink iced coffee? Using someone and then discarding them isn’t your style, is it?” Playing the moral card, holding someone to account—who couldn’t do that? Outside, everyone was watching the drama unfold. Leo, losing face, could only bite his lip and scold Amber. This time, I wasn’t forced out of the manager’s office, though my approval authority was suspended. Leo also didn’t bring up maternity leave again. I was happy to enjoy my newfound leisure, opening the blinds daily to bask in the sun and sipping plain water. I followed the guidance of the comments, avoiding conflict and deliberately slacking off. I’m a person who finishes what I start, with efficiency. Even if I wasn’t pursuing new business, I still wanted to complete any unfinished tasks for my clients to give them a satisfactory conclusion. My position in the company was now awkward. Many colleagues, accustomed to sucking up, treated people differently based on their status. The water cooler in the office ran empty. I called the facilities team twice, but they ignored me. Left with no choice, I took my cup to the pantry for water, only to run into Amber. “Well, well, well, the old-timer pregnant employee is different, alright. She’s even coming to the pantry to sponge off company resources now.” I had to admit, she was good at provoking me, trying to get a rise out of me. I clenched my cup tightly, glaring at her, truly wanting to smash my thermos into her face. But I knew this little schemer was deliberately trying to anger me. I took a deep breath, calming myself. I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t time to go all out yet. Just endure a little longer. A colleague nearby, Sarah, couldn’t stand it and spoke up for me. “Assistant Amber, it’s normal for Manager Lee to come out for water if her office dispenser is empty.” Amber looked haughty. “Who are you? Don’t you want to work here anymore? She does nothing all day and expects others to change her water. Is she some kind of queen because she’s pregnant? Should everyone bow down to her?” The entire office fell silent. Everyone tried to make themselves scarce. The pantry faced Leo’s office, and a furious Leo, with visible scratch marks on his face, was now standing behind the blinds, watching us. Amber, a fresh graduate, daring to strut around the company like she owned it, was clearly a result of Leo’s implicit approval. Sarah’s face was grim. I narrowed my eyes, making a quiet decision. Half an hour later, Leo came out to make an example of me, clearly siding with Amber. 3 Leo wanted to fire Sarah, the colleague who had just spoken up for me, and demanded that I sign her termination papers. I refused. Amber, having been rebuffed, then had Leo personally accompany her to my office to question why I wouldn’t sign. “Sarah didn’t do anything wrong, and she didn’t resign voluntarily. Why should I sign it?” I challenged. “She’s still under contract. Just because she stood up for me this morning and argued with Assistant Amber, she’s going to be fired in retaliation?” Leo was speechless, his face flushed with anger. The two of them playing this card at such a crucial moment was truly malicious. Sarah had just helped me out this morning, and this afternoon I’m supposed to sign her termination? What would other employees think of me, Skylar? That I’m just like Leo, discarding people after using them? Ridiculous! Amber linked her arm through Leo’s, ostensibly scolding me, but actually fanning Leo’s anger. “Skylar, are you the boss, or is Mr. King the boss? You’re just a lowly employee. Since when does the company’s decisions fall to you?” She smirked. “Are you getting too big for your britches just because your past performance was good?” I noticed the comments section really hated Amber. Whenever she confronted me head-on, new comments would pop up, this time directly citing legal statutes. [Unjust dismissal of an employee during contract period: N+1 compensation. Employees cannot be terminated during pregnancy.] I chuckled, waving my hand at them. “Fine, do what you want. I just want to remind Mr. King: Sarah has been with the company for five years. If you fire her without cause, it’s N+1 compensation. Her base salary is $10,000. You guys can pay up!” I continued, “And I’ve been with the company for twelve years, with a base salary of $15,000. If Assistant Amber doesn’t like me, Mr. King, you can also fire me. Just pay the N+1 compensation.” I leaned in conspiratorially. “But you can’t fire an employee during pregnancy, otherwise it’s against the law, you know!” Amber’s face was livid. She brazenly declared, “Pay then, just pay! Take the money and get out! Pregnant women get double to get out!” Leo immediately slapped Amber across the face, then forced a smile. “What are you talking about? How could I fire you? Sarah’s situation, I simply misspoke.” Amber tried to say something else but clamped her mouth shut after a sharp glare from Leo. I provocatively raised an eyebrow at Amber, feeling like her lungs were about to explode. Leo currently didn’t dare to forcibly terminate me. He would only occasionally send Amber, his tool, to annoy me. And I, too, began to prepare my plan. Many employees at the company had elderly parents and young children, and Sarah’s incident today served as a warning. The external economic environment was tough, and everyone wanted to secure their jobs, unwilling to directly oppose the boss. It had to be said, Leo’s goal was achieved: all my colleagues at the company began to deliberately isolate me. In the department meeting, Leo pointed out that the sales sector I was responsible for had suffered losses and asked everyone for explanations. At first, everyone hung their heads in silence. Leo then directly called on Sarah. Sarah’s face changed dramatically, filled with apprehension for a few seconds, then she bit the bullet. “Manager Lee didn’t consider the company’s actual situation; she didn’t push down costs enough.” After Sarah sat down, various departments involved in different aspects of the process stood up one by one to speak. They all pointed to my personal issues as the cause of the losses. I snorted, watching their performance quietly. Finally, Leo even feigned asking me “why?” 4 Just then, comments popped up again. [It’s a trap! Just make them understand how hard your pregnancy is.] [Exactly, this jerk is just trying to pressure you. Play along.] I leaned lazily in my chair, answering nonchalantly. “I’m getting older, plus I’m pregnant. My body just can’t keep up. Hope everyone understands.” Leo was momentarily speechless. Other colleagues looked down, lost in thought. Just then, Amber, the boss’s mouthpiece, spoke up again. “Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse. If you can’t do the job, just get out and let someone capable take over as manager.” She then added, “Considering Manager Lee’s pregnancy, how about we cut her salary and reassign her role? All those who agree, please raise your hand.” I looked around. Besides Leo and me, everyone raised their hand. Another batch of comments appeared. [OMG, all that just to cut her salary and demote her.] [So disgusting. If the protagonist didn’t have a plan, I’d want her to smack that witch to death.] [Hurry up and get your revenge! I want to see that scumbag and witch bite the dust!] Amber’s face was filled with triumph. She deliberately tried to embarrass me. “It’s a unanimous vote, Skylar. What’s your take?” Comments: [Agree first, then screw them over.] I smiled faintly, forcing a grin. “No problem. I’ll follow the company’s arrangements.” Demotion and salary cut, then forcing me to resign? Excellent! Absolutely excellent! Afterward, many colleagues privately contacted me, apologizing for what happened today. I told them I understood. Some even urged me not to put up with the disdain and simply resign and go home to rest. My husband, seeing me on the phone all evening, asked worriedly if I needed help. I shook my head, refusing. It wasn’t time yet. After my demotion, I immediately posted on social media: “I’ve been reassigned and am no longer responsible for sales. If you need anything, please contact my other colleagues.” For the next two weeks, I lived like a pampered slug, focusing on my health. Because of my non-intervention, the company’s revenue dropped by half! Our company was sales-driven, and everyone, from front-line to support staff, had a salary structure of base pay plus performance bonuses. The more you did, the more you earned. With the sudden drop in revenue and poor performance, employees began to complain. Funds weren’t coming in, forcing them to take out loans to do business. The first to lose patience was Leo. “The company understands you’re pregnant, but why aren’t you handling any business? You need to write a 3,000-word self-reflection and present it at the department meeting.” He lectured, “Don’t slack off just because you’re pregnant. Powerful women in the workplace work until they give birth and then rest. You’re a modern woman; you can’t be lazy.” He added, “As sales manager, you need to set an example for your team.” Just then, the comments popped up angrily. [OMG, since when do modern women have to work until they give birth?] [I really want to slap him twice. He’s an animal with no upbringing.] [Don’t be scared, don’t be scared. The protagonist will take care of him. Let’s wait and see.] I was actually quite angry, but the comments made me laugh. I rolled my eyes, utterly speechless, and kindly reminded him. “Mr. King, you’re a busy man, so you forget things. I’m just an admin now, so I don’t have any performance targets.” I added with a saccharine smile, “And I’m not a ‘powerful woman.’ I need to go home early to prepare for childbirth.” Leo’s face flushed with embarrassment. He strategically took a sip of water. Just then, his phone rang. After he answered, his expression instantly changed. His previous worried frown transformed into a triumphant grin. “It’s good that you have that kind of awareness. The company can still run without you.” He scoffed, “Don’t be so arrogant. If you’re old, go home and rest. Women should prioritize their families.” Watching Leo’s smug retreating figure, I smiled. Excellent. The fish had taken the bait.

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I’m a wellness specialist. Lately, a wealthy socialite has been coming to The Sanctuary Spa every day, always requesting me. My services, originally just foot massages, gradually expanded to full-body treatments. She’d lean into me, pliant and soft. “Alex, it’s only when I’m with you that I feel truly alive.” I’d smile and hold her close. “Me too.” But my eyes would drift to a hidden, subtly blinking red light directly across from the massage bed… 1 “Alex Hayes, client’s asking for you.” My colleague, Mikey, let out a low whistle, telling me I’d really hit the jackpot. Just a few months into this part-time gig and I’d landed a sugar mama. Young, beautiful, and most importantly, loaded. She’d topped up her spa card with a hundred grand without batting an eye. “This is, like, the eighth time she’s specifically asked for you, isn’t it? She’s clearly smitten. Just seal the deal, and your tuition… oh, wait, your whole damn future will be set, won’t it?” I nudged him away. “Cut it out, man. I’m not interested. Besides, she’s married. I’m not about to be a home-wrecker.” Room 108 was pretty much my permanent station. I tidied myself in the mirror, making sure my uniform smelled of the spa’s signature aromatherapy blend – a scent the woman seemed particularly fond of. Once everything was perfect, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. It was pitch black, no lights on. But I could faintly smell a fragrance that wasn’t mine. I knew exactly what that meant. I spoke softly. “Ms. Thorne, are you here?” In the darkness, my senses were heightened. A soft, warm breath ghosted against my neck. “Alex, I told you last time, don’t call me that.” Cassidy Thorne’s voice slithered around me like silk, making it impossible to resist. I pressed down on her unruly hand, swallowing hard. “Cassidy, Cassie, do you… do you still need my services today?” Cassidy suddenly pulled back half a step, and the room lights snapped on with a jarring flash, momentarily blinding me. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust, revealing that Cassidy was prepared today. Her makeup was striking, and a silk dress clung to her body, showcasing every curve. She looked annoyed. “Was I not clear enough last time?” Last time, just yesterday, while I was giving her a foot massage, Cassidy had dropped a heavy hint. She wanted me to quit this job, said she’d take care of me. As long as I was good and stayed by her side, she’d give me a house, a car, money—anything. Cassidy picked up her fallen shawl and wrapped it around herself, a hint of impatience in her movements. “Alex Hayes, you need to think this through. My patience has limits.” I looked up at her. “This is a reputable establishment, we don’t offer… other services.” Cassidy scoffed. “Then call your boss out. I want to cancel my card.” 2 The door swung open abruptly. Right, this was a legitimate place; we never fully closed the door when serving clients. My boss rushed in, frantically giving me the eye, then turning to Cassidy with a plastered-on smile. “Ms. Thorne, this kid’s still green. Please wait a moment, I’ll straighten him out.” My boss dragged me aside and immediately launched into a tirade. He said if I didn’t land Cassidy, I wouldn’t see a dime of my monthly salary. “I know you’re a college kid, proud and a bit shy, but with something like this, you’re not losing out, you know? Cassidy’s gorgeous. You get paid, and… well, it’s a win-win, isn’t it?” I still hesitated. “But she’s married…” “So what? Cassidy is a Thorne, the sole heir to one of the state’s most influential billionaire fortunes. Her husband, Bryce, is a lightweight, a kept man living off her family’s name. He wouldn’t dare do anything even if she had an affair.” My boss coerced, tempted, and wore me down, effectively tying me to Cassidy. “Alright, Alex will be with you today.” For a hundred grand, my boss practically sold me off, completely forgetting he ran a reputable, non-sexual wellness center, as he practically pushed us into the room. Cassidy glanced at me. “So unwilling? Fine, then.” She turned to leave, but I reached out, gently took her wrist, rubbing it subtly before pressing closer. “Cassie, it’s… it’s a bit messy here. Let’s… let’s go somewhere else.” The sprawling estate was impressive, its security no joke. Cassidy strolled in with me, right past the watchful eyes of the security detail. “From now on, this person is allowed in without question, got it?” Stepping inside, I was deeply moved. But the mansion was also filled with traces of two lives intertwined. Framed photos of the couple, radiating affection, made my stomach churn. “Are you sure it’s okay, bringing me to your home?” Cassidy leaned back on the sofa, looking utterly drained. “What’s there to be afraid of? My husband, Bryce?” Cassidy was the only daughter of one of the state’s richest men, beautiful, highly educated, and with such a powerful father. She’d taken over several family businesses right after turning eighteen, a multi-millionaire in her own right, quite a public figure. Her wedding day had made headlines, front-page news and dominating local social media trends. I knew her husband, Bryce Worthington, was her college sweetheart. After graduation, they both joined the family conglomerate. Bryce held an important position within the group, but I was just a college student with no connections. If he found out I’d been sleeping with his wife, he’d skin me alive. I looked down as her scarlet nails reached out, Cassidy tracing my jawline. Her eyes held a flicker of impatience. “You’re scared of him, but you’re not scared of me?” She had a point. The Thornes were the real power. Bryce, for all his bluster, was still just riding her coattails. I turned my hand to intertwine my fingers with hers, smiling faintly. “I’m only scared of you.” Cassidy seemed pleased, her gaze sweeping to the side. “Come closer. Why are you so far away?” 3 As evening deepened, Cassidy had lured me to her mansion, yet she no longer seemed as impatient as before. She simply sat beside me, putting a movie on the projector screen, asking me to watch it with her. Snack bags piled up one after another, and the floor became littered with crumpled tissues and empty wrappers. I wasn’t sure if it was intentional, but she’d chosen a horror film. Whenever a scary part came on, Cassidy would instinctively lunge into my arms. She’d pull my hand to half-cover her eyes, her lashes fluttering against my skin, sending my heart racing. With such soft warmth in my arms, I couldn’t resist leaning down and pressing a kiss to her lips. Slap. Before I could even taste her, a stinging slap snapped my head back, momentarily stunning me. Cassidy seemed surprised herself, pulling back slightly. “What’s the rush, big boy? Just watch a bit longer.” The force wasn’t particularly strong, but I rubbed my throbbing cheek, bewildered. Earning money was hard, but dealing with the whims of the ultra-rich felt impossible. She’d been all over me just moments ago, and now this sudden, inexplicable shift to some kind of chaste romance. But Cassidy was my meal ticket now, so I dared not say anything. I sat obediently, watching the screen as she’d instructed. We stayed like that until night had fully fallen, and my stomach had growled several times. The mansion’s staff, who had prepared a lavish spread, cautiously came to usher us. Only then did Cassidy, her expression devoid of emotion, issue her next command. “Let’s eat.” The mansion was vast, and the staff vanished after serving the meal. It was just Cassidy and me, seated at a long dining table, making the room feel cavernous and empty. I hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Worthington won’t be joining us today?” “Do you want him to?” I caught the hostility in Cassidy’s tone and quickly shook my head. “No, not at all. Just curious.” Cassidy suddenly curved her lips into a smile, reaching out to hook her arm around my neck, her breath soft against my ear. “Don’t worry. With me here, he wouldn’t dare do anything to you.” “Alex, just relax and eat with me first.” Cassidy had reverted to her familiar, alluring self from the spa. I relaxed, the food was sumptuous and delicious, and I ate my fill. Cassidy, claiming she needed to maintain her figure, stopped eating early, resting her hands on the table and watching me. Her eyes held a strange, lingering intensity, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling she wasn’t truly looking at me. 4 I put down my chopsticks. “I’m full.” Following Cassidy’s gaze outward, I saw a giant panoramic window. The lights inside were as bright as day, revealing the exterior clearly, though those outside couldn’t see in. “Eat more.” “I’m full…” Cassidy’s voice suddenly sharpened. “I said eat more!” Helpless, I picked up my chopsticks again, nudging some food around. My uncertainty grew; Cassidy’s behavior was utterly bizarre. She was so unpredictable. She claimed to be keeping me, yet she hadn’t made any overtly intimate moves. I put down my chopsticks again and stood up. “Forget it. I’m heading back to campus.” “Are you mad?” Cassidy reached out and pulled me back, swaying playfully and pouting. “Don’t be mad, Alex. I just thought, you need energy for other things, you know?” She quickly glanced out the window, then pressed herself intimately against me. “Since you’re full, let’s go upstairs. To my bedroom.” Upstairs, the master suite. From the moment we entered, Cassidy clung to me like a second skin. But it was impossible to ignore the massive wedding photo hanging prominently above the bed. Doing anything intimate under that photograph felt incredibly unsettling. I managed to pull myself away from her, just enough to speak. “Maybe we should take that down?” Cassidy looked displeased. “Why are you such a chicken?” She cupped my face in her hands, rising on her tiptoes to meet my gaze. “No need to be scared. I’m in charge in this house… Besides, he wouldn’t even care…” A flicker of understanding sparked in my mind, and I was about to say something, but her soft lips pressed against mine, driving away the words. Cassidy’s eyes were closed, but mine remained open, fixed on her flushed cheeks, red with emotion. Click. The bedroom lights snapped off. But directly opposite the bed, a faint, pulsating red light shimmered in the darkness.

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