Project delays meant I was scrambling onto a plane the very day of my son’s engagement party. Killing time on the flight, I was scrolling through short videos when I accidentally clicked into a live stream from a popular influencer. To my shock, it was the engagement party at my own villa. “So lucky to witness the engagement of a wealthy heir! What an eye-opener!” the streamer gushed. Seeing our familiar mansion, draped in festive red decorations and bustling with activity, I was overwhelmed. Tears welled up. But as I wiped them away, a young man I didn’t recognize appeared on screen. The style of his suit was uncannily familiar—it was clearly the bespoke tux I’d commissioned from a top European tailor, exclusively for my son. Confused, I immediately dialed my son’s cell, but it went straight to voicemail. Frowning, I looked back at the live stream. In a shadowy corner, I saw him – my son, Alex – slumped on the floor. His shirt was stained with blood, and someone was casually using him as a footrest. I was horrified. Just then, the unfamiliar young man on screen helped a middle-aged man onto the stage and announced loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my father, Mr. Peterson, Chairman of the Peterson Group, to say a few words.” My fists clenched, rage boiling inside me. He dared call himself Chairman Peterson? Then who the hell was I, the actual chairman? 1 The moment the plane landed, my secretary greeted me with a bouquet, her face a mask of sycophancy. “Mr. Cao, congratulations on the successful project wrap-up!” I’d barely taken the flowers when a local trending news alert popped up on my phone. I tapped it open. It was some vlogger live-streaming an engagement party – and the location was my villa. Eagerly anticipating my son’s appearance, I instead saw a completely unfamiliar face on screen. Even more shockingly, the man was wearing the high-end, custom-made suit I’d spent a fortune on, the one with the subtle pattern woven with pure gold thread. I’d recognize that unique luxury anywhere. Deeply puzzled, I quickly called my wife. Her voice came through, a noisy din in the background. “Honey, don’t worry about a thing, just focus on your work trip! Everything with Alex is perfectly arranged! That suit you got him? He looks incredibly handsome in it. And all those engagement gifts you prepared, I’ve given them to him. He absolutely loves them! Gotta go, my dear, our daughter-in-law is calling me. Talk later!” Before I could utter a word, she hung up. Staring at the live stream, the pit in my stomach deepened. What on earth was going on? I sent the streamer several large virtual gifts, and sure enough, I soon received an invitation to join their private fan chat. I immediately typed: “Excuse me, who is the young man whose engagement is being live-streamed right now?” The streamer was clearly online, but there was no reply. Impatient, I initiated a voice call, only to be awkwardly refused. “Sorry, this is the Peterson family’s young master’s engagement. I can’t disclose any other information!” It seemed I wouldn’t get answers from the streamer. I switched tactics and called my son’s supervisor. Alex was currently gaining experience at a partner company, reportedly doing very well. I planned to entrust him with the family business in the future. After a long wait, the call finally connected, only to be met with Mr. Wallace’s sneer. “Are you Mr. Cao’s butler? Mr. Cao Sr. was kind enough to give your son a job, and how does he repay him? By being late or leaving early almost every day! So unreliable! Now, look at Chairman Peterson’s son, diligently working at our company, exceptionally capable – miles better than your boy!” With that, he hung up. I gripped my phone, trembling with rage, a tight pain constricting my chest. My own son… when did he become the butler’s son? 2 It didn’t take long for me to get back to the villa. The moment I reached the entrance, the staff member greeting guests saw me, and a look of clear astonishment flashed across his face. “Sir, what… what are you doing back so suddenly?” I gave the assembled crowd a cold, sweeping glance, tossed my suitcase to a servant, and strode into the house. As I stepped inside, Laura rushed towards me, her expression frantic. There was a hidden unease in her eyes as she urgently grabbed my arm, trying to pull me back outside. I stood firm, letting her tug, but my gaze caught a fresh red mark on her neck. Noticing my stare, Laura hastily pulled at her collar, trying to conceal it. Seeing her evasive eyes, I scoffed, “A mosquito bite?” Laura nodded quickly, instinctively touching the red mark, and explained in a low voice, “Alex had me helping with the engagement party preparations lately. I was so exhausted I fell asleep in the yard and a mosquito got me.” I feigned belief, nodding. Then I pulled out my phone and opened the live stream I’d been watching earlier. Though the stream had ended, a familiar profile picture stood out in the streamer’s ‘followed’ list. Clicking on the account, the feed was filled with photos of luxury cars and expensive watches—all gifts I had bought for my son. But the owner of this account wasn’t Alex; it was some young guy I didn’t know. Strangely, he was flaunting these things online, presenting himself as the son of the Cao Group’s chairman. I glanced at Laura and held the phone screen up to her. “Alright then, care to explain why the carefully selected gifts I bought for Alex have ended up in the hands of the butler’s son?” “Or did Alex willingly give them away?” That’s right. The middle-aged man who had taken my place on stage in the live stream was none other than our butler, Jenkins. He was even a distant cousin of mine. I’d only recently learned that his son was the same age as mine. Seeing the video, Laura’s expression turned to panic, and she instinctively took two steps back. She hesitated, glanced at me, then bit her lip and finally spoke in a hushed tone: “Actually, Alex… he wasn’t really interested in the things you bought, so he gave them to Dean.” After all these years with Laura, how could I not know what was going on in her mind? I stepped closer, forcing Laura to meet my gaze. “Then why has Alex been late and leaving early, neglecting his work?” Laura’s eyes darted around, clearly trying to come up with a plausible excuse. After a long pause, she finally said: “Your son just can’t sit still. He never wants to stay put at the company, that’s why he’s always late or ducking out early!” I looked at her deceitful face and couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, pushing her aside. “Don’t even think about trying to fool me. You know the consequences if you do!” My eyes were hard as I said it. I had raised my son, given him a generous allowance every year, and personally taught him how to manage finances. He was no incompetent, spoiled rich kid. After the old butler passed away a few years ago, I specifically brought Jenkins over from my hometown to take his place. Then, I went overseas for business negotiations, leaving Laura to manage domestic affairs temporarily. I never imagined I’d inadvertently nurtured a snake in my own house. But now that I was back, whether they were wolves or tigers, they’d have to heel. 3 I strode into the villa. The engagement party was winding down, and most of the guests had already left. As I entered the living room, I saw my son, Alex, sitting on the sofa and called out directly: “Alex, what are you doing just sitting here?” Alex Cao froze for a moment, then turned to look at me, calling out a soft, timid, “Dad.” I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination, but it felt like there was an added layer of grievance in his voice when he called me. Even his body couldn’t stop a slight tremble, as if he’d encountered something terrifying. My son was my entire world; I couldn’t tolerate any harm coming to him. With that thought, I hurried over and looked him up and down. But Alex’s gaze darted everywhere, refusing to make eye contact with me. He had clearly lost a lot of weight; his arms were almost fleshless. A pang of distress hit me, and I gently touched his arm and back. Unexpectedly, Alex suddenly turned pale and cried out in fear. My heart clenched. I pulled up his shirt and was horrified to see his body covered in black and blue bruises. Forcing down my fury, I kept my voice low: “Alex, tell Dad clearly, what exactly happened?” Alex cowered, glancing at me cautiously, and was about to speak when a young man suddenly appeared and interrupted. “Alex Cao, you useless piece of crap, what are you spacing out for? Hurry up and get Sarah’s bathwater ready!” With that, he grabbed my son’s ear and yanked it hard. I saw Alex’s ear turn bright red and angrily demanded: “Who are you? What right do you have to give orders in my house!” If I remembered correctly, during the live stream, he was the one wearing my son’s bespoke suit. The young man glanced at me, sneered contemptuously, and suddenly shoved Alex to the ground. “This is my house. Who are you, some beggar? Get the hell out of here!” “Alex Cao, if you dawdle and annoy me again, you’ll get a taste of my whip later!” As the man spoke, he raised his fist to hit Alex in the face but was stopped in time by the butler. The butler, Jenkins, angrily kicked the young man, then hurried over to me to apologize. “Sir, this useless thing is my son. It’s all my fault for not teaching him better! I’m truly sorry!” With that, he grabbed the young man by the ear and dragged him out. Only after the butler left the room did my son’s complexion improve slightly. He curled himself into a ball, his hands instinctively protecting his vital areas, as if it were a long-ingrained habit. Was he… could he actually be afraid of them? But Alex was supposed to be the master of this house. Seeing my son’s helpless fear, I sighed softly and urged him to go to his room and rest. Alex was born prematurely and had always been frail. I had doted on him and protected him all these years. But it seemed to have made him more timid, unwilling to confide in me even when he was wronged. I stayed in Alex’s room until he fell soundly asleep before getting up to find Sarah Wang. She was the daughter-in-law I had carefully chosen. Now, it seemed perhaps I was getting old, and my judgment wasn’t what it used to be. When I called Sarah to the study, her eyes showed a hint of panic as she looked at me. I drummed my fingers absently on the desk, my expression grave as I fixed my gaze on her and began to question her slowly. “You need to tell me clearly, what exactly happened today? What is your relationship with that man? Who is he, really?” My mind was filled with suspicion. A trace of confusion appeared in Sarah’s eyes. She fell silent, seemingly afraid to look me directly in the eye. But seeing my increasingly stern expression, she finally mustered the courage to confess the whole truth. Only then did I understand the torment and suffering my son had endured after I left home. Not only had I been kept completely in the dark, but I had also indirectly pushed him into an abyss! 4 The star of today’s engagement ceremony wasn’t Alex at all; it was the butler’s son. Before the party even officially began, Alex was pinned to the ground by a group of people and given a brutal beating. When Dean Peterson, the butler’s son, saw the expensive suit Alex was wearing, he didn’t hesitate to strip it off him. Sarah tried to intervene but was viciously kicked twice by Dean. “You two are nothing but animals under my thumb! Alex Cao, you’re not worthy of wearing this suit! And I can ‘enjoy’ your wife for you too!” “Today is my big day. You just lie there on the ground and be my auspicious footstool, soak up some of my good luck!” After his declaration, he immediately ordered his lackeys to hold Alex imóvel on the floor, repeatedly grinding their feet on him. He even brazenly stuck his hand inside Sarah’s clothes, humiliating her publicly. Seeing this, a few of Dean’s cronies joined in, frequently stomping on Alex, adding new injuries to his body. Listening to how that man had treated my son, a cold smile played on my lips. I would retaliate with the harshest methods, to make him understand the price of taking what belongs to others. The next morning, when I got up, Alex was already in the dining room eating breakfast. But when Dean Peterson appeared, Alex began to tremble involuntarily, clearly showing an instinctive fear of him. Jenkins, the butler, noticed the displeasure on my face and immediately urged his son to leave for work. “Hurry up and have the driver take you! You’ll get docked pay if you’re late!” I raised an eyebrow at the butler. He had long since grown accustomed to giving his son all the family’s resources. “You both work at the same company, yet the driver is specifically sent to take an outsider, while the true young master has to make his own way?” “Jenkins, if you can’t distinguish between primary and secondary, then you don’t need to continue working here! I don’t want to see you again when I return!” With that, I arranged for my bodyguard to drive Alex and me to the company. The moment I stepped into the office, I noticed Miller’s employees gossiping about my son. “Look, the bastard son of the mistress actually showed up on time today. And he has the nerve to ride in the legitimate son’s car. Shameless!” “If you ask me, the young master is too lenient with him. Maybe I should teach him a lesson!” Shortly after, one of them deliberately bumped into my son, spilling his iced tea all over him. “Alex Cao, you piece of trash, you got my shoes dirty! What are you standing there for? Get on your knees and bow to me three times, or you won’t get through today!” Witnessing them bully my son, I immediately stepped forward to stop them. “How dare you treat the son of Mr. Cao like this? Are you planning on not working here anymore?” The group glanced at me, sneering. “So you’re the little bastard’s biological father? The one who seduced Mrs. Cao?” “Mr. Cao himself has repeatedly instructed us not to go easy on this little runt!” With that, the crowd burst into laughter. I didn’t argue further. Instead, with a deadpan expression, I called the company owner, Mr. Miller: “Get your ass down here! And see how your people are bullying my son!” The call had just ended when the employees, faces alight with excitement, looked towards the main entrance. “Chairman Cao is here again! He must be here to see his son!” I turned around and saw Jenkins, the butler, dressed in a bespoke suit and wearing the expensive watch I’d bought at auction for millions. My wife, Laura, was by his side, wearing a dress that coordinated with the butler’s attire. As Miller’s people rushed forward to flatter “Chairman Cao” and “Mrs. Cao,” I didn’t hesitate. I dialed 911. “I want to report a crime. Someone is impersonating me! Also, he’s taken my watch, which is worth three million dollars.” Just then, Mr. Miller came downstairs, his face ashen. Seeing the iced tea stain on my son’s clothes, he stammered, “Mr. Cao, please… please give me a chance to explain!”

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My wife, Sarah, was a lifeguard. A deep-sea specialist. After she led me into the depths, she suddenly left me alone. I thrashed desperately in the water, my oxygen running low, frantically mashing the call button on my radio, sending out an S.O.S. Finally, a response, but it was her impatient rebuke: “Have you had your fun yet? Someone’s choking on water, I’m in a rush to save them! You’re spamming the emergency channel, tying up public resources! Obstructing a rescue is a jailable offense!” Over the cacophony in the background, I heard her ex-boyfriend’s choked, emotional voice. “I knew it, Sarah! I knew you still had feelings for me, that you’d come save me.” At death’s door, I didn’t argue. I kept sending out distress signals. The lifeguard who finally answered told me with regret, “Someone’s drowning in the shallows, all the nearest lifeguards have rushed over. I’ve notified HQ to send someone. You have to hold on.” If I remembered correctly, the shallow area was barely five feet deep. I stared down into the abyss below me, my last bit of oxygen depleting in a haze of despair. Before the blackness of suffocation consumed me, I left Sarah one final message. “I’m done making a scene, Sarah. I wish you two happiness.” The sharp pain of suffocation suddenly vanished. I saw my own body, floating in the seawater. My limbs were still contorted in a struggle for life. Fish and shrimp swam past. With a flick of a tail, my body drifted uncontrollably a little further down. The face under the oxygen mask was a ghastly blue-gray, lips swollen and white from the saltwater. So, I was dead. An hour ago. My wife Sarah and I had come here to dive. As a highly skilled deep-sea lifeguard, she led me into the deep-water zone. But shortly after we arrived, she abruptly left on her own. I wasn’t a strong swimmer and couldn’t handle the deep-sea pressure. I simply couldn’t keep up with Sarah’s speed. In the blink of an eye, she vanished without a trace. Relying on tips she’d given me before, I slowly kicked my legs, managing to hold on for a bit, but I barely moved. Then my leg got tangled in seaweed. Panicking, I gasped for air, and the red light on my oxygen mask flashed – the warning that my air was about to run out. I hurriedly pressed the radio, sending a distress signal to Sarah. After all, she knew my location best; it would save precious search time. However, there was no response from the other end. I remembered when she confessed her feelings for me: “Alex, my job is to save people. As soon as I receive a distress signal, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” “This is your exclusive device.” “Whenever, wherever, if you send a signal, I will cross any distance to be by your side.” I’d thought about setting the signal range to maximum, but decided to keep pressing. Sarah was in charge of this area, and too wide a signal would make pinpointing my location harder. Finally, Sarah’s voice came through, but it was an interrogation. “Alex, what the hell are you doing, mashing the signal button? It’s giving me a headache!” Only then did I realize I’d been pressing too fast, a purely instinctual survival response. I struggled to take a breath to speak, but my throat felt like a rusted pipe; I could only manage a hoarse whisper. My oxygen was nearly gone, but Sarah didn’t seem to notice my distress. When she heard no reply, she grew impatient. I clenched my jaw, forcing out a few words: “Sarah, I’m almost out of air… save me…” But she yelled back, “Have you had your fun yet? Someone’s choking on water, I’m in a rush to save them! You’re spamming the emergency channel, tying up public resources! Obstructing a rescue is a jailable offense!” “And you say you’re out of air? I filled your tank myself, you think I don’t know how much is in it?” “Can you tell the truth for once, instead of just lying?” In the background, I heard her ex-boyfriend, Ryan, his voice thick with emotion. “Sarah, I knew you still had feelings for me, you’d definitely come save me.” Between us, who was the one full of lies? For the past three months, Sarah had often been MIA. Even on dates, if I looked away for a second, she’d be gone. When I asked, she always said a colleague needed her. But I’d clearly seen messages pop up on her phone from a guy – Ryan. My intuition was usually spot on. It cost me a bit, but I found out who he was – her on-again, off-again boyfriend of three years. The woman I was about to marry was still entangled with her ex, running around for him, yet she’d abandoned me in the deep sea and berated me when I called for help. The irony was bitter. The radio let out a piercing shriek as Sarah unilaterally ended the call. Before my oxygen completely ran out, I gritted my teeth and set the distress signal to its maximum range. Finally, a lifeguard responded, but after checking the signal location, he said, as expected, that this area was Sarah’s responsibility and he’d transfer me. “Transfer failed? What’s Captain Sarah doing? How come I can’t reach a single lifeguard in this sector?” “Impossible, Captain Sarah is a trained professional, she wouldn’t make such a rookie mistake!” On the other end of the radio, the lifeguard was discussing it with his colleague. The signal was intermittent, and the suffocation made it hard to hear the rest. I bit my tongue hard, regaining a sliver of consciousness. I heard him say urgently, “Sorry, someone’s drowning in the shallows, all the nearest lifeguards have rushed over. I’ve notified HQ to send someone. You have to hold on.” My vision was already clouding with large black spots. “How long…?” I asked, my voice a mere thread. “I’m… almost out of air…” “We’ll be as quick as possible. Your distress signal is quite far out, making it hard to pinpoint your location, but we’ll reach you and start the rescue within twenty minutes at the latest. You absolutely have to hold on.” He tried to soothe me with words. He even suggested some self-rescue techniques. I looked down at my legs, increasingly tangled in seaweed, trying to breathe steadily, to conserve my minimal energy… I didn’t have the strength to tell him I’d already tried those when I was first abandoned. His words replayed in my mind. “Someone’s drowning in the shallows…” If I remembered correctly, the shallow area was barely five feet deep. Even if a child were drowning, any nearby adult could pull them up, not to mention there were other lifeguards patrolling the beach. But Sarah still went. I remembered a fortnight ago, Sarah missed our wedding. On the dais, to my right, stood my dad, leaning on his cane, his leg still bad. To my left, her parents, looking impatient, constantly checking their phones. Below were our relatives and friends, Sarah’s and mine. Every invitation, Sarah had handwritten and delivered personally. Every step of the reception, she had rehearsed. Even the officiant’s speech, Sarah had meticulously crafted after reading countless books. But after the dry speech ended, when it was time to exchange rings, Sarah’s colleague came up on stage. “Alex, I’m sorry. Captain Sarah had an emergency. Here’s the ring. She said if you put it on, the wedding is complete.” I looked at the wedding ring, so carefully chosen by Sarah. My heart felt like it was submerged in water, sour and swollen. Sarah, did she care about me, or not? After the wedding. Sarah sent a cold, brief thank you. “Alex, thank you for holding the wedding together on your own. I’m sorry about this. Tonight, you can punish me however you want.” Then, in the empty bridal suite, I waited for her all night. The next day, I opened social media and saw Ryan had updated his status. “Your groom wasn’t me, but your wedding night was mine.” Below it was a photo: Sarah, asleep. And Sarah, using her main account, liked it. That evening. Sarah came home for dinner. I sat across the table from her, calmly expressing my views on marriage, on love. I said that since we were married, we had to take on the corresponding responsibilities. But she held her chopsticks in one hand, shoveling food into her mouth, while her other hand was busy replying to messages. She yawned. I stared at her. On the screen, the account labeled “Colleague” sent a message. “You worked hard last night. I won’t be so difficult next time.” The dam of my suppressed anger finally burst. I threw the social media evidence at her, questioning her, arguing with her. She flew into a rage, slammed the door, and left. I looked at the mess on the floor, an endless weariness washing over me. Since Sarah couldn’t make a choice, I would make it for her. I sent her a divorce message and started packing to move out. But Sarah knelt before me in the pouring rain, and right in front of me, blocked all of Ryan’s contact methods. She said, “Alex, I love you. Let’s put the past behind us, start fresh. I messed up the wedding, I’ll make it up to you with a honeymoon, okay?” And then, she took me to the deep sea, and abandoned me again. The lifeguard on the other end of the radio couldn’t hear my response and his tone grew anxious. “Can you still hear me? I’m doing my best to get there, please don’t give up hope.” Just as he said that, the signal cut out due to the distance. I didn’t want to give up hope, but reality didn’t bend to my will. The red light on my oxygen tank blinked faster and faster. I gritted my teeth and thrashed my legs, but I couldn’t break free from the damn seaweed. My consciousness began to fade, my body spasming from oxygen deprivation. In an instant. The light on the oxygen tank stopped blinking. It was completely empty. Many images flashed before my eyes, finally settling on Sarah’s back as she turned and walked away without hesitation. With my last breath, I pressed the distress signal and spoke my final words. Perhaps it was too much regret. My soul drifted higher and higher, following my last words, to Sarah’s side. The shallow area was bustling with people, forming a circle. In the center of the crowd, Ryan and Sarah were playing out a chase scene. Sarah gripped Ryan’s hand tightly, hugging him close. “Ryan, don’t test anyone with your own life. You need to love yourself, understand?” The crowd was just watching the spectacle, but Sarah’s colleagues looked like they were swallowing something bitter. Finally, someone couldn’t stand it anymore and pushed through the crowd. He reminded her, “Captain, we need to go. HQ sent a message twenty minutes ago. Someone’s out of oxygen in the deep-sea zone, ordering us to launch a rescue.” I remembered him; he was the one who brought the ring to the stage at the wedding. His name was Mark. Sarah frowned, bent down to tuck the blanket around Ryan, then turned around impatiently. “I made myself clear. No one is out of oxygen in the deep-sea zone. I just came from there to rescue him. I know better than you!” Mark’s face flushed red. “But HQ keeps pushing. It’s a matter of life and death, we can’t be careless.” Hearing this, Sarah’s face darkened. She felt her authority was challenged and said sarcastically, “What a coincidence, two lives in danger at the same time. Someone must be lying. If you want to question my decision, rush to grab the credit, then get lost. I’m not stopping you!” “It’s a life-or-death situation, how did it become about grabbing credit? Besides, you’re in charge of this area. One order from you, and we all have to come witness your love story with your… partner. You think anyone dares to leave?” Mark was young and fiery, his words dripping with sarcasm. “You!” Sarah’s face turned ashen. She grabbed Mark’s collar. The crowd recoiled in fear, and her colleagues rushed forward. Ryan gently tugged at Sarah’s sleeve, swaying it back and forth. “Sarah, don’t be mad.” “Mark’s not a bad guy, he just wants to save people. I think… we should go.” And just like that, after his two sentences, Sarah let go of Mark. Ryan smiled brightly, turned, and bowed to the crowd. “Thank you all for saving me just now. You’ll all be rewarded. I’ll cherish my life and never trouble anyone again.” With that, he winked at Sarah. He wouldn’t trouble others, but Sarah… she wasn’t “others.” The twenty-minute rescue window HQ had told me about had completely passed. Only then did Sarah and her team set off in the rescue boat. As she buckled her life vest, Sarah muttered impatiently. “Always causing trouble, wasting time.” My smile was bleak. Sarah, I am already asleep beneath the waves. I won’t cause any more trouble. The rescue boat sped across the sea. Sarah helped Ryan adjust his blanket. “Sarah, your radio suddenly went silent earlier. Alex isn’t really in trouble, is he?” Ryan tilted his head, feigning concern. Sarah sneered. “He’s doing it on purpose.” “A perfectly good honeymoon, and he has to make such a drama out of it. Just now on the radio, he was saying something about not making a scene anymore. I don’t get what’s going on in his head.” Hearing this, Ryan lowered his head, a smug smile playing on his lips. But his tone was still soft and weak. “Is it because of the wedding? Sarah, I really didn’t mean to. You know I have depression. How about… you ask Alex to come out, and we can clear things up?” He struck a magnanimous pose, his eyes slightly red. Sarah gently stroked the corner of his eye, shaking her head. “No need. You’re sick. You don’t have to accommodate anyone.” With that, Sarah let go of Ryan, sat to one side, and began to define the search area. She suddenly frowned, tapping her finger twice on a specific location, then took out her radio, trying to reconnect to the distress signal. But it failed. I saw her sigh, take out her phone, open her messaging app. The wallpaper was a photo of me. She opened a chat window labeled “Hubby” and typed: “Alex, life needs a little drama to be exciting. The honeymoon I promised you has just begun. You wanted to see snow, right? We’ll leave tomorrow.” A faint smile unconsciously touched her lips. If we could share the snow, this life would count as growing old together. The rescue boat suddenly stopped. A wave crashed over it, flooding the boat. Sarah, quick as lightning, grabbed Ryan, holding him protectively. The message she’d just typed hadn’t been sent; her phone, soaked, went black. Ryan coughed violently, his arms wrapped tightly around Sarah’s waist. Sarah patted him soothingly, pried his hands off, and stood up from the rescue boat. The lifeguards climbed back in, one by one. The radar was off, but they were still checking for other victims. One lifeguard climbed onto Sarah’s boat, ripped off his oxygen mask, and threw it aside. He panted, questioning her: “Captain Sarah, this is your sector! Lifeguards from further out rushed here, but you were missing! What the hell were you doing?!” My body was pulled out, bloated and grotesque from the seawater. A female lifeguard covered me with her jacket, preserving my last shred of dignity, only my arm hung limply. Sarah’s gaze fell upon me, and when she saw the wedding ring on my ring finger, she froze. The lifeguard was still speaking up for me. “According to the signal trajectory, you were the first to receive the victim’s distress call. Why didn’t you save him? You call yourself a senior lifeguard? Watching a life end right before your eyes! To put it bluntly, this is tantamount to intentional homicide!”

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Julian’s idealized love, Sophia, was kidnapped while filming on location and disappeared for three whole days and nights. Two months later, she called him from a rooftop, crying, “Julian, I’m pregnant! The media is hounding me! I don’t want to live anymore!” He rushed to the rooftop and announced to all the media, “The child is mine.” Overnight, I became the laughingstock of New York’s elite social circles. That night, Julian knelt before me, his eyes red, his voice trembling, “Ava, Sophia has depression. If I don’t help her, something terrible will happen! Once she safely delivers the baby, I promise I’ll make it up to you, okay?” I loved him so desperately, so devoid of dignity, that I could only bite my lip and nod. But the next day, news spread like wildfire online. The woman in the pixelated photo was clearly me. Shaking, I found Julian. He hugged me, his face contorted in pain. “The news is unstoppable… Ava, you rarely appear in public. We’ll have to ask you to take the fall for this.” He reached out to hold me, but his next words chilled me to the bone, “Why don’t you… get an abortion first? We can always have another child later.” In that instant, my heart turned completely cold. I wiped my tears and dialed a number I hadn’t called in a long, long time. When the call connected, a man’s deep voice, laced with a dangerous amusement, said, “You finally… came to beg me?” 1 “What did you say?” My voice trembled. “Sophia’s kidnapping can’t be exposed. She just signed a major international brand endorsement. If this gets out, her career is ruined.” Julian’s tone was chillingly calm. “But you’re different. You rarely appear in public. If you admit to this, the gossip will die down quickly.” I stared hard at the man I had loved for years. “Julian, do you even hear yourself?” “Before, you asked me to claim Sophia’s child as mine, and I agreed.” “Now, you want me to take the blame for her being kidnapped, for her being violated?!” His voice was low. “Ava, I’m begging you.” “Begging me?” I laughed, but tears streamed down my face. “For her, you want me to destroy my own reputation?” “Sophia can’t handle this kind of blow. She already has depression,” he said urgently. “But you’re different. You’ve always been strong.” “So I deserve to be sacrificed?” I practically spat the words out. “It’s not a sacrifice, just a temporary measure.” He paused, his tone softening. “Ava, could you… could you get an abortion first?” My world shattered. “Julian,” my voice was hoarse, “this is your child too!!!” “I know!” His voice suddenly turned agitated. “But Sophia can’t handle any more stress right now!” My breath hitched. I laughed, tears flowing freely. “Fine, I’ll do it.” He was about to say more when his phone rang. Sobs came from the other end. “Boohoo! Julian, I had a nightmare! I’m so scared! What if they tell everyone about what happened to me?” Sophia’s frail voice whispered. Julian’s tone instantly changed, becoming gentle and soothing. “Don’t be afraid, Sophia. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He hung up and, without a moment’s hesitation, turned and left. I went to the hospital. The nurse handed me a form, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Mrs. Hayes, are you sure you want to go through with the procedure?” I looked down at the paper. Julian’s name was already signed on it. So, he had arranged everything in advance. I nodded numbly. “Yes.” The doctor adjusted his glasses, his tone neutral. “Your physical condition is unique. This abortion could lead to permanent infertility. Are you sure you want to take this risk?” I looked up sharply. “Permanent infertility?” “Yes, your uterine wall is thin. If we proceed with the abortion, it might be very difficult for you to conceive again…” My fingers trembled slightly. Julian, you knew this, and you still wanted me to abort this child! All for Sophia. I bit my lip hard, until I tasted blood. Suddenly, I felt a strange flutter in my abdomen, like a tiny butterfly gently flapping its wings. I grabbed the doctor’s wrist. “Stop! I’m not doing it!” The doctor frowned. “Mrs. Hayes, your husband specifically instructed…” “I said I’m not doing it!” I shouted, sitting up on the operating table and tearing off the surgical gown. “I’m keeping this baby!” Stepping out of the hospital, the sunlight was blinding. I opened my phone. The top trending news was: #JulianHayesAndSophiaRossSpottedAtLuxuryBabyBoutique# In the accompanying photo, my husband was carefully supporting Sophia’s lower back as she gently caressed her swollen belly. The comment section was full of praise: “Now that’s a power couple! A stunning celebrity and a New York tycoon, a perfect match!” “Sophia’s already showing. How can Julian’s wife still shamelessly cling to her position?” “Heard that woman got pregnant with someone else’s kid after disappearing for a few days. Julian’s too kind for not divorcing her on the spot!” “Who knows if she really disappeared or just snuck off to meet some other guy!” My nails dug deep into my palms, but I felt no pain. “Don’t be scared, little one,” I whispered, stroking my belly. “Mommy will protect you.” I went straight to a law firm and had divorce papers drawn up. 2 Returning to our townhouse, the front door was ajar. Pushing it open, I saw Sophia lounging on the sofa, Julian’s hand resting on her prominent belly. “Julian, the baby kicked me again!” she giggled, pressing his hand against her stomach. A tenderness I had never seen before appeared on Julian’s face. “It really is moving.” I stood in the entryway, my fists clenched. Julian saw me, and his expression changed slightly. He walked over quickly, lowering his voice. “Ava, Sophia tried to kill herself again today. The doctor said she has prenatal depression. Could you… just give us some space for now?” I sneered, “This is my home.” “She grew up with me. I can’t just abandon her,” his tone softened. “After she has the baby, I’ll find a way to send her and the child away, maybe help her build a career in Hollywood.” I said nothing more and went upstairs. In the bedroom, I could still hear their laughter. “Oh, the baby kicked me!” Sophia’s voice was sickeningly sweet. I curled up on the bed, tears soaking my pillow. Late at night, Julian tiptoed into bed and hugged me from behind. “Ava, I’m sorry,” his voice was hoarse. “We’ll have other children.” I stiffened. He still didn’t know I hadn’t aborted our child. “Ahhh—” A shrill scream suddenly came from the next room. “Don’t touch me! Get away!” “Don’t touch me! Don’t film me!” Julian shot up, not even bothering with slippers, and rushed out. All night, the hallway echoed with his gentle reassurances. Morning. Dragging my exhausted body downstairs, the aroma of frying eggs wafted from the kitchen. Julian stood at the stove. Sophia tiptoed up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her cheek against his back, smiling sweetly. Seeing me, she immediately let go, her voice timid. “Sis, my head hurts a little. Could you ask Julian to get my hat for me?” Without a word, Julian turned and went upstairs. The apology on Sophia’s face vanished instantly. She leaned closer to me, her red lips curving into a smirk. “Julian said that bastard in your belly should never have been kept.” I jerked my head up, my fingertips trembling uncontrollably. She gave a disdainful smile, lowering her voice. “Know the Sterlings? The Sterling family is backing me.” She paused deliberately, enjoying my sudden change in expression. “The Sterlings just have to lift a finger, and this whole city shakes. What do you have to fight me with?” I clenched my fists tightly. The Sterlings were true old money, a dynasty that controlled a significant portion of the nation’s economy. Forget the Hayes family; even all the influential figures in New York combined were like ants before the Sterlings. Suddenly, she stumbled backward, fell to the floor, and screamed, “Ava! I know you hate me for stealing Julian! I’ll just go kill myself!” “Ava Benton!” Julian stormed down the stairs and shoved me hard. I stumbled and hit the coffee table, a sharp pain shooting through my lower back. He pulled Sophia into his arms, his eyes icy and piercing. “What did you do to her? Can you stop being so unreasonable!” “I didn’t do anything!” My voice shook. “You’d better not have!” He held Sophia tighter and walked out without looking back. “Sophia, let’s go.” I stood in the living room, my hand unconsciously drifting to my belly. 3 Julian hadn’t been home for two days. I stood in the living room, taking down our wedding photos one by one. The frames landed in the trash can with a dull thud. My phone vibrated, the screen lighting up. “Ava, I’m having someone pick something up. Can you get it for them?” In the walk-in closet, the ten-million-dollar jewelry set lay quietly in a drawer. I remembered when he’d bought it, he’d said, “This is for the most important person in my life.” I stared at the jewelry for a long time, then suddenly smiled. Expressionless, I took out the jewelry, handed it to the driver, then pulled out a set of divorce papers, my voice calm. “Wait, give me a ride. I’ll deliver it myself.” The driver hesitated but let me in the car. The car stopped outside a luxurious estate, brightly lit, with orchestral music drifting out. “Happy birthday, Miss Ross!” Waves of well wishes could be heard. I walked in, and all eyes immediately fell on me. “Isn’t that Julian Hayes’s wife? Why is she dressed like that? So tacky!” “I heard she’s desperately clinging to Julian. So shameless.” “Julian should have dumped her ages ago. Sophia’s pregnant now, why is she still hanging around?” “I heard she deliberately pushed Sophia to keep Julian. What a vicious woman…” I ignored them, walking step by step towards them. Julian saw me, his brow furrowing. “Ava, what are you doing here?” I smiled. “It’s Miss Ross’s birthday. How could I not come?” With that, I handed over the jewelry box. “What you asked for.” Sophia’s eyes lit up. She took it and deliberately opened it in front of me. “Julian, is this for me?” Julian didn’t speak, looking at me with a complicated expression. Sophia cooed, “Will you put it on for me?” He was silent for two seconds, then picked up the necklace, his fingers looping it around her neck. Sophia suddenly stood on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and planted a heavy kiss on his cheek, looking at me provocatively. I said nothing. Suddenly, she stumbled. “Ah!” Julian darted forward to steady her, then turned to glare at me. “What are you trying to do now?” I silently handed over the file folder. “Sign it.” He was about to speak when Sophia clutched her stomach. “Ah! Julian, my stomach hurts!” Julian immediately panicked, signed his name without even looking, and then swept Sophia into his arms. “I’ll take you to the hospital!” I collected the papers and turned to leave, but someone tripped me hard. I fell heavily, my forehead hitting a metal object on the floor. Warm blood trickled down my cheek. Julian whipped around, instinctively wanting to help me up. “Julian! My stomach hurts so much! Take me to the hospital, quickly!” Sophia clung to him tightly, her voice trembling. He hesitated for a moment, then carried her away without looking back. I lay on the floor, blood blurring my vision. All around me were scornful eyes; no one offered a hand. I gritted my teeth and pushed myself up from the ground, only to find my wedding ring missing from my ring finger. It had been loose for a while; I just hadn’t noticed. Ignoring everyone’s stares, I limped out and hailed a cab. “To the hospital.” The driver was startled. “Miss, your head is bleeding!” I wiped my face, my hand covered in red, but I smiled. “It’s fine. I won’t die.” 4 As the doctor bandaged my wound, he frowned. “Mrs. Hayes, you’re still pregnant. How can you treat yourself like this?” Suddenly, a news bulletin interrupted the TV program. “Breaking News! CEO Julian Hayes’s wife faked kidnapping, confirmed affair! Allegedly went to hospital for secret abortion after getting pregnant by another man!” My vision went black. Before I could recover, the door was violently kicked open. Julian’s mother, Mrs. Hayes, rushed in and slapped me across the face. “You tramp! You’ve disgraced the Hayes family!” I stumbled back and, before I could regain my footing, was grabbed by several men in black suits and dragged into what looked like a rarely used, sweltering sunroom at the back of the estate. “Kneel!” Mrs. Hayes shrieked. I struggled, but my knees slammed onto the cold, hard tiles. Mrs. Hayes dialed a number, her voice shrill. “Julian! Look what your wife has done! The whole city is laughing at us!” On the other end, Julian was clearly flustered. “Mom, weren’t you and Dad vacationing in Australia? How did you suddenly…” “What? We can’t come back?” Mrs. Hayes sneered. “Look at the wonderful wife you married!” “You’re just too soft-hearted, letting a woman walk all over you! She cuckolded you, and you still can’t bring yourself to deal with her?” I looked up at the screen, screaming, “Julian! Say something! It was clearly you…” “Ava.” He was silent for a few seconds, his voice low and hoarse. “Just bear with it for now. I’ll make it up to you later.” The sunroom in midsummer felt like a steamer. I knelt on the scorching floor, sweat mixing with the blood from my forehead, trickling down. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen, and warm liquid flowed down my inner thighs. “The baby… my baby!” I rushed to the door, pounding on it frantically. “Let me out! Save my baby!” Mrs. Hayes’s cold voice came from outside. “Didn’t you say you aborted it? What, the bastard wasn’t completely flushed out?” My nails dug into the doorframe, scratching bloody marks onto the wood. “This is Julian’s child! It’s his! It’s his!” The only answer was the sound of footsteps fading away. I lay in a pool of blood all night. At dawn, the sunroom door finally opened. A man in a black suit looked at me expressão. “Ma’am, we’ll take you to the hospital.” On the operating table, I lay with my eyes open, feeling the life within me slowly ebbing away. My phone vibrated. A message from Julian: “Ava, I’m sorry. You’ve been wronged. I’ll explain everything to Mom later.” My fingers trembled, and a single tear rolled down my cheek. The day I got the divorce certificate, I dialed a number that had been dormant for five years. When the call connected, a man’s deep voice, laced with amusement, said, “Finally decided to call me?” A week later, Sophia, heavily pregnant, made a high-profile appearance at a press conference for her new drama. She clung to Julian’s arm, smiling sweetly at the cameras. “Thank you all for your blessings. After the baby is born, I’ll be heading to Hollywood to pursue my career…” Under the blinding flashes of angoisse, I slowly walked into the venue. The previously bustling scene fell instantly silent. Julian’s face changed रंग. “Ava? What are you doing here?” I calmly walked up to him and placed the divorce certificate in his hand. His pupils contracted. He grabbed my wrist, hissing, “Ava, stop messing around! Didn’t I say I’d make it up to you after all this blows over!” Just then, the main doors burst open. A Rolls-Royce pulled up. The man who stepped out caused an uproar. “It’s James Sterling! The head of Sterling Industries!” Sophia’s eyes lit up. She quickly pushed me aside and hurried to greet him. “Uncle! What are you doing here?” I stood my ground, unmoving, until James Sterling’s gaze fell on me. He extended his hand towards me, and I naturally took his arm. Julian rushed over, his voice trembling. “Ava! Are you crazy? He’s Sophia’s uncle…” James Sterling glanced at Julian and sneered, “This piece of trash is worthy of making my daughter suffer?” The entire room buzzed with whispers. I looked at Julian and said softly, “I forgot to introduce you. This is my father.”

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Beneath the nightclub’s domed ceiling, my heavily pregnant sister was dragged forcibly to the center of the stage. Down below, men, veins bulging on their foreheads, argued fiercely over the paternity of her unborn child. “It’s gotta be mine! I was giving it my all that night!” “Bullshit! I was with her more often, so my chances are naturally higher!” My sister, her face ashen, tearfully questioned the man beside her, “Leo Carter, you’re my fiancé. How could you humiliate me like this?” Leo, an arm around the delicate woman in his embrace, sneered, “The brat in your belly is of questionable origin, and you have the gall to question me?” That woman covered her lips, feigning shyness, but her eyes brimmed with arrogance. I hid in the shadows, a chilling glint in my narrowed eyes. I’d been away for years, and someone dared to bully my family, the Zhangs, to this extent! … My assistant bowed. “Should I summon the nightclub manager, Ethan Lee, to apologize?” I scoffed. “What good would that do? Tell everyone to be on standby!” “Yes, ma’am.” The assistant quietly withdrew. Dare to harm my own sister? Tonight, you will all pay in blood! My sister’s voice trembled. “That night, it was clearly only you! How could I be pregnant with another man’s child?” Scarlett Hayes, the woman in Leo’s arms, chuckled mockingly. “Anna, dear, after you got drunk, you kept shouting ‘one isn’t enough’ and dragged several men into the room. Have you forgotten all about it?” My sister’s body shook violently. “Absolutely not! Only Leo was in the room…” Before she could finish, she froze, staring dagger-eyes at Leo. “It was you… that glass of red wine… you drugged me?” Leo avoided her gaze, pulling out a stack of photos from his pocket and scattering them across the stage. “Place your bets, gentlemen! The winner gets a bonus: explicit footage from that night!” The crowd below erupted. “So graphic! Not a stitch of clothing! Enough to get your blood pumping!” “Hotter than a porn poster! Just a glance makes you sweat!” Scarlett picked up a photo, glanced at it with disgust, and casually tossed it aside. The photo fluttered to my feet. I bent down and picked it up, rage instantly consuming me. Such monstrous behavior! Later, I’ll make every one of you wish you were dead! The men lunged for the photos like starving tigers, the sound of cash slapping on betting tables a constant rhythm, their bloodshot eyes like those at a livestock auction. I caressed my crystal glass, sitting silently in the shadows, coldly observing this grotesque gamble. My assistant hadn’t returned yet; I still needed to endure… “No more bets!” The dealer’s sharp voice cut through the uproar. “Bring in the medics to verify!” Several burly men in white coats rushed onto the stage, gripping my sister’s delicate wrists like iron clamps, the cold tip of a needle aimed straight at her skin. “Insolent!” My sister, usually gentle, suddenly erupted. She struggled free, her nails scratching bloody marks on an assailant’s cheek. “Where is Ethan Lee? If you harm a hair on my head tonight, tomorrow you’ll all be ruined!” My sister shrieked, but the hall was filled with roaring laughter. Scarlett laughed so hard she swayed. “Miss Zhang is still dreaming, isn’t she?” She suddenly grabbed my sister’s hair, whispering in her ear, “Did you know Ethan Lee is my brother? The Zhang family was ruined by him long ago. What makes you think you can still throw your weight around?” I, who had crept to the side of the stage, felt a jolt. Ethan Lee’s sister? The Zhang family fallen? How could I not know? Leo pulled Scarlett back into his embrace. “Why waste your breath on her?” He turned and urged the medics, “Get on with it!” The moment the needle pierced her skin, the dealer suddenly screamed, “Stop!” 2 The entire room was stunned. I, too, momentarily sheathed my killing intent. The dealer, trembling, pulled a jade seal from my sister’s waist, his back soaked in cold sweat. “The… The Cloud-Water Seal?!” In his panic, he pressed the emergency call button. “Mr. Lee, the Cloud-Water Seal has appeared! Please come and verify its authenticity immediately!” Leo’s face turned grim; Scarlett was also silent as a cicada in winter. Ethan Lee was merely my father’s adopted son; by seniority, he should call me ‘elder sister.’ Knowing this was familiar territory, I relaxed slightly, awaiting reinforcements. Soon, Ethan Lee’s confidante, Vivian Cross, arrived gracefully. “Mr. Lee will be here shortly. Allow me to examine the seal first.” Just as her jade-like fingers were about to touch the seal, Scarlett suddenly giggled. “What a coincidence, this worthless stone, I have one too!” The moment the brocade box sprang open, the room was in an uproar. Two Cloud-Water Seals, identical. “Hers has a crack!” Scarlett’s red lips curled. “A fake.” My sister hastily argued, “This was given to me by my own sister! How could it be fake?” “I am Seraphina Zhang’s biological sister!” Before she finished, Scarlett scoffed. “I’ve lived with the Zhangs for ten years and never heard of you having an older sister. You’re full of lies, daring to falsely claim kinship!” Vivian Cross, after examining the seals, respectfully returned Scarlett’s. Then, picking up on my sister’s words, she said, “Seraphina Zhang?” A dismissive look crossed Vivian’s face, as if she’d heard a joke. “I’ve never heard of such a person.” “Since the real Cloud-Water Seal is in Miss Hayes’s possession, we can’t interfere in this Miss Zhang’s affairs. You may continue.” With that, Vivian Cross stepped aside, adopting an air of indifference. The men instantly exploded: “Verify it already! I bet a hundred grand she’s carrying my kid!” “After the test, we’ll all take a turn!” The men buzzed like flies to blood, some even starting to unbuckle their belts: “I’m raising my bet! We’ll get started right after the verification!” The thugs in white coats once again pinned my sister to the prize table. The syringe glinted coldly, aimed straight at her pale skin. My assistant hadn’t returned yet, but I couldn’t wait any longer. “Stop!” I leaped onto the platform, kicking over the metal tray of instruments with a crash. Vivian Cross’s pupils contracted. “Where did this crazy woman come from, daring to wreck Mr. Lee’s place?!” I gave a cold smile. “Zhang family. Seraphina Zhang.” 3 The entire venue fell into dead silence. But the silence lasted only a second. “Hahaha—” The entire hall erupted in deafening laughter; some even laughed until tears streamed down their faces. “Seraphina Zhang? You?” “That’s the legendary figure who could shake the Capital to its core! Haven’t heard anything about her for years, how could she possibly show up here?” Scarlett clutched her stomach, shaking with laughter. “Anna, which acting troupe did you hire this one from? She plays the part quite convincingly!” Leo frowned, his gaze filled with disgust. “Anna, get this imposter out of here. Aren’t you embarrassed enough?” My sister clung to me tightly, her eyes filled with disbelieving excitement. Veins throbbed at my temples as I struggled to suppress my towering rage. “When Ethan Lee arrives, the truth will be clear!” I pulled my sister behind me, my gaze as sharp as a knife. “Until then, whoever dares to touch a hair on her head, I’ll chop off their hand!” Scarlett covered her mouth with a mocking smile. “Oh, she’s quite the actress. If it were really Seraphina Zhang, she’d be surrounded by an entourage. How could it be just you?” My eyes flickered to my team of bodyguards, squeezed into a corner. A cold smirk touched my lips. “Tell Ethan Lee to come out! I want to ask him if he still has any respect for me, his elder sister!” Vivian Cross narrowed her eyes, looking me up and down, a derisive curl on her red lips. “Who do you think you are? Daring to speak Mr. Lee’s name so casually? You really don’t know your place!” She slowly twirled the jade bracelet on her wrist, her voice suddenly dropping. “Men, seize her!” “I want to weigh you myself and see just how much you’re worth!” Hearing this, several burly men grinned lecherously, their voices dripping with malicious glee. “Yes, Miss Cross! I’ll make sure to strip her bare and weigh every inch of her for you, inside and out!” With that, several hands reached for us sisters. I slapped one of the approaching men across the face. “Insolent! Are you looking to die?! Do you know the consequences of touching me?” The man’s head snapped to the side from the force of my slap. His eyes suddenly turned vicious, and he lunged, grabbing my throat. “You bitch, you think you’re something special, huh?” “Today, in front of everyone, I’m gonna teach you some manners!” A wave of jeering laughter erupted around us. Several men, their intentions clear, closed in, some even pulling out their phones to record. My sister cried out, trying to rush over, but Scarlett grabbed her hair and shoved her brutally to the ground. “Anna, where did you find this lunatic? Is she out of her mind, daring to cause trouble here?” “You play the innocent rich girl so well, but who knows whose bastard you’re carrying!” Saying this, Scarlett slapped my sister hard across the face, drawing blood from the corner of her mouth. I kicked out violently at the man beside me, trying to save her, but several strong arms seized me, holding me fast. My bodyguards were blocked by the chaotic crowd, unable to move an inch. “Tsk tsk, the imposter is really getting into her role, isn’t she?” Scarlett, in her high heels, pressed the toe of her shoe against my sister’s chin. “Kneel and kowtow three times, and maybe I’ll convince Vivian to let your fake sister go.” My sister looked at Leo, tears in her eyes, her voice trembling. “Leo, she really is my sister. If you hurt her, you’ll all regret it…” Leo Carter coolly adjusted his cuffs, his eyes looking at her as if she were a pile of trash. “If it weren’t for you, none of this trouble would have happened. Apologize to Scarlett. Now.” “Kowtow! If she doesn’t kowtow now, we’ll strip her clothes off!” Several men sneered, reaching for my collar. “I’ll kowtow!” My sister’s knees slammed heavily onto the marble floor. Her forehead pressed against the cold marble. “Please, I beg you, don’t touch my sister…” I watched her bang her forehead against the ground, again and again. With every kowtow, it felt like a piece of my heart was being gouged out by a sharp knife. My assistant was still not back. The bodyguards at the door were strangely inactive. Something was clearly wrong. Vivian Cross looked at my refined, beautiful face, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes. She had, at some point, produced a scalpel. The blade pressed against my cheek. “Such a pretty face. I wonder if Mr. Lee will still recognize you if it’s scarred?” “Don’t touch my sister!” my sister suddenly struggled. “Ethan Lee will make you wish you were never born!” “Still think you’re the high and mighty Miss Zhang? Too bad the Zhang family doesn’t go by Zhang anymore.” Vivian mocked my sister while pressing the blade deeper into my face. Warm blood trickled down my neck. Just as she was about to slash again. The main doors burst open with a thunderous crash. Ethan Lee entered, followed by a team of his men. His eyes swept over my sister’s bloodied forehead and the wound on my face. The atmosphere around him instantly dropped to freezing point. 4 “Ethan!” My sister’s eyes lit up. “Quick, make them release my sister!” Ethan Lee’s grim gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Vivian Cross. “What’s going on?” Vivian immediately put on an aggrieved expression. “Brother Ethan, look at this woman! She’s using a fake seal to impersonate your sister.” Only then did Ethan Lee look at my sister, his eyes filled with disgust. “Anna, how long are you going to keep this up? Scarlett has been patient with you at every turn, yet you push your luck?” “Patient?” My sister trembled with anger. “They humiliated me in public, said my sister’s seal was a fake, and you say I’m pushing my luck?” “You promised my sister you would take care of me! And now you’re helping an outsider bully me?” “Outsider?” Scarlett smugly linked her arm with Ethan Lee’s. “I’m his real sister! Who do you think you are?” My face was covered in blood as I stared coldly at Ethan Lee. He, however, was only focused on comforting Scarlett. My sister, her face urgent, pointed at me and said, “My sister has returned. How will you answer to her now?” Ethan Lee finally looked at me. The moment he saw my face clearly, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but it quickly returned to cold indifference. “Anna, your sister died a long time ago. Hiring an imposter to act this out is very boring.” I couldn’t help but sneer. So, the dog my family raised had learned to bite its master when they weren’t looking. “Ethan Lee, you’ve certainly become quite the big shot!” Hearing the familiar voice, Ethan Lee’s pupils dilated violently, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He lifted my chin with a trembling hand, studying my face intently for a long time, his eyes filled with an indecipherable, intense emotion. After a long moment, he gently touched the wound on my face and sighed deeply. “This face… it’s so alike. A pity. If it weren’t for this wound, I might have let you stay by my side.” “But now, you’re useless.” His face held a sorrowful expression, as if through me, he was remembering someone he loved but could not have. “Even if you look so much like her, what’s the use? She’s gone…” After speaking, he closed his eyes. “Vivian, you handle this.” A mocking smile appeared on Vivian Cross’s face, as if she found me a joke. She snapped her fingers, and several burly men immediately ripped open my collar. My sister was roughly pushed onto the poker table, chips scattering everywhere with a clatter. Just then, the grand, gilded doors of the hall crashed inwards with a tremendous bang. My assistant stood silhouetted against the light, a dark tide of men flooding in behind him. His face was bruised. He said apologetically, “My apologies, Miss. There was a… slight delay on the way.”

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A few days before the wedding, I stumbled upon a viral love story online. Under every one of the blogger’s late-night melancholic posts, an anonymous commenter would reply instantly. Each reply brimmed with deep affection for the blogger. Like other netizens, I was completely captivated by this moving romance. Until one day, the blogger posted a beautiful photo, tinged with tears: 【I know it’s you, but it seems impossible for us. I wish you a happy marriage.】 That person still replied in a heartbeat: 【Anyone but you is just settling.】 My heart plummeted. The person in the photo was none other than my fiancé Ethan Sterling’s childhood sweetheart, Clara Finch. 1 My hand trembled, and the last stroke on the wedding invitation went completely askew. I put down the calligraphy pen and clicked on the original post details, only to find it no longer existed. I inadvertently noticed Clara Finch’s username—【LittlePhalaenopsis】. Looking at the Phalaenopsis orchid design printed on our wedding invitations, my heart jolted. The flowers for our wedding were chosen by Ethan; they were Phalaenopsis orchids. In Clara Finch’s follow list, I found an account with a Phalaenopsis orchid as its background. 【My family found a marriage partner for me. I’ll just let her do the laundry, cook, have kids, and bear the risk of her figure changing for you.】 【Marrying her is a task I have to complete, but being with you is my life’s true wish.】 So, what I thought was a marriage материалов for love was just Ethan finding a tool for procreation. If you set aside me, the sacrificed party, their so-called love seemed quite “deep.” I rubbed my sore wrist, gazing at the pile of wedding invitations I’d spent the afternoon handwriting. A sharp pain pierced my chest, and my vision blurred. At seven in the evening, Ethan came home, casually tossing his suit jacket into my arms and asking with a frown: “Why isn’t dinner ready yet?” Due to years of business dinners, Ethan had a sensitive stomach. To take care of him, I quit my job and meticulously prepared stomach-friendly meals every day. Thinking about it now, isn’t that what a housekeeper does? “I didn’t make any,” I replied. “So you want me to eat that garbage takeout? Lila Shaw, do you think just because we’re about to get married and make it official, you can start slacking off?” My voice was hoarse: “About the wedding…” Ethan turned around, annoyed: “I told you to handle it. Can’t you see I’m swamped every day?” I met his impatient gaze, no longer tiptoeing around: “Let’s just forget about the wedding.” It took Ethan a moment to process. He stared at me, puzzled: “Forget it? Weren’t you the one crying and begging for a grand wedding?” I gave a bitter smile: “No wedding, and no need to get married. Let’s break up.” Seeing my swollen eyes, he finally sensed something was wrong. “Are you okay, Lila? You were the one who insisted on marrying me. My parents condescended to meet yours and even specifically allowed your… less well-off relatives to attend. Now everyone knows we’re getting married, and you’re saying forget it. What are you trying to pull now?” Ethan, always cold and arrogant in front of me, would bend over backward to cheer up another woman under her posts. For five years of our relationship, I was always the one actively sharing life’s little joys, while he was like a robot, just replying “Hmm” or “Okay.” Sometimes, if I accidentally sent an emoji, he’d call me childish. Turns out, it wasn’t that he was reserved. Indifference. It was just because he didn’t love me. “I said, I don’t want to get married. You don’t have to force yourself anymore. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on protecting your Phalaenopsis?” Ethan froze, his face instantly darkening: “Two years ago it was a photo in my wallet, last year it was a plane ticket, and now it’s a post? Can you stop making such a fuss!” With that, Ethan walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut. I felt like all my strength had been drained, and I collapsed onto the sofa. Every year, I’d find new evidence of Ethan’s lack of commitment to our relationship, always trying to salvage it with big fights. I forgot that leaving is the best escape. 2 When I woke up the next day, I found a light blanket covering me. Ethan was sitting nearby, leisurely sipping an Americano. He had a tall, imposing figure and a distinguished air, things that had made my heart flutter countless times. Seeing me awake, he said gently, “Today is Grandpa’s 80th birthday. I took a special day off from the company. Let’s go wish him a happy birthday together.” In the past, to accommodate Ethan’s schedule, the Sterlings always arranged old Mr. Finch’s birthday on a weekend. I clicked on Clara Finch’s account and, sure enough, saw her IP address had changed from Sweden to San Francisco. They called it the old man’s birthday banquet, but it was really just a welcome home party for Clara. Fine. Since the Sterlings would all be there, it was the perfect opportunity for me to announce the cancellation of the wedding. Seeing me start to put on makeup, Ethan frowned: “Haven’t I told you not to wear heavy makeup? Who are you dressing up so beautifully for?” After college, several guys had pursued me. Thinking back, Mr. Sterling had strongly pushed for Ethan and me to get together, probably because he valued my simple family background, my no-makeup-for-work demeanor, and my obedient nature. He figured once I married into the Sterling family, I’d be a contented, non-threatening housewife, focused on husband and children. I finished my makeup, put on high heels I hadn’t worn in ages, and retrieved the handwritten calligraphy birthday gift from the study. It was rare for Ethan to see me in full makeup. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. 3 As we opened the door to the Sterling mansion, I saw Clara Finch laughing and chatting amidst a group of elders. When Ethan arrived, Clara gasped, then skipped over and threw herself into Ethan’s arms. “Ethan, my dearest! I haven’t seen you in years! Did you miss me?” Ethan glanced at me, slightly uneasy. I ignored him and walked straight to old Mr. Finch, presenting the framed calligraphy: “Grandpa, happy 80th birthday.” Clara covered her mouth, feigning surprise: “Lila, you’re giving calligraphy too? Three months ago, I specially flew to England and spent $150,000 to commission a piece from the calligraphy master, Adrian Quillan. Whose work is yours?” “I wrote it myself.” Clara immediately had someone lay both pieces on the table for comparison. “I don’t know much about calligraphy, so I can’t tell good from bad.” Ethan said disdainfully, “How can her amateurish stuff compare to a master’s?” I nodded. “Master Quillan is 76 this year. Everyone in the field knows he stopped writing in cursive after 70 and only does formal script. This cursive piece by Master Quillan is indeed rare.” Clara’s expression changed. “I have a senior fellow apprentice who is Master Quillan’s student. I’ll call him right now and ask.” Clara instantly looked flustered. Ethan slapped my phone out of my hand. He snatched up my calligraphy, tore it into pieces with a few rips, threw it on the floor, and stomped on it hard. “Are a master’s affairs something someone like you can speculate about?” Before I could say anything, Clara started crying pitifully. “It’s all my fault. Why did I have to mention the $150,000? Lila’s probably never even seen that much money in her life.” Ethan pulled Clara into his arms. “There, there, Clara, don’t cry. She’s just unsophisticated and petty. Be good, you won’t be pretty if you keep crying.” Mrs. Sterling said sharply, “Lila, you’ve been here for so long. Why aren’t you in the kitchen yet?” Every time I visited, I would cook a table full of delicious food for them. My filial piety towards the elders was, in their eyes, no different from a housekeeper’s. Mrs. Sterling said gently to Clara, “Clara, dear, tell us what you want to eat. Lila can make it.” Clara pointed at my hands. “No wonder Lila’s hands are so rough. It must be from all the cooking. Not like mine; these hands only know how to play the piano and get manicures.” Ethan smirked. “That’s about all she’s good for.” I crossed my arms. “Sorry, these hands of mine aren’t cooperating. My carpal tunnel is acting up. I can’t serve anyone today.” 4 Mrs. Sterling frowned. “I just thought your cooking was decent and wanted to give you a chance to show off. How did it turn into serving us? What, not even married into the family yet and you’re already trying to pin labels on me?” Mr. Sterling slammed the table: “Enough! Today is Grandpa’s 80th birthday. Why are you all arguing over such a small matter?” Mr. Sterling had always been relatively nice to me. I’d wait until after dinner to bring it up. Even without my cooking, a table full of dishes was quickly laid out. Clara had already taken a seat next to Ethan. I was about to sit further away, but Ethan pulled me back. “Still mad after a few words?” I couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore. Clara bit her chopsticks, pouting. “Ethan, dearest, I want some of that fish roe.” Ethan stood up, brought the fish roe over, and thoughtfully placed it in front of Clara. Then, uncharacteristically, he put a large shrimp on my plate. I picked the shrimp off my plate and said coldly, “Don’t you know I’m allergic to shrimp?” Ethan slammed his chopsticks down. “Eat if you want to, leave if you don’t! We’re getting married in a month, what’s all this drama about? You’re such a handful!” My temper flared. “Grandpa, I’m sorry, I really can’t take it anymore. I’ve decided not to marry Ethan Sterling.” “What?!” Mr. and Mrs. Sterling shrieked in unison. Old Mr. Finch walked over unsteadily and grasped my hand. “Why suddenly not getting married? You’re already engaged, how can you not get married?” Ethan’s face was dark; he turned stiffly. “All these elders are here. You need to think before you speak!” “It’s precisely because the elders are here that I need to make things clear.” With that, I pulled out my chair and walked out, feeling a sense of relief. Clara whimpered and ran over to tug at my sleeve. “Lila, Lila, are you angry because I’ve been clinging to Ethan? I just haven’t seen him in years and got a little too excited. Please don’t misunderstand.” Ethan looked like he understood completely, pulling Clara to his side with a smirk. He scoffed mockingly, “Let her throw her tantrum. She does this once a year, like clockwork. We’ve spoiled her! Let’s eat, don’t mind her!” 5 I walked back to the villa, the cold wind hitting my face. In less than an hour, my luggage was packed. As I was buying a plane ticket, a notification for Clara’s post popped up. The picture was of a single, ice-white Phalaenopsis orchid, with two hands clasped in the blurred background. 【Haven’t seen you in years, and you give me white Phalaenopsis again. Besides you, who else still treats me like a child?】 The post blew up again, with a stream of【99】【So jealous】scrolling across the screen. But this time, that “Robert” account didn’t appear in the comments. I casually liked it, then swiped out, quickly bought a ticket for an evening flight, and rushed to the airport with my luggage. While going through security, I received a message from Ethan: 【Clara is planning to come work at my company. Tidy up the guest room on the third floor. Remember, no air freshener; she doesn’t like the smell.】 【Still daring not to reply?】 【Clara’s family and mine are old family friends. Don’t project your dirty thoughts onto us. Do I need to explain what ‘old family friends’ means?】 I didn’t reply. Instead, I opened the chat with my parents and told them I was coming home. Opening the door to my parents’ house, I was greeted by the aroma of hot food and their warm embrace. Ethan was always busy, and to take care of him constantly, I hadn’t been home in years. I told them I wasn’t planning to get married. My parents were surprised for a moment, then quickly accepted it. After all, on the day of our engagement, Ethan’s parents had been so snobbish, looking down their noses and openly mocking the precious local homemade gifts my parents brought, making my parents feel incredibly awkward. 6 Ethan must have gone back to the villa and found me gone, because he started calling. The custom ringtone he’d set for me echoed in my ears, over and over. I pressed the power-off button. Then I pulled out some calligraphy paper from under the cabinet, ground the ink, dipped the brush, and started practicing. Soon, the paper was densely covered with my writing. Satisfied, I turned my phone back on and opened the camera to take pictures. A notification for 99+ missed calls from Ethan popped up. I calmly swiped the notification away. After finding a good angle and taking several photos, I uploaded them to my social media. I woke up to find it had gone viral. There was a familiar profile picture in my DMs. It was Leo Bell, a senior from my hometown who was in the university calligraphy club with me. After a pleasant chat, we agreed to meet up tomorrow to catch up. 7 When I saw Leo Bell, he was holding a bouquet of larkspur, symbolizing freedom. Leo smiled shyly, just like the innocent young man from years ago. “I remember you like larkspur.” A delicate fragrance filled the air, and my heavy heart seemed to skip a beat or two unexpectedly. “You actually remembered.” Leo looked at me, his eyes shining like stars: “I remember a lot of things about you.” I felt a little embarrassed: “What should I give you in return?” Leo thought for a moment: “Well, then write a piece of calligraphy for me.” Leo walked me to my door. I didn’t let him leave, excitedly pulling out calligraphy paper: “What would you like me to write?” Leo picked up the inkstick and began to grind it for me. “May Lila be like the free-flying larkspur, and find her freedom in this life,” Leo said slowly, word by word. My brush paused, and my nose tingled. He looked at me quietly, his eyes holding a universe of stars. Once the characters were dry, he carefully wrapped it up as if it were a priceless treasure. “This wish, I’ll need your help to make it come true.” Under his caring gaze, I nodded vigorously. Suddenly, there was an urgent knock on the door. I thought my parents were back. When I opened the door, I saw a haggard-looking Ethan. He had dark circles under his eyes and a short stubble on his chin, looking utterly exhausted. 8 “Lila, why didn’t you tell me you came home…” Ethan’s voice was hoarse. Leo called out from the room: “Is that your aunt and uncle back?” Hearing an unfamiliar male voice, Ethan looked stunned. He gripped my shoulders tightly, demanding sharply: “Who is that man in there? You’ve only been back a few days and you’re already shacking up with a new guy?!”

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My fiancé, the man I was about to marry, suddenly dumped me. Not only did he refund every cent I’d ever spent on him, but he also got on his knees, bowing his head to the floor, begging me for us to go our separate ways and never see each other again. I was heartbroken. I moved into a new apartment and invited my colleagues over for a housewarming party. That night, everyone chatted happily, the atmosphere warm and friendly. But the next day, they looked at me as if they’d seen a ghost, avoiding me at all costs. They even quit their jobs en masse and blocked me on everything. All alone, I returned to my hometown, hoping for comfort from my family. I never expected that Cinder, the little dog I’d raised for ten years, would fall from our balcony and die overnight. My mom, who loved me more than anyone, had a sudden heart attack and left me forever. After Mom’s funeral, Dad waited until I was asleep, then, tears streaming down his face, he slit my wrists. As I was dying, I saw Dad kneel by my bed and plunge a knife into his own heart. What on earth had I done to become such a bringer of misfortune? When I get to the other side, I’m going to demand some answers! And yet, when I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my fiancé broke up with me.

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My wife, Sarah, was laying it on thick last night. I thought our marriage was about to turn a corner. Then I overheard her girlfriends teasing her. “So, how’s it going? When are you gonna get with the new college intern from the office?” Sarah burst out laughing. “I’ve been practicing hard, I’m in top form. Getting with a younger guy will be a piece of cake.” In the video call, everyone was howling, egging her on to film it. Right after that, Sarah, an architect, suddenly bailed on our Memorial Day weekend plans, saying she had to go out of town to oversee a project and couldn’t travel with me. But that same afternoon, I saw a video her intern, Kevin, posted on his social media feed. Sarah, who usually wouldn’t know which end of a hammer to hold, was there, covered in dust, mixing cement and laying bricks. The caption read: “Having an architect girlfriend is awesome. Don’t even need to hire workers to build a house!” I let out a cold laugh, liked it, and commented: “Professional job.” The company group chat blew up instantly. Colleagues were screenshotting and forwarding it, speculating when I’d lose it. When Sarah called, her voice was ice cold. “What the hell did you mean by that comment? How is Kevin supposed to show his face at work now?” “His family’s garden wall collapsed back home. So I helped him fix it, what’s the big deal? You, spoiled rotten by your parents, you wouldn’t understand real hardship.” “Delete that comment right now, and I promise I’ll make it up to you next holiday.” Next time? I scoffed and hung up. After Memorial Day weekend, the waiting period for the divorce would be over. … That was the first time I’d ever hung up on Sarah Hayes. I didn’t need to guess; she’d be furious. Sure enough, my phone started buzzing immediately. I declined the call and blocked her. Finally, some peace. “Mr. Miller, your table for two is ready, and the kitchen has started on your order. Will you be waiting, or…?” I glanced at the empty seat across from me. “She’s not coming. You can bring the food.” Ignoring the waiter’s pitying look, I looked down at my phone. A new message popped up in the work group chat. The intern, Kevin Chen, tagged everyone: “My post today was a bit inappropriate, sorry if it caused any misunderstanding.” That wasn’t an apology; it was a brag. I sneered. In the chat, Sarah quickly followed up: “You were just joking around. No need to apologize. Only someone petty would misunderstand.” With the lead designer setting the tone, colleagues came out of the woodwork to agree: “Yeah, yeah, we all knew you were kidding. No need to apologize.” “Thanks to Kevin, we got to see Sarah’s skills in action!” “Haha, there’s probably only one petty person in this chat, we all know who!” My colleagues were all sharp. They saw who the boss favored and sided accordingly, all defending Kevin. And me, the pitiful husband, was not only ignored but became the target of their ridicule. Even the protégé I’d personally mentored was sucking up to Kevin along with the others. After all, Sarah Hayes was the head of the company, and Kevin Chen was her new favorite. And I, the guy who’d invested his entire fortune to co-found the company, was just a freeloader in their eyes, a kept husband. I turned off my phone screen, set it aside. Out of sight, out of mind. I was determined to enjoy my holiday. But I’d barely taken a few bites when Mike, my assistant, sent a voice message, his tone aggressive: “Ethan, where are those blueprints I asked you to draw a few days ago? Why haven’t you submitted them?” “Which project?” I frowned slightly. To make time for the trip with Sarah, I’d pulled two all-nighters before the holiday, finishing all my assigned drawings. There couldn’t be any left. Mike said impatiently, “The Kingston project.” My frown deepened. “Didn’t Kevin take that one?” “Yeah, but he got sick and went back to his hometown. Sarah said you’d do the drawings. Ethan, can you hurry it up? The client’s breathing down our necks.” I almost laughed out loud. This was a major project, way out of an intern’s league. But Kevin, greedy for the big payout from a major project, had asked for it. And Sarah, completely smitten with him, actually gave it to him. What could Kevin, an intern with less than a year at the company and no real experience, possibly draw? No wonder he suddenly went “back home” – he cracked under the pressure and bailed. “When did Sarah say I was doing it? Besides, I’m out right now, I don’t have my computer. If the client’s pushing, tell them to talk to the boss.” With that, I hung up before he could reply and turned off my phone. Ridiculous. She was off in the countryside fooling around with her lover, while I was supposed to be here slaving over drawings? I expressionlessly cut my steak into small pieces and stuffed them into my mouth. Unexpectedly, five minutes later, the waiter hurried over with a landline phone: “Mr. Miller, your wife is on the line.” She just wouldn’t quit… I took a deep breath, took the phone. Sarah’s voice was like ice: “Ethan Miller, have I been spoiling you too much?” “What’s this, Ms. Hayes? Calling just to yell at me?” I speared a piece of steak with my fork, my tone cool. “I admit bailing on you was my fault, but that doesn’t mean you can push your luck.” “You have until I count to three to unblock my number. Otherwise, this marriage is over.” My hand slowly clenched into a fist. How had I never noticed before how sharp and cruel Sarah’s words could be? Just as I was about to say something, I faintly heard Kevin’s voice in the background, sounding like he was calling Sarah in for dinner. I laughed. “What, you went home to meet his parents and still find time to call me? Aren’t you afraid people will misunderstand?” “Oh, right. In the whole company, only I, the petty one, would misunderstand.” Sarah snapped, “Kevin’s family isn’t well off, he’s had a tough life. As his mentor, what’s wrong with me helping him out a bit? Why are you throwing a tantrum?” Footsteps approached on her end, and Kevin’s voice became clearer: “Sarah, Mom’s got dinner ready. Come on in and eat.” I heard Sarah’s voice soften as she moved away from the phone: “I just need to discuss some work. You go ahead and eat, I’ll be right there.” The next second, she was close to the mouthpiece again, her voice chilling: “I want those drawings by the end of Memorial Day. That’s the client’s hard deadline. If you can’t deliver by the fifth, pack your things and get out.” The line went dead. I realized I had been terribly wrong. Wrong to think a trip could mend our already broken marriage. The moment Sarah had thrown those signed divorce papers in my face, I should have faced reality. I stood up, grabbed my jacket, paid the bill, and left. Back at my hotel, I turned my phone on. Messages flooded in, all work-related. Countless people had tagged me, sending a barrage of files, demanding I give them initial designs and specs ASAP. It seemed genuinely urgent. But the divorce would be final in three days. Why should I care anymore? I didn’t even look at them. I left the group chat, typed up my resignation, found HR’s contact, and sent her the file. HR was surprised, said she couldn’t approve it without checking with Sarah. I braced myself for a confrontation with Sarah, but less than half a minute later, HR replied. “Sarah said okay.” Sarah was even more ruthless than I’d thought. But it was a good thing. I let out a genuine sigh of relief. Without all that company crap, I felt instantly lighter. After three days of thoroughly enjoying myself, I flew home. As I expected, Sarah wasn’t there. The large living room was eerily quiet, looking just as it did when it was first decorated, devoid of any warmth. It’s funny, this apartment felt more like a hotel than the one I’d stayed in the night before. This wasn’t the house we bought when we got married. The marital home I’d bought outright with my own money was sold long ago to fund Sarah’s company. This current place was acquired two years ago when a client, who’d stiffed us on a design fee, offered it as payment instead. It was in my name. I often worked late, so I wasn’t home much. Sarah was home even less, jetting around the country with Kevin, supposedly on business trips. But judging from the intern’s social media posts over the past year, they were clearly just wining and dining everywhere. Pushing aside annoying thoughts, I contacted a realtor and listed the apartment online. The market in this neighborhood was hot recently; the realtor said it would sell within a week, and for a good price. The price didn’t matter. I just didn’t want to keep anything connected to Sarah. The next morning, I went to the office to pack my things. Colleagues were subtly watching me, huddling together and whispering. News of my resignation had clearly spread. I ignored them, went through the exit procedures, and headed to my workstation to pack. I picked up a framed photo from my desk – a picture of me and Sarah, taken when we first started the company. Both of us had bright smiles, but the dark circles under our eyes were so prominent we looked like we were cosplaying pandas. It couldn’t be helped; the company was just starting out, and only she and I could do the drafting. We were like spinning tops back then, barely daring to close our eyes, just drawing day and night. Terrified of missing a deadline. We got through those tough times… My thoughts returned to the present. I casually tossed the photo into the trash can. Just as I was about to leave, Kevin’s voice came from behind: “Ethan, are the drawings for the Kingston project done yet?” I turned around. His young, innocent-looking face came into view. Seeing the box in my arms, he feigned surprise: “Oh… Ethan, are you resigning?” Why ask when you already know? I replied coolly, “Yeah, I am. Are you blind?” The smile froze on Kevin’s face. He changed the subject, asking for the drawings again. I found it strange. I’d already resigned, what drawings did I owe him? He could draw them himself. “But Sarah told you to submit them by the fifth…” “Then go ask her for them. I don’t have them.” I turned to leave with my box, but Kevin rushed to block my path. I sidestepped him to leave, but he suddenly collapsed as if having a seizure. “Aah—” “Kevin! Are you okay?!” Seeing this, Sarah rushed over, anxiously helped Kevin up, and after checking him for injuries, breathed a sigh of relief. She glared at me furiously. “Can’t you just talk things out? Why did you have to push him? Apologize to Kevin right now!” Kevin, pale-faced, tried to soothe her, “Sarah, don’t be angry. I was just too anxious about the Kingston project. It’s not Ethan’s fault, he just accidentally…” He mentioned the project, and Sarah instantly remembered today was the sixth. Her brow furrowed. “If you hadn’t reminded me, I would have forgotten. Ethan Miller, where are those drawings you were supposed to do? Why haven’t you submitted them yet?” “I’ve resigned. What drawings?” I retorted. “Resigned? Ethan, what kind of tantrum are you throwing now? You can’t produce the drawings, so you’re threatening me with resignation, is that it?” That was a strange thing to say. She herself had approved my resignation, and now she was accusing me of threatening her? Before I could speak, she strode over and slapped the box out of my arms. My belongings scattered across the floor. “Company documents are confidential. Who gave you permission to take them out?” Her voice was icy, her eyes blazing as if looking at an enemy. “If you want to leave, you can leave now. But these things need to be inspected first.” Nearby, colleagues craned their necks, watching the drama unfold. My face burned, my fists clenched tightly. Right now, I really, really wanted to land a punch squarely on that face I once loved to death. I closed my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and managed to calm down. “I don’t want the stuff anymore. You can throw it all away. Goodbye.” I threw out the words and turned to leave. As I neared the exit, someone snickered: “Haha, overplayed his hand. Thought he was so important to the company, huh? Bet he’s stunned now that Ms. Hayes kicked him out.” It was that male colleague who was always gossiping about me. I spun on my heel, strode over to him, grabbed the slice of cake he’d scrounged off someone from their desk, and unceremoniously smashed it right in his face. “Didn’t you brush your teeth this morning? Your breath stinks.” Seeing him standing there, dumbfounded, with cake all over his face, my mood lifted considerably. I turned and walked out of the company. Sarah’s car was parked downstairs. I’d given it to her when we got married. Lately, Kevin had been driving it. Just yesterday, I saw Kevin post on social media that Sarah was planning to transfer the car’s ownership to him, any day now. Logically, what someone does with a gift is none of my business. But it just made me sick. I grabbed a loose brick from the roadside and did a number on the car, wrecking it pretty thoroughly, until a security guard heard the commotion and came running, shouting. Only then did I drop the “weapon” and bolt. I didn’t care if I was caught on camera. The satisfaction was worth it. Leaving the office, I drove to the county clerk’s office and, before dark, successfully obtained the divorce certificate I’d longed for. Finally, free from this miserable marriage. I got to my front door, happily about to open it, when I suddenly heard voices from inside. Sarah’s parents had arrived. “That Ethan Miller is a real piece of work!” Sarah’s father was railing against me in the living room. “Your mother and I came all this way, and he didn’t even bother to pick us up. Kevin’s more thoughtful.” Sarah’s mother chimed in, “Didn’t you say he also threw a fit and smashed your car? Oh dear, I hope he doesn’t have a violent streak… You can’t keep a man like that. Divorce him sooner rather than later.” “Besides, that Kevin boy is so charming and sensible, and young too. He’s definitely in better shape than Ethan. We might finally get those grandkids we’ve been hoping for, right?” My hand rested on the doorknob, hesitating to push it open. When we first got married, her parents’ attitude towards me wasn’t like this. Later, as the company grew successful, they began to look down on me more and more. “I’m busy with work lately, not in a hurry to have kids.” Sarah’s voice drifted through the door. She wasn’t rejecting her parents’ suggestion, just commenting on the timing of having children. “Even if you’re not in a hurry, wouldn’t it be better to have someone who’s considerate to you and knows how to respect his elders?” “He hasn’t spoken to his own family in years, just mooches off his wife’s company all day. That’s not what I call a responsible man.” Sarah’s mother spoke of me with utter disdain, then said to Sarah, as if exasperated, “At least Kevin seems much better than that Miller guy. Sweetheart, shouldn’t you pick a man who’s good to you? Look at him, busy in the kitchen right now, he clearly knows how to take care of someone.” “And this jade bracelet I’m wearing? He bought it for me. And when he heard your dad’s leg was bothering him, he even bought a special therapeutic device for him…” I chuckled. Over the years, I’d given my in-laws plenty of gifts, any one of which was more expensive than those two items. And what was the result? They didn’t remember any of my kindness, and still thought I just sponged off their daughter’s money. No need to hear any more. I pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing me suddenly appear, the three of them froze. I ignored them and started walking towards the bedroom, but Sarah stopped me. “Ethan Miller, stop right there. You see my parents and don’t even greet them?” Sarah’s father snorted heavily. “Almost thirty, and still doesn’t have the social graces of a fresh college graduate. He’s really regressing.” Sarah’s mother crossed her legs, shot me a venomous glare, and sneered, “No sense of responsibility, just knows how to live off his wife all day. Truly shameless.” I paused, turned my head, and asked Sarah calmly, “My resignation, didn’t you tell your parents about it?” Sarah frowned. “I’ll contact the client about the Kingston project later and try to get you a few more days, okay? Constantly threatening me with resignation is really childish.” I found her ridiculous. “My resignation paperwork is all finalized. You think I’m threatening you?” Her mother’s eyes darted around, then she snapped, “What’s this? You plan to dump the whole company on my daughter while you loll around at home leeching off her? You’re truly shameless!” Sarah’s expression changed slightly. “I never approved it. How did you process the paperwork?” Still putting on an act at this point? I was speechless. This family of weirdos was truly difficult to communicate with. “Ethan, you’re back! Sorry, hope you don’t mind me using your kitchen. I made a bunch of my specialties today. Come sit down and try some.” Just then, Kevin emerged from the kitchen carrying a dish. Seeing me, he eagerly played the host. He looked as if he were the man of the house. I gave him a dismissive glance, not bothering to acknowledge him. I had no time for this male green tea bitch. Sarah’s father immediately bristled. “Sarah, look at that! Kevin kindly invites him to eat, and he doesn’t even have basic manners. He’s unbelievably arrogant.” Kevin looked overwhelmed by the attention, waving his hands frantically to explain, “No, no, Ethan’s always like this with me. It’s just that I’m not good enough…” Sarah’s mother couldn’t stand it anymore, slapped her thigh, and stood up. “Alright, I’ll say it! Ethan Miller, you know the situation between our families now. If you have any shame left, you’ll divorce our Sarah immediately.” “Mom.” Sarah frowned slightly, then turned to scrutinize me up and down. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a divorce… You’ve been acting very strangely lately. You refused to do the drawings I asked, you attacked Kevin, and you threw a tantrum and smashed the car.” “Ethan Miller, are you having some kind of mental breakdown?” She cheated on me, and now she thought I was mentally ill? I sneered. “I think you’re the one who’s lost her mind.” As they all stared, stunned, I slapped the divorce certificate down on the table. “Here’s the divorce you wanted. Can you all shut up now?”

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The new dark-skinned intern at the company, Blake, was always finding excuses to hang around my wife’s office. But no matter how much Blake flirted, my wife would frown and tell him to get lost. “I’m not interested in Black men. Try that again, and you’re out of this company!” I thought my wife genuinely disliked him. Until I set my sights on a gold watch at an auction. Just as I was about to bid, a mysterious benefactor suddenly made a grand bid for Blake, securing the watch for him. A little while later, I saw through someone else’s phone that my wife had hidden her social media posts from me: 【The most dazzling watch should adorn the most brilliant obsidian.】 The accompanying picture was a selfie of Blake wearing the gold watch. I let out a cold laugh and, in retaliation, extravagantly bid on all 99 remaining watches. I had them all thrown in front of Blake. “Wear them! Don’t you dare leave this auction house unless every single one is on your arm!” 1 I was at home studying financial reports when my wife, Sophia Reed, slammed the door open. “Was that really necessary?” She frowned at me, her usually gentle gaze now filled with displeasure. I frowned back. “What’s wrong?” She threw her phone at me. The video showed Blake with 99 watches weighing down his arm, causing him to collapse to the floor. The laughter of the onlookers was incessant: “Whose kept man is this? Making a fool of himself at an auction!” “Probably trying to show up the real sugar mama, but ended up making an even bigger ass of himself! Hilarious!” Blake’s arm was so heavy; he crawled out amidst roars of laughter. His breathing was ragged; he looked utterly pathetic. I turned off the phone. “I told you, people like me don’t tolerate disrespect.” Sophia sounded impatient. “Blake recently landed a major project for the company. I was just giving an employee a small reward. Can you stop being so suspicious and petty?” “Smash!” The desk ornament she had given me I hurled to the floor. Sophia quickly dodged, looking at me with some surprise. In five years of marriage, we had never raised our voices like this. This was our first real fight, our first act of aggression. And it was over a Black man. “A reward? You call making a spectacle of winning that gold watch for Blake, knowing full well your husband had his eye on it, a reward for an employee?” Sophia bit her lip. “But… even if you were angry, you could have yelled at him, even slapped him. What right did you have to make him crawl out of there on his knees?” “The right of being your husband!” I cut her off with a roar. “Is that so hard to understand? “Knowing your husband wanted it, yet you get it for another man – is that what a wife should do? “We might have had a marriage of convenience, but are you telling me there are no feelings between us after five years?” Sophia fell silent. Indeed, our marriage began as a business arrangement. But through countless moments of intimacy, feelings had undeniably grown between us. “Besides,” I said with a bitter laugh, “even if there were no feelings, that doesn’t mean you can deny me basic respect.” Sophia looked at me as if I were a stranger. “You need to cool down.” She threw those words at me and turned to leave. She didn’t even glance at the lavish meal spread on the table. My smile was bitter— She seemed to have forgotten that today was our fifth anniversary. 2 Sophia hadn’t responded to my messages for a while. I didn’t pester her; instead, I went to inspect my project. But as soon as I arrived on site, the manager stopped me. “I’m sorry, Mr. Vance, but Ms. Reed has gifted the Galaxy Dome to Mr. Blake.” I frowned. “Are you sure?” The manager gave an awkward smile. “Absolutely. The transfer contract has already been signed. This dome now belongs to Mr. Blake, and Mr. Blake said…” The manager’s eyes darted towards me, his voice dropping. “…that you, Mr. Vance, are not allowed entry…” My fists trembled slightly— The Galaxy Dome. I had personally designed it, overseen its construction, guided every single component. Once completed, the entire dome would simulate the most realistic depiction of the Milky Way. I had poured 365 days and nights into it, all as a birthday gift for myself. Sophia had personally accompanied me to building material markets to confirm the panels; she knew all this… Yet, with my birthday just around the corner, she gave away my brainchild… This was a deliberate provocation… “Mr. Vance?” Blake’s distinct accent sounded from behind me. “Are you looking for Ms. Reed?” He held his phone out to me. “Ms. Reed is very busy lately. Here, add me. If you need anything, just tell me.” He tilted his chin up, looking down at me, every bit the master of the house. I chuckled softly. “Just tell you, huh?” His eyes were full of self-assurance. But I let out a cold laugh— I have to go through another man to contact my own wife? If I added him today, I’d be the one on the outside. So, I snatched his phone. And smashed it violently on the ground. Shards flew everywhere. Blake exclaimed, “Mr. Vance, are you crazy!” “You guys,” I coldly gestured to my men behind me. “Tear it down!” My men surged forward, grabbing nearby shovels and clubs left over from construction, and began to brutally attack the dome I had personally designed and supervised. Tiles and glass shattered, some pieces flying directly at Blake. He frantically dodged left and right, grabbing at every one of my men who passed him. “Stop it! Ms. Reed gave this to me! She won’t let you get away with this!” “Ms. Reed?” My men simply pushed him aside. “We only answer to Mr. Vance!” “You!” Blake gritted his teeth. He strode towards me. “Make them stop! Didn’t you design this yourself? Are you just going to watch your hard work get destroyed?” “So, you do know I designed it, huh?” I smiled, looking at him. He caught his breath. “I… I only accepted Ms. Reed’s gift because I admired your design. Otherwise, why would I want a building that’s purely ornamental? “Stop them, quickly, or the dome will be completely ruined!” “Blake.” I grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to look at me. “That’s just how I operate: I’d rather destroy something than let someone else have it. “You think I have the patience to watch a homewrecker like you lording it over in a building I designed? I’m not that magnanimous!” With that, I slammed him to the ground. Blake’s knees scraped, oozing blood, and he winced in pain. I looked at the ruins around us, kicked a piece of debris towards him, then turned and strode away with my men. But as soon as I got home, I discovered that my wife, who had blocked me, had suddenly made a social media post visible to me again. 3 In the photo, Blake stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a woman, the entire Milky Way before them. Location: Iceland. Caption: 【If someone destroyed your galaxy, I’ll give you a sky full of stars.】 My grip on the phone tightened until my hand trembled slightly— Fine. Very fine. If Sophia wanted to fight me to the bitter end, then she couldn’t blame me for disregarding the ties between the Vance and Reed families. Sophia returned a week later. But when she came back to the company, she didn’t find me crying and begging for her forgiveness. Instead, she found a company with more than half its employees gone, and a significant portion of its investors vanished overnight. What she hadn’t anticipated at all was— I, the husband in this joint family business, had also withdrawn my shares. When she found me, I was in lively conversation with my blonde, blue-eyed partner, Leah. When she saw Leah kiss me on the cheek, Sophia suddenly rushed forward and pulled us apart. I stumbled, almost losing my balance, and shot her a frowning glare. “What do you think you’re doing!” Sophia’s breathing was unsteady. “That’s what I should be asking you! What are you doing!” “Just discussing a project. Haven’t you heard of a cheek kiss as a greeting?” “I!” Sophia was taken aback. Of course, she knew about cheek kisses. But seeing me and my partner exchange them, she just couldn’t help herself. “That…” she changed the subject, “about you withdrawing your shares…” I sounded impatient. “I didn’t want to be partners with you anymore, so I withdrew my shares. What’s the problem?” “So, you can be partners with her then!” Sophia pointed at Leah across from me. My expression turned icy in an instant. “Sophia, who I partner with is my business. If you disrespect my partner again, don’t blame me for falling out with you right now!” “What partner!” Sophia’s breathing quickened. “The way she looks at you, are you really that blind, or are you pretending not to see? I can see it perfectly clearly, she…” Leah’s face paled. I interrupted Sophia: “My relationship with Leah is just like your relationship with Blake! Can you stop assuming the worst of people! You should know when to let things go, don’t you understand such a simple principle?” Sophia froze. She seemed to realize. Those words, they were almost exactly what she had once said to me. Biting her lip, she took two steps back, then turned and strode away. That evening, I took Leah out to dinner as an apology. When Leah, a little tipsy, helped me home, I expected the house to be empty as usual, just me. But this time, as soon as I opened the door, the woman on the sofa looked up. “Honey…” Sophia’s eyes were a little red. “Blake has been fired.” Saying this, she handed me a resignation letter. “I really did dislike him at first. It’s just that he shielded me from some falling debris when I was inspecting a project, and his arm got injured. I had to repay him. “I thought getting him that watch would settle the debt completely, but I didn’t expect you to show up…” She paused, tentatively taking my hand. “I admit I was being stubborn. When you went after Blake, everyone was laughing, saying you were slapping my face. I got angry and kept opposing you. “Blake… I don’t actually like him.” Her phone buzzed incessantly. She took it out and handed it to me. Messages from Blake popped up one after another: 【Ms. Reed, did I do something wrong? Just tell me, and I’ll change!】 【Or do you think I’m asking for too much? I’ve returned everything you bought me. As long as you let me stay by your side, I don’t want anything…】 【Please, Ms. Reed, I came to this foreign country all alone. You’re my only emotional support. If you don’t want me, I’ll die…】 Sophia tapped on Blake’s profile picture and, right in front of me, deleted and blocked him. Then she took a deep breath and looked at me. “I’m sorry, honey. I thought being defiant would solve the problems between us, but when I saw you and Leah exchange cheek kisses, I realized I couldn’t stand it at all… “I think all those games I played with Blake out of spite only caused you more pain. “I’m sorry…” The door behind her opened. Gifts filled the entire room. What surprised me even more was that the ceiling had been remodeled to look like the Milky Way. The gold watch I had once favored, now retrieved from Blake’s wrist, had been redesigned and placed in a box. “Honey, let’s make up. Let’s be good to each other from now on…” “Okay.” A five-year marriage of convenience, with some genuine affection mixed in – my intention was mainly to teach her a lesson. Since she’d come to her senses, we could still make money together. 4 I didn’t forgive Sophia quickly. Because I noticed she would still stare at her phone in a daze from time to time. I secretly took a look. She hadn’t unblocked Blake. But her business partner in Africa was sending her daily updates on Blake’s situation. A dark-skinned foreigner, facing severe discrimination in his new company. Not only did he have to do work that wasn’t his until the early hours of the morning, but if he was even one minute late the next day, he’d be dragged into the lobby for a public reprimand. If there was a single typo in a document he submitted, he had to kneel on the floor and wipe it for his colleagues. Some would even take the opportunity to spit sunflower seed shells on him. But he couldn’t fight back; he could only endure it tearfully. Pictures of him were sent to Sophia’s phone one by one, even photos of him being sexually harassed by his boss in the office. They sent a message: 【In his homeland, sexual relationships are more open. Blake isn’t trying to break up your family.】 Sophia’s expression grew increasingly grave. She typed a message and sent it: 【But this is America.】 Then she blocked this partner too. I stood silently behind her, saw everything, and quietly turned away. Good. It seemed my wife could still distinguish right from wrong. In that case, she could also participate in the cross-border acquisition of the German company. Not long after, the acquisition ceremony officially began. Not only were there business partners, but prominent local political figures also attended. If the acquisition succeeded, my and Sophia’s joint company would become a local leader, boosting the GDP significantly. But just as the German party was about to sign the contract, the large screen behind them suddenly displayed a video of Blake being cornered by a group of men. His screams and the men’s taunts about him being an “imported slave” made the German representative instantly put down his pen. “Ms. Reed!” The doors to the venue burst open. Blake’s clothes were tattered and hung loosely on him, easily leading one to imagine what he had endured. He threw himself into Sophia’s arms. “I was planning to go back to Africa, but I didn’t expect your husband still wouldn’t let me go… “He said if I was violated, you’d be disgusted and never look at me again. I wanted to end it all, but I held on just to see you one last time…” “What?” The German representative threw down his pen and turned to the local officials. “Is this how City A treats its foreign guests?” The officials’ faces paled. Just as they were about to explain, the German representative looked at me. “We were willing to entrust our company to you because we admired Mr. Vance’s character, but you’re not the only excellent company interested in acquiring us!” I quickly grabbed the microphone. “Distinguished guests, regarding this video, I have a few questions. Firstly…” “Crash!” The vase on the table suddenly flew at my forehead. I fell to the ground, my forehead hitting the corner of the table. Blood trickled into my mouth, tasting strongly of iron. And the perpetrator—my wife—was now protectively shielding Blake, looking down at me. “Is there any point to this charade? “You think I don’t know that Blake’s unfair treatment at his new company was all your doing?!” The German representative be stunned for a moment. Sophia immediately showed them evidence of the injustice Blake had suffered at his new company. I looked at Sophia in disbelief. “How could you not see through such a clumsy trick! Have you ever seen workplace sexual harassment where someone is allowed to film nearby!” “To satisfy your twisted desire for revenge, what wouldn’t you do?” My breath caught— Now I finally understood. I was wrong. Although she had blocked the African partner that day, in her heart, she had long since identified me as the culprit behind Blake’s suffering… The German representative stormed off angrily. The official pointed at me, furious. “Don’t expect any support for your company from now on!” Everyone began to leave the venue. Sophia gave me a cold look. “You can defend your own dignity, but not at the expense of trampling on someone else’s!” Watching her lead Blake away. I pushed myself up, leaning on the table. My gaze grew colder. Since I’ve done all I could, don’t blame me for taking things to the extreme! My bloodied hand picked up the phone. I gave an order: “Bring me the acquisition file for Reed Industries.”

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To help my girlfriend pay off her debts, my mom and I worked ourselves to the bone, day and night. Because of it, Mom developed lung cancer. When I rushed to the hospital with the money for her treatment, I found she had already hanged herself, leaving only a letter: “Liam, Mom’s not going to make it. Take this money and pay off those debts. Sophia is a good girl; she has you in her heart, she just lost her way for a bit.” “Once the debts are paid, you two live a good life together.” Clutching my mother’s ashes, I handed the thirty thousand she had painstakingly saved to Sophia. Back at the company, I accidentally overheard her talking with a few “creditors.” “Ms. Sterling, Mr. Evans has passed all the tests you set. What’s the next step?” Sophia’s childhood friend, Dylan, suddenly spoke up: “Sophia, my dear, although Liam can go through thick and thin with you, we still need to see if he can handle wealth and fortune.” Sophia pursed her lips: “Next, I want to see if he’s truly sincere with me.” “Once he knows my identity, if he doesn’t covet money, isn’t swayed by riches…” “I’ll marry him.” I looked at my mother’s ashes, tears streaming down my face. Sophia, Mom was wrong about you, and I was fooled too. I don’t want to marry you anymore. After leaving Sterling Corp, I sat dazedly by the roadside, holding my mother’s urn. To save five hundred dollars for Sophia’s debt, Mom had actually made me put her ashes in a pickle jar. Sophia’s face appeared on the large screen in the square. The news anchor reported: “Just moments ago, Sophia Sterling, the Sterling Corporation chairman who disappeared three years ago, attended a ceremony with her fiancé, Dylan Hayes.” Watching the glamorous Sophia on the screen, tears blurred my vision. So, all the back-breaking work my mother and I did to pay off debts was just an elaborate scam. I sat there for a long time, until evening, when Sophia called. Her voice on the phone was still gentle: “Why aren’t you home so late? Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.” I opened my mouth but couldn’t say a word. Before, I would have complained with a hint of annoyance about her interrupting my work. But now, I couldn’t bring myself to utter such intimate words. Sophia’s tone became anxious: “Liam, where are you?” “Busy.” Sophia paused, seemingly remembering that to help her pay off debts, I always worked late into the night. She had promised that once the debts were cleared, she would marry me and we’d live a stable life. And today was supposed to be the day she confessed her identity to me. “I… I have something to tell you. Actually, I’m the heir to the Sterling Corporation.” “Wait for me, I’m coming to get you…” I hung up the phone and hailed a cab. I had long given up any hope for Sophia. When I came to my senses, the car window reflected my tear-streaked face. Sophia’s messages kept popping up on my phone; I didn’t even glance at them. Today was supposed to be the beginning of our new life. But her deception had turned my mother’s death into a tragedy. Five years of hard work, only to exchange for an absurd truth. Sophia, I don’t want to marry you anymore. That night, I didn’t go home; I stayed in a hotel. Sophia sent messages all night and called countless times; I ignored them all. The next morning, I went to the company to prepare my resignation letter. This company was a subsidiary of Sterling Corp, and I was just an ordinary accountant. Five years ago, I met and fell in love with Sophia, who had just joined the company. After I introduced her to my mother and we started planning the wedding, she told me she had incurred massive debts and been fired from her job. To help her pay them off, I took on multiple part-time jobs, and Mom also worked day and night, her already weathered face growing even more fatigued. Unexpectedly, this company was her own business. I laughed self-deprecatingly. Just then, Sophia walked in. I silently took out the printed resignation agreement and, under her gaze, calmly signed my name. She looked at me, her voice gentle: “Finished writing?” “Finished.” 2 Sophia bit her lip gently, seemingly unaware of the change in me. She cleared her throat: “Liam Evans, come with me for a moment.” As I followed her out, my colleagues immediately started whispering. “Oh my god, did you see the news? Sophia Sterling is the chairman of Sterling Corp!” “Isn’t Liam about to become the CEO’s husband? But look at his face…” “Just a little spat between them, they’ll make up in a couple of days…” Everyone thought I was about to hit the jackpot. Only I knew I just wanted to escape all of this. In the office, Sophia reached out to take my hand. I instinctively stepped back: “Ms. Sterling.” Sophia frowned: “Why didn’t you come home last night? Still mad at me?” I shook my head: “I went to see my mother.” I didn’t want to go home because I didn’t want Mom to see her again. With treatment, Mom still had a chance to live. But she chose to end her life to avoid burdening us. Sophia seemed to sense something was off with me. After a moment of silence, she spoke: “Tonight, let’s go see Auntie together.” After saying that, she seemed to remember something, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. She slowly handed me a card. “There’s a million in here. Buy Auntie some new clothes, consider it as…” I looked at the bank card but didn’t take it. What she owed us couldn’t be compensated with money. Seeing me silent, a flash of panic crossed Sophia’s eyes, and just as she was about to speak, a ringtone interrupted her thoughts. Sophia took out her phone, glanced at me, hesitated for a moment, then left. I knew this was probably her so-called test for me. Testing my sincerity, testing if I was greedy for money. But I no longer cared. Afterward, I submitted my resignation agreement. Faced with my sudden resignation request, Vice President Davis didn’t seem surprised. “Liam, you’re resigning. Does Ms. Sterling have other arrangements for you?” I bit my lip, finding it all somewhat absurd. Everyone thought I was about to become the CEO’s husband, to join the upper class. Everyone envied my luck. Yet they didn’t know I had lost my mother forever because of it. If I had a choice, I would rather have never met Sophia. Leaving the company, I saw Sophia with her childhood friend, Dylan Hayes. Seeing my gaze, Sophia subconsciously started to explain; “This is Dylan, he’s my…” Before she could finish, Dylan put his arm around her: “Fiancé.” I said nothing. Then, Dylan spoke again: “Excuse me, please move.” A hint of provocation flashed in Dylan’s eyes. I silently stepped back, clearing the way. Sophia looked at me, hesitation in her eyes, wanting to say something, but was ultimately pulled away by Dylan. That evening, I went to a memorial chapel and placed my mother’s ashes there. I stayed until the prayers for her soul were complete. Sophia didn’t show up, nor did she ask. I didn’t care. Whether she knew about Mom’s death or not didn’t matter anymore. I think if Mom knew the truth from the afterlife, she wouldn’t want to see her again either. Five years of misplaced devotion ended at this moment. At dawn, I returned home. Sophia wasn’t back; I didn’t care. As I packed my things, the news was reporting on Sterling Corporation’s chairman and her fiancé Dylan Hayes attending a gala. Looking at the well-matched pair, I felt little emotion. After packing my luggage, I was about to leave. The sound of a door opening, and Sophia appeared. The moment she saw me, Sophia rushed over and grabbed my hand: “Where were you last night? Why didn’t you answer my calls?” I was taken aback and pulled my hand free from Sophia’s grasp. “I was with Mom last night. I didn’t want to disturb her rest, so I turned off my phone.” Hearing me mention Mom, Sophia remembered what she had said that day, a look of guilt on her face. “I’ll arrange for the best doctors to help Auntie recuperate.” With that, she took out a box and pressed it into my hand. “This is what I promised to give Auntie.” I subconsciously opened it. Inside was a bracelet. It was the genuine version of the bracelet Mom had cherished so carefully. I froze. Once, Sophia had held Mom’s hand, vowing earnestly and very seriously that one day, she would give her a priceless genuine piece. 3 Mom had smiled then; she didn’t care if the bracelet was real or not. As long as it was from Sophia, from the daughter-in-law she approved of, she would be happy. But I think that was in the past. I closed the box and handed it back. “When you have the chance, give it to her yourself.” Sophia frowned slightly. Every time, I had made the choice she most anticipated. But my politeness now made her feel a bit estranged. A slight unease welled up in her heart. She gripped my hand, tightening it slightly. “Auntie’s health…” Just then, Dylan appeared, linking his arm through Sophia’s. “Sophia, darling, I want to stay in this room!” She was pointing to my room. “This room is occupied.” After Sophia said this, she immediately explained to me: “He’s my friend, here for a temporary stay because of work.” With that, Sophia stared at me intently, as if expecting me to refuse. But I nodded, agreeing without hesitation: “Let him have the room. I need to go be with my mother.” Sophia froze for a moment. Dylan, not giving me a chance to back out, immediately rushed into the room. Only then did she notice the luggage in my hand. She bit her lip, gripping my hand tightly, refusing to let go. The guilt in her eyes deepened. Finally, amidst Dylan’s urging, she spoke: “Tomorrow, I’ll go see Auntie.” I took my luggage and returned to my mother’s apartment, ready to collect all her belongings. But looking at her room, I couldn’t help but cry again. Her room was large, capable of holding many things. Her room was also small, so small it only contained bits and pieces of me and Sophia. On the wall hung a photo of me and Sophia. On the table sat the inexpensive little duckling figurines Sophia and I had given her. In the corner, the milk I brought for her, she hadn’t drunk a single bottle. All saved for me and Sophia. The bracelet Sophia gave her, she kept carefully in a box, polished bright. Besides these, what belonged to her were countless craft components. Endless embroidery, and a mountain of leather bags. All of this was to save money for Sophia’s debt. And all for my future happiness. I tore these photos to shreds, smashed the figurines to pieces. But the one photo, of me and Sophia holding her hand, I couldn’t bring myself to destroy. I tucked the photo at the bottom of a box and packed everything up. I went back to the company for the final handover. As soon as I arrived, I saw Dylan sitting in my chair. Colleagues around us looked on, no one speaking. Perhaps in their eyes, this was a showdown between the childhood sweetheart and the fated love. Get caught in the middle, and no one escapes unscathed. Seeing me approach, Dylan crossed his legs and tossed out a check. “Ten million, for this seat.” Faced with his provocation, I calmly took the check. “Alright, I’ll just pack my things.” Everyone thought I had bent my back for a paltry sum, sighing at me with disappointment. I didn’t care, just calmly packed my things, ready to leave. Just then, Sophia walked over and noticed me holding my luggage. Her expression suddenly tightened. “Where are you going?” “I…” Dylan cut in: “I bought this spot.” Sophia frowned, glanced at me, and I held up the check. “I took the money. Ten million.” Hearing my words, Sophia suddenly froze. She turned her head to see Dylan’s expression, as if seeking praise. Her face suddenly darkened, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense. Sophia said nothing, as if tacitly agreeing. Not until my figure disappeared from view, Sophia pushed away Dylan’s approaching hand. In front of everyone, she slapped him across the face, her voice icy: “Don’t you dare humiliate him, understand?” After leaving the company, my phone received a text from Sophia. 【The specialists I hired have arrived. I’ll have them go to Auntie’s hospital room now.】 【Tonight, let’s go see Auntie together.】 【I’m craving your cooking.】 I smiled, a sudden bitterness welling up. Sophia, goodbye. I took all my luggage and headed to the airport. As I was about to board the plane, Sophia’s messages popped up frantically. 【Liam, the specialists went to the hospital. Why isn’t Auntie there?】 【Liam, where on earth did Auntie go!?】 【Mom, she really…】 4 The phone rang incessantly. I watched the name “Sophia” flash repeatedly on the screen but never pressed the answer key. On the screen were the messages she had tirelessly sent, one after another, anxiously asking about Mom’s whereabouts, asking where she had gone, and asking where I had gone, why I wasn’t answering the phone. Reading the messages, my fingers trembled slightly, a mix of emotions churning within me. She finally remembered to care about Mom and me, but for me, none of it mattered anymore. I looked at the flashing name on my phone screen and finally turned it off. I had been gone from my job for a while now. These past few days, I had cut off all contact with the outside world, all sounds, hiding myself in a corner of this city. Since Mom passed away, I hadn’t rested properly for a long time. I felt so tired, my eyelids too heavy to lift, just wanting to sleep. I tried to clear my thoughts, to find a path to start over, but reality was like an airtight net, binding me tightly, suffocating me. Sophia, that name was once the most beautiful thing in my life, now it had become my deepest nightmare. I never imagined that the person I had loved for so long, the person I had given so much for, had been plotting a huge deception from the very beginning of our relationship. I met Sophia when we were both starting out. She was full of ambition, just launching her business, and I was just a recent college graduate, full of dreams and aspirations for the future. I gave everything I had for her. But I never expected that she had never trusted me, that she had been testing me all these years. All for nothing, I and Mom scrimped and saved to pay her debts, only to end up like this. My tears had nearly run dry. I once thought we would walk this path together forever, but now, I realized how terribly wrong I was. Sophia was always busy. I used to think her busyness was all for our future, so even if I didn’t see her for long periods, I never minded. Until that day I overheard her conversation with Dylan. This world is too ridiculous, isn’t it? More than her deception, I almost wished our relationship had died in a blaze of outright betrayal. But facts don’t change with my feelings. I truly couldn’t accept it. Therefore, in the end, I still chose to leave, chose to withdraw from this world full of lies and betrayal. I submitted my resignation, without telling anyone, including Sophia. I just wanted to escape, to escape this heartbreaking place, and this man who caused me so much pain. * (Self-correction in original text seems to be a gender mix-up, should be “woman” or “person”)* But what I didn’t know was that in the days I was gone, other places were also experiencing the storms Sophia brought. Unable to find me, Sophia started asking people at the company about me. And the first person she approached was the company’s Vice President, the one in charge of important personnel changes. I had been deliberately discreet about my resignation; the VP didn’t know I was doing all this behind Sophia’s back. So when Sophia came looking, she was terrified, speaking very cautiously, afraid of angering Sophia. “Ms. Sterling, Liam Evans has already resigned. Didn’t you have other arrangements for him?” “What?” Sophia’s voice instantly rose, filled with shock and disbelief: “He resigned? When did he resign? Why didn’t I know?” 5 Under Sophia’s intense questioning, the VP had no choice but to slowly explain: “Three days ago, Mr. Evans suddenly submitted his resignation, saying he was going back to his hometown. I thought it was your instruction.” Everyone at the company thought Sophia and I were a couple. They were very polite to me, the man soon to be the CEO’s husband, and wouldn’t hinder anything I wanted to do. Before Sophia could say anything, someone spoke from the side. “Going back to his hometown? Hmph, he sure ran fast!” Dylan’s voice suddenly interjected, tinged with a hint of triumph and disdain. “What are you doing here?” Sophia frowned, seemingly not wanting Dylan to know too much. “What? Afraid I’ll interrupt your reunion with your lover?” Dylan’s tone was sharp, thick with jealousy. “Don’t talk nonsense. Are you here for something? If not, leave quickly. Don’t disturb my work!” Hearing Sophia’s words, Dylan was about to flare up,

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I basically bought my brother’s dirt-poor driver. He didn’t have much money, but he had a killer tight waist and a perky ass. Standing still, he looked like a professional male model; moving, he was pure energy. Only problem? He was a total show-off, always buying knock-off luxury goods, stuff he claimed was worth millions. One day, I had him tied to the headboard, giving him a piece of my mind, when my brother suddenly called: “Weren’t you gonna ‘hire’ my driver? How come you haven’t hit him up yet?” I froze. Then who the hell was this guy in front of me? 1 My brother became nouveau riche overnight thanks to his viral TikTok dances. And me, his totally dependent little sister, rode his coattails right into the New York City socialite scene. But they always made fun of me, saying my clothes were tacky, my taste in food was basic, and I wouldn’t even dare hit on male models at clubs. I got so mad, I swore I’d find someone even hotter than a male model, someone who’d blow everyone away. My brother’s advice? “Then go for my driver. Saw him at the urinal once, dude’s packing.” If my brother said he was packing, it had to be true. After all, back in our small town, all the girls called him “The Stud.” 2 To save face, I immediately rushed to my brother’s company to find his driver. As soon as I got to the parking garage, I saw a tall, handsome guy standing in front of a luxury car. In front of him was an elegant woman, crying and tugging at his arm: “Ethan Vance, it’s just adding some girl’s contact info, why are you so against it!” Ethan Vance? Isn’t that my brother’s driver? My brother told me his driver, “Ethan,” had a rough childhood—abusive alcoholic dad, and his mom even tried to make him escort to pay off her debts. Sure enough, I heard “Ethan Vance” reply coldly, “I said no. I’m not interested in that kind of thing.” “You’re trying to kill me with anger!” His mother started hitting him. I saw red. Such a great body, what a waste if it got damaged! I rushed forward, got between them, and snapped: “Ma’am, you’re out of line! “Take this hundred grand and leave my Lily Chen’s man alone!” With that, I pulled out the check I’d prepared and shoved it at his mother, then told security to escort her out. His mother was still yelling, “Who dares touch me? Do you know who the Vance family is in NYC…” I completely ignored her. After all, only incompetent people resort to empty threats. After my heroic rescue, I figured “Ethan Vance” behind me must be totally smitten. Maybe he’d even throw himself at me and confess his love right then and there? 3 Turns out, the poorer they are, the prouder they get. When I turned around, blushing, I met “Ethan Vance’s” cold, handsome face. He looked anything but grateful, his thick brows furrowed, his sharp gaze fixed on me. The moment our eyes met, a shiver ran down my spine—painful, yet exhilarating. I finally understood why club models didn’t do it for me. Their eyes were too tame, they didn’t ignite my desire to conquer. But him? He was all thorns. And I loved it. I felt like I could make him fall head over heels for me. I cleared my throat, trying to sound composed. “Ethan, right? Hi, I’m Mr. Chen’s sister.” “Ethan?” He raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, the pressure was intense. My legs felt like jelly. What the hell! I’m the one who just dropped a hundred grand! I’m the sugar mommy here! I was about to toughen up, but then I glanced at his tight waist and perky ass. Instantly, I softened, my voice gentle: “Ethan, you don’t have to be strong in front of me. It’s okay to cry, really. “My brother told me all about your family situation.” He narrowed his eyes, studying me. “My family situation?” he asked, his voice icy. Still playing tough. Seeing him pretend to be strong now, thinking about him possibly crying alone at night, my heart ached. “Wasn’t your mom just forcing you to add that woman’s contact? “Instead of getting pawed by old ladies at those clubs and maybe catching something, why not be with me? I’m healthy, I can wolf down two huge steaks in one sitting. “You won’t have to drive for my brother anymore. Just… keep me company in bed. “My brother pays you, what, ten grand a month? I’ll give you five times that—fifty thousand! “If you don’t want people to know I’m keeping you, just say we’re dating. When it’s over, you can say you dumped me.” After I said all that, I was moved by my own “generosity.” I wasn’t just a sugar mommy; I was a freaking savior! But his face grew colder, and then he turned to leave. That tall back of his looked exactly like mine when I pretend to walk away after a failed haggle at the market. I knew I should wait for him to turn back first. But his beauty had addled my brain. I grit my teeth, hurried forward, and grabbed his hand. “Eighty thousand! Eighty thousand, okay? “If you walk out now and your mom comes looking for trouble again, I’m not getting involved!” That stopped him. 4 I felt like the sugar baby arrangement hadn’t even started, and this man already had my heart in a vise. Just five minutes ago, he’d turned around, his long fingers tilting my chin up, his cold eyes scrutinizing me. His gaze was like a sharp blade, so cutting, so fierce… yet it thrilled me. My heart pounded like a drum, my mouth was dry, and my whole body felt hot. I felt like if he just called me “baby” right then, I’d turn feral, pin him against the wall, and give him my life. So, this was what love felt like! But he only let me bask in it for three minutes before pulling his hand away with a smirk and a “tsk.” “Fine. “If my mom shows up and harasses me again, you deal with her.” He agreed! I immediately whipped out my phone, added him on a messaging app, and transferred the eighty thousand dollar “sponsorship” fee. His profile pic showed him in a racing suit, leaning casually against a race car, devastatingly handsome. But I could tell with one glance it was Photoshopped. That car was worth nearly a hundred million, supposedly belonging to the heir of the Vance family, one of NYC’s top dogs. My brother said his driver, Ethan, was a nice guy but very flashy, loved to act rich. Sure enough, he didn’t accept the eighty thousand immediately. He just gave it a lazy glance, as if he couldn’t care less. I had to admit, he played the part well. But I knew, with his leeching parents, he’d probably never seen so much money in his life. He must be freaking out inside. I tentatively reached out and successfully took his hand. He didn’t pull away. Instead, he looked at me with an excited glint in his eyes. “Nervous?” I said no, but I couldn’t help swallowing hard. He chuckled. “Nervous just holding hands, and you’re trying to play sugar mommy?” I got angry. “What are you talking about! Is that any way to talk to your benefactor!” 5 Pissing off your sugar mommy has serious consequences. But my little toyboy didn’t seem to get that. On the way, I put on an angry face, but he just casually scrolled through his phone, ignoring me. I silently cursed myself for paying him the full amount too quickly. If I’d only fronted him forty thousand, maybe his attitude would be better. Rookie mistake! When we got to my apartment, I planned to keep giving him the cold shoulder, to show him who was boss. But he didn’t even look at me, just took off his clothes and went into the bathroom. Listening to the water running, I felt like I was the driver, escorting the prince home for his bath. I’m the sugar mommy here! If he’s showering, he should be showering for me to watch! With that thought, I felt bold and swaggered over to the bathroom door, flinging it open. He was standing with his back to me under the showerhead, frowning at me as I barged in. “Out.” 6 It was steamy, but his Captain America butt was still faintly visible. This successfully inflated my lusty courage. “Insolent! What do you mean, ‘out’! “This is my house, and you’re the man I’m keeping!” I strutted in, hands on my hips, right in front of him. “I want to watch you shower now, inspect the goods. Can’t I do that? “I need to see if the merchandise is… up to par, right?” He looked like I’d amused him. Suddenly, he turned around magnanimously. “Sure, if you’ve got the guts to stare. Don’t get so flustered you faint.” Water droplets covered his full, sexy pecs, trickling down, past his V-taper and Adonis belt… My gaze traveled lower. My first reaction wasn’t about whether it was as big as my brother said. Instead, I blurted out, “It’s so ugly.” His previously amused expression suddenly changed, then quickly darkened. His icy tone had a hint of gritted teeth. “Lily Chen, say that again?” “You dare call your sugar mommy by her first name! “I’m saying you’re all show and no go! So ugly I don’t even want to use it!” Actually, my face was about to explode from blushing. I didn’t dare take a second look. I finished speaking and turned to run. But he grabbed me, pinned me against the wet tiles, his large hand pressing my head down… “Lily Chen, look again and then tell me!” I was forced to look very clearly. It was like standing on a mountaintop, watching a giant dragon soaring through a jungle. I suddenly understood why my ex-sister-in-law said she didn’t like big ones. Just looking at it gave me a phantom pain, like it could touch my tonsils. Pain, so much pain! 7 But I couldn’t lose my sugar mommy dignity, or how would I manage my future harem? So, I grit my teeth and insisted: “S-say what! “This thing… it’s clearly not the real deal, all talk no action! It’s been ages and it’s not even… started. Are you useless or something!” He seemed to laugh out of anger. Suddenly, he bent down, scooped up my butt, and lifted me. In my fantasies, I’d be like a tigress, wild and seductive, ready to clamp down on him in minutes. But in reality, I was like a modern-day college student: all dirty talk online, but a virgin in real life. When his handsome face got close, my brain short-circuited. My limbs went stiff, like a zombie. He bent his head, his beautiful thin lips pressing hard against mine. “Am I giving you CPR?” he frowned. “Stick your tongue out.” I immediately stuck my tongue out. He stared at me, tongue out like a lizard, his face extremely dark. He raised a hand and just… tossed me. I landed on the toilet, my butt almost getting stuck. He looked down at me, then suddenly smirked. “Need help peeing, kiddo?” Ah! He’s so handsome when he smiles! Wait, he dared to call me a kiddo! 8 I thought after getting a toyboy, I’d be carried around, called “baby,” and bubbling with happiness. But the reality was, I was covered in soap bubbles, looking like an idiot. And “Ethan” had just put on his clothes and slammed the door on his way out. Even an emperor returning unwanted goods would have eunuchs wrap them up and carry them away. But me, the sugar mommy, I almost got stuck in the toilet! My wallet hurt, my heart hurt. Full of resentment, I called my brother, ready to play the victim. My brother said, “I’m out of town doing a livestream, I dunno! But I heard from people at my company that driver Ethan’s over there bawling his eyes out.” I paused. “Why is he crying?” “Ethan said he met a girl he likes today, wanted to act cool, but messed it up and thinks he made her angry. “Oh man, that guy, he was crying a river!” Hearing that, my anger vanished. So, that’s what he was thinking. My heart felt warm and sweet. That damn man, why try to act cool with his sugar mommy? Was he afraid I’d get tired of him quickly? Sigh, whatever. As long as he’s willing to put in some effort for me, that’s enough. 9 I sent “Ethan” a text, asking where he was. He didn’t reply. I was worried he was so heartbroken he’d jumped into a river. Then I saw someone in the socialite group chat post a photo. The background looked like NYC’s most exclusive club. A bunch of rich kids were drinking and showing off. And my toyboy, Ethan, was standing right in the middle, knocking back a shot of something strong. The socialites around him were like vultures, their eyes practically glued to him. Great. Here I was worried about him, and he was out moonlighting, entertaining rich women! I hauled ass to the club. When I pushed open the door, a socialite was bending over to hand him a drink, her tone even more fawning than mine: “Mr. Vance, I was wondering if it would be convenient for me to visit your home tomorrow…” It was the same socialite who once laughed at me for not daring to grope male models! I strode forward, snatched the drink, and pulled “Ethan” behind me. “Stay away from him! He’s my man now!” Afraid I wasn’t convincing enough, I turned, wrapped my arms around his neck, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed him hard. Luckily, I’d crammed on kissing techniques on the way over. Now, my tongue was like an eel, knew exactly where to go. “Ethan” seemed very satisfied with my improved kissing skills. His arm wrapped around my waist, deepening the kiss. He took the lead, his assault powerful, kissing me until my face was flushed and I almost lost myself in it. After the kiss, I wiped a string of saliva from my lips and said to the socialite: “See? My man. V-taper, Captain America butt, and way bigger than any male model’s.” I think when I said that, my aura must have been incredibly powerful and dominan. Otherwise, why would all the rich kids in the room be stunned? The way they looked at me—shock, fear, but mostly admiration. Like a deep, heartfelt admiration. I thought, this must be it: a confident woman is the most beautiful. 10 I said my piece and dragged “Ethan” out. Before leaving, he turned back to the room and said, “Nothing happened here tonight.” I was a little touched. He was clearly there working a side gig, but to protect me, he dared to talk to clients like that. But after we left the club, I still told him earnestly: “You shouldn’t talk to them like that in the future. They’re ruthless, and their bodyguards will beat people up. “They were too scared to move just now because they were afraid of me. If I weren’t there, you’d definitely have been beaten up! “Got it?” Seeing his lazy, calm expression, I got angry and jumped up to pinch his ear. “Hey! Did you hear me! I’m talking to you!” He finally looked down at me, but his gaze landed on my lips. Suddenly, he said, “Pretty soft. Let’s kiss again.” “Wh-what?” Before I could react, he tilted my chin up with his fingers and kissed me. More intense, wilder than the kiss in the private room. He seemed addicted, his lips and tongue chasing mine, tangling with them. I don’t even know how I got home. It was only when I was pressed onto the bed that I realized, “The car we were in just now, was that a Rolls-Royce?!” He was busy unbuttoning my shirt. “Oh, just picked one up from the dealership.” “I only give you eighty grand, and you immediately go rent a car to show off! You spendthrift! “If you keep this up, I’m halving your allowance! Let’s see you try to act rich then!” I was furious. I tried to flip over and straddle him, to poke his pecs and give him a stern lesson. But he pulled off my jeans and pressed me back into the covers.

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