She mimicked my appearance, settling demurely on my bed, waiting for my husband to join her. My parents also hoped she would share a harmonious and fruitful marriage with my husband, blessed with many children. My husband pushed open the door, and my sister, her face flushed, stepped forward to help him undress. She had no idea that the man standing before her was far more terrifying than she could ever be. I floated in the air, watching Caspian push open the door. His battle armor was stained with blood and dust. Two months apart, he looked a little thinner, but also more imposing. My sister, Elara Sterling, nervously clutched her dress, then steeled herself and rose from the bed, approaching Caspian. She spoke softly, “My Lord, let me help you undress and bathe.” Her voice was almost identical to mine. But our voices were originally different. Seven days earlier, when I was on the verge of death, she had told me, “Lyra, I went through hell to change my voice. Don’t you think it sounds just like yours?” It certainly did, because even someone as cautious as Caspian hadn’t realized that the wife before him was an imposter. Caspian removed his armor and opened his arms. Elara’s face flushed, and her soft, delicate hands reached for his belt. She wasn’t naturally fair-skinned, but to match my complexion, she had taken whitening potions daily for two years and avoided the sun completely. In the end, she became as fair as I was. Not just my voice and skin, but she had perfectly mimicked my expressions and gestures too. She said she had spent two full years preparing. She said she was determined to have it all. Caspian looked down at her. “Did you change your perfume?” Elara paused, then softly replied, “Yes, My Lord. How do you find this scent?” Caspian frowned. “It’s too strong. Not as good as the one you used before. Change it back.” Elara quickly said, “Yes, My Lord.” Caspian turned and walked towards the bath. Elara eagerly followed, joy in her eyes. She hadn’t been discovered; naturally, she was thrilled. I didn’t want to go near the bath, because I knew what would happen next. Caspian had joined the military at twelve and had served for thirteen years. His passion in the bedroom was intense, unlike any other. Though I didn’t know if any women had served him during his two months away, whenever he returned after several days, it was always more than I could bear. He was never gentle with me, even nonchalantly saying, “Your parents sent you to please me, yet I see little effort from you.” Later, Nanny Eliza advised me to be more accommodating, and I followed her words, which made him less brutal. But in truth, it was Elara who was originally meant to marry Caspian. Yet, that year, when Caspian returned to the Capital with his army from the Northern Territories, five severed heads hung from his saddle. Though he told the King he had merely encountered and slain bandits along the way, everyone knew those five heads represented the five prominent families who had brought charges against his family years ago. Our Sterling family was one of them. The Sterling family had bled profusely due to those accusations, and Caspian was naturally out for revenge. So, the five families offered rare jewels and stunning beauties, hoping to appease his fury. Elara, my sister, was one of those stunning beauties. She feared she would be tortured to death by Caspian and begged our parents not to send her. Our parents doted on her, and ultimately, they made me take Elara’s place and marry Caspian. Though Elara and I were twins, a seer had prophesied at our birth that one of us would bring ruin to the Sterling family. So, when I was born quiet and cried little, I was declared the ill-fated twin. They planned to drown me. My mother couldn’t bear it and threatened her own life to save mine. I survived but was confined to the deepest, smallest courtyard in the Sterling estate, with only Nanny Eliza to care for me. From then on, outsiders only knew of Elara Sterling, the eldest daughter cherished by the Sterling family, and were unaware of another daughter named Lyra Sterling, who grew like a weed in that tiny, secluded yard. The Sterling family never gave me a name. Lyra was given to me by Nanny Eliza. Nanny Eliza said that on the day she carried me to the small courtyard, the pear blossoms there were in full bloom, the most beautiful she had ever seen. So she named me Lyra. Lyra, a name that sounded so much like “farewell” in the old tongue. It perfectly foretold my brief life.

My soul drifted uncontrollably towards the bath. Caspian was already in the water, leaning against the edge of the tub, enveloped in the rising steam. His body was a map of jagged, crisscrossing old scars. Elara’s eyes darted away in fear when she saw them. She was scared. I found it laughable; she hadn’t hesitated for a moment when she killed me. I floated to Caspian’s side, waving my hand before his eyes. Though I had always been somewhat afraid of him, now I hoped he could sense me, or somehow realize Elara wasn’t me. My body was still buried in the Sterling family’s garden, being devoured by ants and worms. If he would avenge me, out of respect for our three years together, I would be grateful. If he wouldn’t, then digging up my body and burning it would also be a kindness. I preferred warm places; I didn’t want to lie in darkness forever. Alas, he had no awareness of me. He simply rested with his eyes closed. Elara composed herself, lightly bit her crimson lips, and prepared to enter the bath. Caspian suddenly opened his eyes and looked at her. “Is there something wrong, My Lord?” Elara asked. Caspian said, “I heard that while I was away, you returned to the Sterling family home?” Elara immediately knelt. “Yes, My Lord, my mother was ill, so I went back for a few days. Please forgive me.” At the mention of my mother, a pang of pain still struck my heart. She had once threatened her own life to save me, yet when Elara wanted to be with Caspian, she tricked me into returning home, allowing Elara to poison me. I wanted to ask her why. Why she loved me, yet killed me. After hearing Elara’s explanation, Caspian said, “Since your mother was ill, returning home is understandable.” I froze. Caspian had never spoken such words to me before. On our wedding night, he had said that since my parents had sent me to him, I was his property, and from then on, I could have no self. My life was his, and my death was his. To endure his hardships, to bear his anger. That night, he had gripped my face and coldly said, “Though you are indeed born to inspire pity, do not expect an ounce of it from me.” He said it, and he lived by it. In the three years of our marriage, beyond our intimate moments, he spoke little to me, let alone allowed me to return home. “Thank you for your mercy, My Lord.” Elara said softly, then rose and went to Caspian’s side, picking up a towel to wipe his body. Suddenly, Caspian’s aide’s voice came from outside: “My Lord, the King summons you urgently.” “I understand.” Caspian rose and left. Elara stomped her foot, watching Caspian’s retreating back, vexed that the King’s summons had come at such an inconvenient time.

Elara returned to the room, happily spinning a few circles. My former maid, Daisy, entered with tea. “Congratulations, Lady. You successfully fooled the Lord.” Daisy had been sent by the Sterling family two years ago, after Nanny Eliza, who raised me, passed away. At the time, I thought my family cared for me, but now I knew it was all part of Elara’s plan to replace me. They had been planning my murder for two years. Elara pulled Daisy closer. “Smell me. What do I smell like?” Daisy sniffed carefully. “Miss Elara, besides the pear blossom scent, I don’t smell anything else.” Elara was still worried. “Really? But My Lord was only near me for a moment and recognized my old sandalwood fragrance.” I didn’t understand either. Caspian wasn’t usually skilled in discerning scents; how had he immediately noticed Elara’s change? Daisy said, “Perhaps the sandalwood you used before was exceptionally good, and the scent hasn’t completely faded. I imagine a few more days of the pear blossom scent will fully mask it.” “That makes sense.” Elara lit a few more pear blossom incense sticks, then pulled out a voodoo doll and began sticking pins into it. “Forever damned to hell, with no reincarnation.” My name, Lyra Sterling, was written on the doll. I thought the sorcerer who taught her this doll-cursing trick must be an incompetent fraud, because despite all those pins, I felt absolutely nothing. After a while of poking, she spoke to the doll: “Oh, little sister, don’t feel so unlucky. You had My Lord for three whole years.” “When I saw him just now, he truly looked like a warrior god. So much better than that bookworm father and mother found for me. No, he’s better than any man in the whole world.” After I married Caspian, she could no longer live as Elara Sterling. Our parents had sent her to a secluded place and even arranged a scholar for her to marry. But now, I wondered what became of that scholar. I imagined he was killed, just like me. She twisted the doll’s head. “You should be thanking me, actually. If it weren’t for me, how else would you have married My Lord, enjoying his person, his glory, his wealth?” “Now, it’s all just returning to its rightful owner.” Once, she feared Caspian and made me take her place. Later, when she saw that I had lived perfectly well by Caspian’s side for a year, and that he was steadily rising in power within the court, She became infatuated again. She couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, like she was possessed. “Daisy, how often did My Lord sleep with Lyra?” Elara asked again. Daisy replied, “My Lord, unless he was on official duties or away on travels, almost always stayed in Lyra’s chambers when he was at the estate.” Elara glared at Daisy. “So what? Three years of favor, and not a single child. Clearly, My Lord only used her to pass the time.” She was right. Caspian had told me not to ever dream of bearing his children. So I had been taking medicine constantly. I also didn’t want to bring a child into the world who would share my fate.

It’s late at night, but Caspian still hadn’t returned. Elara was tired, telling Daisy to wake her when he arrived. I floated out of the room and sat on the rooftop, looking towards the King’s palace. A few days ago, I heard the King was gravely ill. Caspian being summoned to the palace now meant he was likely being entrusted with a mission in this critical time. Once he was second only to the King, above all others, I wondered if he would then make a move against the Sterling family. In recent years, he had already been restless. The Sterling family and the other four families thought offering mountains of treasures and beautiful women would make him forget the past, but how could such things compare to the hatred in his heart? The day I returned to the Sterling family home, I had intended to warn them of Caspian’s intentions. But before I could even open my mouth, they poisoned me. The moon gradually set, and a faint whiteness appeared in the east. The sun was about to rise, and I had to hurry back into the room. I was a ghost. I feared the sunlight. My favorite sunlight.

Caspian returned at noon. Elara had prepared a table full of delicious dishes, waiting for him. I lingered weakly in a corner. I was hungry too. In two weeks before I died, I could barely ear. Every bite I took, my stomach rebelled. Then, at the Sterling family house, before I could even taste a meal, I drank the poisoned wine Elara handed me. So, I was practically a starved ghost. Elara, anxious from waiting for Caspian these past few days, hadn’t eaten much either. Now that Caspian was by her side, her appetite improved. Caspian, however, did not pick up his fork. Instead, he watched her, his gaze scrutinizing, his fingers idly drumming – a habitual gesture when he was thinking. Had he noticed something? “Why aren’t you eating, My Lord?” Elara asked. Caspian didn’t answer directly, but said, “You seem to have a good appetite.” Elara immediately realized her mistake. She should have been imitating my quiet, docile demeanor. She put down her fork, lowering her head. “Please forgive my unladylike behavior, My Lord.” Caspian then added, “I heard you were unwell last month. The palace doctor will arrive at noon to examine you.” A flicker of panic crossed Elara’s eyes. I knew she worried the doctor might discover something; after all, while the exterior could be changed, the subtle internal differences could not. And I was also puzzled. I hadn’t died until last month, so he was clearly referring to my illness. In these three years, I had fallen ill a few times, but it was always Caspian’s own physicians who treated me. Now he was sending the palace doctor. Why would he suddenly care so much about my health? Though Elara was extremely reluctant to be examined, she dared not defy Caspian. So she kept asking Daisy about my symptoms from last month. Daisy recalled, “Last month… Lyra wasn’t seriously ill. She just had little appetite and would feel nauseous after eating anything rich, but overall, it wasn’t anything serious.” Elara’s expression turned grave. “What you’re saying, it sounds as if she might have been pregnant.” I was startled too, but how could that be? I had never stopped taking my medicine. Daisy reassured her, “Miss Elara, don’t worry. Even if Lyra was pregnant, it doesn’t matter. She’s dead now. Dead men tell no tales.” Yes, I was dead. Even if I had been pregnant, the fetus would only have been two months old. Even if my body were dug up, who could tell I was pregnant?

At noon, the palace doctor arrived at the estate on time. After examining Elara’s pulse, he went aside with Caspian. I floated closer and heard the doctor tell Caspian, “The Lady is not pregnant.” So Caspian *had* suspected I was pregnant. That’s why he cared. If I had indeed carried his child, he would have moved to eliminate it quickly. “Hmm,” Caspian said faintly. “My Lord need not worry. The Lady’s pulse is steady and healthy; her body is in good health. If My Lord desires an heir, this year will surely bring news.” The doctor assumed Caspian wanted a child. Caspian’s eyes moved. “She… is in good health?” “Yes, perfectly healthy,” the doctor affirmed. Caspian looked towards Elara in the distance, then instructed his aide, “Go inform the Sterling family. Tomorrow, I will accompany the Lady on a visit to her family home.” In our three years together, he had never once voluntarily gone to the Sterling estate. He rarely even received my parents when they came. But he must not have discovered anything, otherwise, given his methods, if he found the Sterling family had deceived him, by now, not even a chicken or a dog would be left alive. Elara was quite uneasy when she learned he was going to the Sterling family home tomorrow. “My Lord has only seen me for half a day. Has he figured out I’m not Lyra Sterling?” But she quickly composed herself. “No, he hasn’t noticed, otherwise, he would have taken my head by now.” “But the palace doctor must have said something that aroused My Lord’s suspicion. Daisy, have someone find out immediately.” She was clever. The children raised in a prominent family like the Sterlings would naturally not be incompetent.

The next morning, the carriage set off for the Sterling estate. The spring sun was quite scorching, so I could only float in Caspian’s shadow, trailing the carriage. His tall figure shielded me completely from the scorching sun. I had never imagined I would one day need his protection like this. Upon arriving at the Sterling estate, my parents were already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Caspian, they eagerly welcomed him. My mother also took Elara’s hand, worry in her eyes. I felt a pang of sadness. In my memory, my mother had never looked at me that way. Even on the day I married Caspian, knowing I might die, her eyes were still filled with joy. Joy that Elara would live. Sadly, at the time, I couldn’t understand. I always thought that since my mother had fought for my life, she surely loved me too. “Mother, I would have willingly switched places with my sister. Why did you have to kill me?” I floated beside my mother and asked. My mother couldn’t hear. When I was alive, she ignored my pleas; how could she care for me after I was dead? Her entire heart and soul were for Elara. My father subtly asked Caspian why he had come with Elara, given the critical political situation, and that Caspian should be in the palace. Caspian said it was a beautiful spring day, and the Sterling family’s gardens were renowned as the best in the Capital, so he came to enjoy the scenery. I knew that wasn’t his true purpose, but I still perked up. Because my body was buried in that garden. My parents probably hadn’t moved my corpse yet. After all, the Sterling family was a large household, with many mouths, and any carelessness could lead to discovery. Caspian strolled leisurely through the garden, Elara nervously accompanying him. My mother gently patted her hand, as if signaling her not to worry. My father asked Caspian about the current court affairs, but Caspian didn’t answer. Instead, he plucked a crabapple blossom and tucked it into Elara’s hair. Elara’s eyes lit up, then she demurely lowered her head. My parents were smiling too; they breathed a sigh of relief. Caspian used to put flowers in my hair too. It wasn’t that he loved me much; I was merely one of his possessions, and he found some amusement in dressing me up when he was bored. Or perhaps, he would adorn me to his liking before he… indulged, so he could enjoy himself more. “Thank you, My Lord,” Elara said sweetly. Caspian smiled and continued walking forward. Ahead was where I was buried, my body beneath that tangled rose bush. But when I floated over, I couldn’t feel my body anymore. I saw that the soil had been freshly turned. My body had been moved, likely last night. They simply couldn’t take the risk. Caspian had climbed his way out of piles of corpses; they feared he would sense something. But where was I now? Suddenly, a breeze picked up, blowing countless pear blossoms. A cool fragrance filled the wind. Pear blossoms fell like snow, a fleeting spring. Caspian looked in the direction the pear blossoms were flying. At the end of the garden, there was a small courtyard, with a pear tree whose pure white blossoms were in full bloom. Caspian walked towards it. My father and mother immediately blocked him, saying there was nothing to see there. Caspian said he had never seen such pure, ethereal pear blossoms and saw no harm in taking a look. Elara immediately feigned dizziness. “My Lord, it’s too hot. I’m feeling unwell and wish to rest.” Caspian saw her pale face and sweat on her brow. After a moment of hesitation, he left with her. I watched my parents’ expressions. I knew my body must be in that courtyard. In the room, my mother accompanied Elara while she rested, and my father took Caspian to a quiet pavilion for tea. “Mother, was that ill-fated twin really pregnant?” Elara asked. My mother nodded. “Yes, last night we… opened her up. She was indeed pregnant.”

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I opened my eyes and found myself back at eighteen. In the grungy, faded classroom, someone was using me as a bet. “…I think for just twenty bucks, you could get a touch of Chloe. Anyone want to try?” They snickered, their voices laced with dirty innuendo, finally agreeing, “Liam, you go.” Liam. “Sure, why not.” I slumped onto my desk, closing my eyes. Waiting for Liam to walk up to me. *Knock, knock, knock.* Liam tapped on my desk. I pretended to have just woken up, lifting my head. “What is it?” Liam. “Got time after school? There’s something I need to tell you.” I scrutinized him. Liam acted all calm, feigning indifference, looking oddly serious. I didn’t let my expression change, answering, “Yes.” “Alright then, wait for me after school.” With that, he turned dramatically and walked back to his seat. Soon, whispers and suggestive giggles erupted behind him. I didn’t need to turn around to know what kind of expressions they were making. Pfft. What a bunch of sickos. I leaned back on my desk. I had no idea what kind of cruel joke fate was playing, sending me back to eighteen. Eighteen. I was starving, so hungry I could only keep drinking water. During lunch break, others were actually resting, tired. Only I was forced to ‘sleep’ because of hunger. But I couldn’t sleep. So I could hear the boys’ hushed conversations. They talked about games, comics, basketball, and girls. And I was one of them. Pretty but poor – a combination that practically painted a target on your back in any school. But I was a girl, and they had even more sordid intentions. They were betting twenty bucks. And ten years ago, for twenty bucks, I really did go with Liam to the secluded woods behind the school. He handed over the cash, and I unbuttoned my shirt. Then, *click*. Liam took the photo. The next day, the photo went viral in the entire SnapChat group. After that, they called me “Twenty Bucks.” 2 After school, Liam was the first to leave the classroom. I grabbed my backpack. “Let’s go,” he said. I didn’t say a word, following him. We walked out of the school and headed towards the secluded woods behind it. Liam kept glancing back at me, as if afraid I’d run off. I rubbed my empty stomach and said, “Hey!” Liam turned around. “What’s wrong? We’re almost there. You’re not trying to bail, are you?” “No.” I said, “But I’m hungry.” Liam paused, then let out an exasperated sigh. “So, what do you want to do?” “I want to eat.” Liam was impatient. He didn’t want to waste time, but he also didn’t want to lose this opportunity. After a few seconds of thought, he nodded. “Fine, let’s eat first.” I ordered a plate of fried rice. Liam paid. The fast-food joint was dingy and greasy. Liam couldn’t stomach it. He sat with his arms crossed, watching me devour my food. Liam scoffed. “Chloe, are you the reincarnation of a starving ghost?” I ignored him completely. I no longer remembered the gnawing hunger of my eighteen-year-old self. But I remembered Eleanor’s maliciousness. That beautiful woman, like a virus, brought her daughter into our home and quickly corrupted my dad. From then on, I became the family’s pitiful orphan. Eleanor could precisely calculate the exact amount of energy needed to *survive*, strictly controlling the money she gave me. Enough for half a stale bread roll. Eating that for a day wouldn’t kill me, but it was pure misery. The hunger drained my energy, making it impossible to study. I wouldn’t get into college, I wouldn’t hog the family’s resources. This family would only support her daughter. Satisfied, I put down my forks. “All done.” Liam stood up. “Then let’s go.” I suddenly grabbed his arm. Liam froze. He felt utterly flustered, his arm burning hot as if it could roast someone alive. Ah, teenage hormones. So hot. Even hotter was Liam’s gaze. “Chloe.” He looked down at me, his voice hoarse as he asked, “Are you short on cash?” I smiled. You know exactly why. Of course, I was short on cash. That’s why he’d sought me out, wasn’t it? “Come with me to the woods.” Liam said. I shook my head, my hand slowly tracing up his arm, my body closing in, until we were practically glued together. “…Want to go to a motel?” I whispered into his ear. In the dark, narrow alley, the word “motel” seemed to glow in the night. Liam swallowed hard. 3 Inside the room, Liam’s breathing grew heavier. He lunged and pinned me against the door, holding back. Makes sense. Eighteen, no experience. He was just agitated, but too scared to make a move. I said, “Shower first? You or me?” Liam snapped out of it, looking at me with suspicion, probably wondering why I seemed so… experienced. “You first, then.” I said. Liam gave me a look of disdain, tossing his backpack into my arms. “I’ll be out quickly.” I said, “No rush.” The bathroom door closed. I opened Liam’s backpack and pulled out his camera. Then I picked up the hotel phone and dialed a number. Downstairs, a woman from a small local salon was sitting by the entrance, looking bored. Her number was written on the glass door. I never forgot a number. The call connected. I gave the room number, hung up, and then pulled out his wallet. A thick stack of cash. Liam was a rich kid. His dad owned the largest grocery store in our town. His dad spoiled him rotten. And the practical expression of that spoiling was money. Liam had a lot of money. But I only needed half. The other half would be a service fee. Soon, the doorbell rang. Liam had just finished showering. He walked out of the bathroom, surprised. “Why are you turning off the lights?” No one answered. The bedside lamp was dim, and a bulging lump lay on the bed. Liam’s breathing intensified, his voice trembling. He called out, “Chloe?” He walked over, bent down, his bathrobe tied around his waist, revealing the lean back of a young man. I licked my teeth, intrigued. In the darkness, only his heavy breathing could be heard. Then he pulled back the covers. Soft arms wrapped around his neck. Liam tumbled onto the bed, two bodies tangled together. Then I flicked on the lights. *Click*. I took the photo. Liam’s eyes widened. He was completely dumbfounded. The woman from the salon cursed at me. “What the hell? This isn’t what we agreed on!” I signaled for her to wait, then held up the camera, smiling at Liam. Liam snapped back to reality, erupting in rage. “Chloe!” “A thousand bucks for one photo.” I tossed his wallet to him. “I took my share of the cash. I left some for you to pay this lady later.” Then I turned to the woman and said, “Your cut? Get it from him.” Then, I grabbed my backpack and turned to leave without a second thought. Liam leaped off the bed, trying to chase me. “Stop!” He yelled, enraged. “Chloe, you stop! You dare to screw with me, you bitch!” “You haven’t paid yet! Trying to run off!” “Let go of me!” “Pay up first! Or you’re not going anywhere!” Dog eat dog. I slammed the door shut. He deserved it. 4 My eighteen-year-old self had lived a brutal life. Because I was too young. A young girl had no other means of survival; her body was her only capital. That deal with Liam bought me a week’s worth of food. But it also cost me my name. My semi-nude body was permanently etched into the boys’ phones. Every day, there were notes in my desk, maliciously asking for my price. Twenty bucks not enough? How about thirty? Just looking, no touching? And the girls? They avoided me, deliberately pinching their noses when they walked past. They’d exchange glances, a subtle smirk playing on their lips. My life went from hell to a deeper hell. No one hit me, and no one yelled at me. But I was silently whipped countless times. So, I wouldn’t make the same mistake. At twenty-eight, I was a seasoned player in this game of life. Liam deserved everything he got. I hummed a tune, happily walking home. A thousand bucks. That could get me through the next six months. Then, college. Then, out of this place. 5 Liam came in very late the next day. He looked utterly deflated, like he’d been run over by a truck. I heard he’d had his parents called in. The woman from the salon told me Liam refused to pay, and they caused a huge scene. The motel staff, afraid of trouble, found his student ID and called the school. The school then called his dad. His dad paid the money. Honestly… what a foolish boy, taking humiliation so seriously. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just pay up quietly? I pursed my lips. Liam saw me and glared, his eyes like he wanted to devour me. I turned my face away, scoffing. Liam’s eyes flashed with malice. A busybody walked up to him. “Hey, Liam, how was yesterday?” “Did you get her?” Liam finally found an outlet for his frustration. “Got her? My *ass*!” The guy was surprised. “Liam, what’s wrong with you?” “Get lost!” He furiously kicked over a desk. A wave of startled shouts rippled through the room. I didn’t look back, twirling my pen, casually circling key review points in my new study guide. This was just a tiny lesson. I didn’t want to be called “Twenty Bucks” again. Though ten years later, that nickname held no power over me. My twenty-eight-year-old self was a warrior; nothing from my teenage years could hurt me anymore. I had smoothed out all the rough edges of my past. But not now. Eighteen-year-old Chloe still cared. 6 After school, Liam blocked my path again. This time, I didn’t hold back. I raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t move, I’ll scream.” “Go ahead and scream!” Liam flashed a twisted grin. “Chloe, you dared to screw me over. I’m not done with you.” I tilted my head, smiling as I asked, “So, what do you want? Another trip to the motel?” Liam’s face instantly became a kaleidoscope of emotions. He opened and closed his mouth, then rudely called me, “Whore.” I pulled out the camera. Liam was furious. “Give me back my camera!” I asked, “Who’s the whore?” Liam was so angry he couldn’t speak, his chest heaving, face flushed red. I found it a little pathetic. Liam’s skin wasn’t thick enough; otherwise, he’d have worn that photo like a badge of honor for becoming a man. Bullying the weak was no fun. I tossed the camera back to him. “Here.” Liam caught it, looked down, and fiddled with it, probably deleting the photos. When he was done, he looked up and asked, “Did you back it up?” “What do you think?” That was my leverage, of course I’d backed it up. Liam gritted his teeth. “What do you want?” I crooked my finger at him. Underneath the eighteen-year-old skin was my twenty-eight-year-old soul, cold and cutting. I bared my fangs and spat a single word at him. “Scram.” I didn’t want anything to do with him. I had too many problems. My stepmother, my stepsister – they were roadblocks on my path forward. I needed to save my energy to deal with them. They’d already pulled the rug out from under me once. I wouldn’t allow a second time. And Liam? He was just a side character. 7 I never again devoured my dinner like a madwoman. Eleanor quickly noticed the change. Before, dinner was the only meal I could eat until full, so I practically choked myself. But lately, I’d been eating three meals a day, so dinner felt less urgent. Eleanor started to suspect me. But she had no proof. She even secretly searched my backpack, pillow, and bed… but found nothing. The thousand bucks was safely tucked under Madison’s bed. She’d never find it. “Don’t celebrate too soon.” Madison smiled. “You won’t be able to hide it for long. My mom has ways of dealing with you.” She said with conviction, “Chloe, we know you’ve got money.” I kept my head down, just reading, pretending not to hear. Madison sat on her bed, advising me, “Why work so hard? Even if you get into college, my mom won’t let you go.” I looked back at her. Madison said, “Don’t waste your energy.” Her face held that faint, condescending sneer again. It was as if she was mocking me, no matter how hard I tried, she’d find a way to cut off my path, effortlessly crushing me. I said, “This is *my* house.” Madison flinched, probably not expecting me to speak to her like that. But she didn’t get angry, quickly breaking into a shallow smile. “And?” She said, “Chloe, sooner or later, I’m going to kick you out.” I looked at her coldly. “Want to bet?” Madison said, “Let’s see whose house this really is.” As if to confirm her words, the door was pushed open from outside. My dad, Robert, stood in the doorway. “I brought you some snacks,” he said. “Sesame balls. Madison, you and Chloe share them.” “Okay!” Madison walked over, took the bag, and looked up. “Thank you, Dad.” Robert ruffled her hair, then looked at me. “Still studying? Don’t study too late.” I said, “Got it.” The door closed. Madison took a bite of a sesame ball and asked, “Want some?” Without waiting for my answer, she chuckled again. “Oh, I forgot. You’re allergic to sesame.” She looked incredibly smug. 8 I soon found out what Madison’s “way” was. Monday morning, Ms. Jenkins was holding morning assembly. Eleanor burst into the classroom, demanding to know why I’d stolen money from home and what kind of unspeakable things I’d used it for. “Chloe, you mustn’t do bad things. If you need anything, just ask Aunt Eleanor, and I’ll definitely buy it for you, but you can’t steal.” Eleanor looked heartbroken. Everyone’s eyes were on me. I said coldly, “I didn’t.” “I don’t believe you.” Eleanor started rummaging through my desk, sweeping everything out onto the floor in a chaotic mess. “Fine, you won’t admit it. When I find it, let’s see what you have to say then.” I understood. She thought I’d hidden the money at school. But she found nothing. Ms. Jenkins snapped out of her daze and pulled her aside. “Chloe’s mom, if there’s anything, let’s discuss it in the office. Don’t disrupt class.” “Come, come, let’s go to the office. Chloe, you come too.” In the office. Eleanor cried as if her heart would break. “Ms. Jenkins, I’m desperate. If I had any other choice, I wouldn’t have come to the school.” “It’s just that Chloe is so disobedient.” Ms. Jenkins. “What exactly happened?” “Five hundred dollars is missing from my wallet, and only Chloe has been in my room.” Ms. Jenkins looked at me. “Chloe?” “I didn’t take it. I’m not the only one in the house.” Eleanor cried out, “Are you trying to blame Madison? Chloe, Madison is my daughter. I’ve watched her grow up; I know her character. She wouldn’t do something like this.” I sneered, “Are you sure?” My sneer infuriated Eleanor. Malice flashed in her eyes, and she said, “Chloe, your mother died young, and your father is often away. I know you lack affection, but no matter how short on money you are, you can’t steal. Otherwise, how can you face your mother?” My expression changed instantly. She shouldn’t have mentioned my mother. My mother was beautiful and kind; Eleanor couldn’t hold a candle to her. I stood up straight. “If my mom knew I was being framed like this, she’d crawl out of her grave to fight you, you bitch!” The office went silent for a moment. Ms. Jenkins stared at me in shock, unable to believe her usually well-behaved student would say such a thing. Eleanor, even more enraged, lunged at me, trying to hit me. “Calm down, Ms. Eleanor, please calm down.” Ms. Jenkins tried to pacify her, then turned to angrily scold me. “Chloe, apologize.” Apologize? No way. I said, “Disgusting.” The office erupted into chaos. I turned and walked out. Liam was leaning against the doorway. I passed him, glancing at him, not stopping. “Chloe.” Liam called out to me. “The money you used for your study materials, that was my money, right? Why didn’t you tell them?” I turned back. Liam’s eyes were full of pity. Ah, he felt sorry for me. But I wasn’t having it. “What the hell is it to you?” I said. Liam’s face went through a kaleidoscope of emotions. 9 When I got home that evening, my bed was a complete mess. Eleanor had “washed” them. The damp comforters were piled up like a soggy mess. Madison looked smug. “You dared to insult my mom, Chloe. This is just a lesson for you. Your dad won’t be home this week, so who are you going to complain to?” I ignored her completely. Even if my dad was home, I wouldn’t complain. He didn’t believe me. I told him I wasn’t eating enough. He asked Eleanor, who explained she was doing it for my own good. “Teenage girls gain weight easily and it’s hard to lose.” “Chloe is so pretty; it would be a shame for her to get fat. Look at Madison, I don’t let her eat too much either.” My dad believed her. Then came my period. I had no money for pads, so I’d layer toilet paper, and bloodstains would often seep onto my pants. I’d wash them every day. Eleanor would ask with a puzzled tone, “Does Chloe have an obsession with cleanliness?” Robert would look confused. “What’s going on?” My hands were immersed in soapy water, watching Eleanor. She was so sure. Sure that I wouldn’t dare confide my bodily needs to a man, even if he was my father. So I could only become a clean-freak, picky, silent, and increasingly strange girl. My spirit was being chipped away at, ugly and painful. And I could only endure it, saving money, enduring hunger, to buy the pads I desperately needed. My period, as if to spite me, arrived punctually every month. Malnourished as I was, the flow was still heavy. How ironic. 10 The next day at school, Ms. Jenkins called me in. I thought she was going to scold me, but instead, she just urged me to study hard. “Liam told me everything. The money you have was borrowed from him.” She patted my shoulder. “…Just hang in there. It’ll be better after senior year exams.” I nodded and returned to the classroom. Liam’s gaze followed me. I looked at him, then expressionlessly looked away. Liam’s face instantly soured. “Liam, going to play games after school?” “Get lost!” Liam blocked my path after school. I was completely uninterested. “What do you want?” “I cleared things up for you.” “I know.” “You should thank me, right?” I said, “I don’t need your help.” I didn’t need his kindness. “Chloe, can’t you speak properly?” Liam was furious and embarrassed. I didn’t care. “I can speak properly. Buy me dinner.” Liam paused. I wouldn’t let my anger dictate my stomach’s needs. Liam asked, “What about all that money I gave you?” “It was useful.” “Useful for what?” I scoffed. “What are you to me?” Unusually, Liam didn’t get angry. He asked, “That woman who came to the school, she’s your stepmom?” “Yeah, and I have a stepsister.” Liam paused, looked at me, then turned. “Come on. I’ll buy you dinner.” I didn’t stand on ceremony. Besides the fried rice, I even ordered an extra soda. Liam said, “Enough? You can order more if you want.” I bit my straw, looking at Liam across from me. For a moment, a wicked thought crossed my mind: maybe I should set him up with Madison. After all, Liam was handsome and popular at school. Many people watched him play basketball; Madison was one of them. My last life was so miserable, and Liam was a major culprit. Such a pair deserved each other. But no. My re-lived life wouldn’t be stained by any new sins. 1

After my dad came back, I had clean bedding again. That evening, the whole family went out to a restaurant. In the brightly lit dining hall, my dad pulled out gifts he’d brought back from his business trip. Three gifts in total, one for each of us. Eleanor got a necklace; Madison and I got bracelets. Eleanor’s face was flushed with spring-like happiness. “Thank you, honey.” Madison sweetly said, “Thank you, Dad.” Only I didn’t move. My dad asked me, “Chloe, don’t you like it?” I said, “It’s not that.” “Then why aren’t you wearing it?” I looked at him. This man, right in front of me, was so utterly oblivious. He had never once noticed that the gifts he bought for me always ended up on Madison’s wrist. He was like a blind man. I curled my lips into a wicked smile. “I like Madison’s.” Madison froze for a moment. Eleanor reacted quickly, immediately saying, “Madison, sweetie, why don’t you swap with your sister?” Madison snapped back to reality, smiling. “Okay!” She took off her bracelet and put it on me, sweetly saying, “Chloe, so you like this style?” I raised my arm, admiring it. A potential conflict vanished silently. My dad chuckled, his face beaming with satisfaction. Countless times. For that smile of his, I had backed down countless times. But this time, I wouldn’t. I took off the bracelet and tossed it into the steaming fish soup. “I find things other people have worn dirty.” Soup splattered all over Madison, who leaped up, yelling, “Chloe, you bi—” Eleanor quickly clapped a hand over her mouth. I smiled. Yes, she had to hold back. A gentle, well-behaved student shouldn’t swear. A kind, generous stepmom shouldn’t swear either. The only one who could swear was my dad. My dad’s face hardened. “Chloe, what are you doing? Apologize to Madison.” I said, “No.” My dad got angry, stood up, and raised his hand. He wanted to hit me. But he hesitated. Eleanor, at just the right moment, burst into tears. “It’s my fault, for taking your mother’s place. It’s normal for you to hate me, but what has Madison done wrong?” Madison also cried, “Chloe, please don’t be angry.” My dad finally steeled himself, bringing his palm down. “I told you to apologize!” *Slap*. A loud slap. But it didn’t land on my face. My dad froze. Madison shrieked, “Liam, what are you doing here?” Liam was covering his face, standing in front of me. After a moment of shock, I came to my senses and pushed him away. “We’re not family. Why are you eating at our table?” “Hypocrisy.” I turned and walked away. 1

Liam followed behind me. He was like a shadow. I asked, “Why are you following me?” Liam. “No reason.” “Then get lost.” Liam’s expression changed, a hint of humiliation in his eyes. Yes, he was always praised and admired. He’d only faced setbacks with me, and he couldn’t stand it. “Chloe.” He said, “Can’t you speak properly?” I could. But why should I speak properly to him? He had set me up. He’d plunged me into hell. In this life, he’d almost done it again. “Do you think, just because you cleared things up with the teacher and took a slap for me, I’ll be grateful?” I said coldly, “Liam, don’t try to bargain with me.” He was delusional, thinking this belated kindness could buy my forgiveness. I wouldn’t accept it. I walked on alone, Liam’s angry shout echoing behind me. “You did that on purpose!” I turned back. Liam looked at me. “Chloe, you deliberately provoked your dad. What are you trying to do?” I had to admit, he was smart. “That’s my business.” Liam. “I just wanted to help you…” “Don’t need it.” Indeed, I didn’t need it. My life belonged to me. I would help myself.

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On the anniversary of my sister’s death, I received a resurrection card. Eight months ago, my twin sister, Maeve, was pushed off a rooftop by school bullies and died. That bullying, though, was originally meant for me. Maeve went in my place for that “meeting.” The main culprit, Kian Thorne, due to his family’s influence, managed to avoid any real consequences beyond a hefty settlement payment. Soon after, he died in a high-speed car crash abroad. “Whoever’s name is written on the resurrection card, that person will come back to life.” My parents’ eyes were bloodshot from crying. They clutched the resurrection card, then, with all their strength, shoved it into my hands. After I had carefully written out the name, Mom clasped her hands together and took the card. As she prepared to start the ritual, she mumbled to herself, “Maeve, you’ll be back soon…” Suddenly, she shrieked, flinging the card away. “Why?! Why did you write that bully’s name?!” I stared at the gilded card, my heart turning to ice. A scam. Just another scam to get money. But the gnawing, bone-deep guilt made it impossible for me to refuse. Because I had seen it with my own eyes – Maeve falling from the rooftop. When I rushed to the rooftop that day, Maeve’s face was already a bloody mess, slashed by her tormentors. Kian Thorne gripped Maeve’s hair, forcing her to lift her broken face. “Trash like you doesn’t deserve to have the same face as my girlfriend.” My desperate sister, like a wilting leaf, fell from the edge of the rooftop. That empty gaze, tinged with a horrifying sense of relief, became the nightmare that haunted my nights. I’d often wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, sitting bolt upright. If I had gone to that meeting, would it have been me who died? Did Maeve die in my place? This thought, like a venomous snake, gnawed at me day and night. From the day Maeve died, my parents kicked me out of the house. But they regularly appeared at my dingy rental apartment each month, only to demand money from me. Séances, spirit-summoning rituals, and desperate attempts to bring the dead back to life, all peddled by charlatans and psychics – they believed and tried them all. I waited tables at a diner by day and worked a night shift at a convenience store, sleeping less than five hours a day. Every penny I earned almost entirely went into the pockets of those psychics and mediums. Mom’s voice was thick with tears as she urged me, “Rowan, hurry and write it!” She had gotten thinner, and most of her hair had turned gray. Dad looked haggard too, his back more stooped than before. I looked at them, a dull ache throbbing in my chest. Maeve was their entire world. “Your older sister should always take care of you.” That was their favorite thing to say. But I never resented Maeve. She always secretly saved me half a cake and shared half her allowance after Mom and Dad favored her. No one missed her more than I did. When she left, I lost my home too. But this resurrection card now? I didn’t believe it for a hundred reasons. I looked at the crudely made card in my hand; it reeked of cheap, cloying perfume and stale paper. It was no different from the “soul-summoning scrolls” and “resurrection pills” I’d bought before. My savings were completely drained; I was even in debt. I looked at them – one with a haggard face, the other with a hunched back. They had pinned their last hope on this thin piece of paper. Enough. This absurd charade had to end. I took a deep breath, met their expectant gazes, and for the first time, gathered the courage to refuse. “Dad, Mom, stop believing in these things.” My voice was quiet, but tinged with a weary rasp. “Maeve is gone. She’s not coming back.” “We can’t let ourselves be scammed again.” I gripped the card, ready to tear it apart.

Before I could even move, a sharp crack echoed, and a heavy slap landed on my face. The entire world seemed to tilt with that blow, a high-pitched ringing in my ears. Mom’s strength was astonishing; I staggered, half my face exploding in pain, then going completely numb. “You ungrateful wretch! How dare you say such things!” She was like a cornered beast, her bloodshot eyes glaring furiously at me. “We worked so hard to raise you, and your sister died in your place. Now we’re asking you to save her, and you dare to say that?!“ “Are you secretly wishing she was dead?!” I clutched my burning cheek, staring at her in disbelief. I just wanted them to see reason, to prevent our already shattered family from being dragged down by scammers again. But all I got in return was another beating and scolding. “I didn’t…” My defense was pale and powerless. Dad stepped forward, and, unusually, forced a stiff, unnatural smile at me. “Rowan, Dad knows you don’t mean it. You just… don’t know how powerful the Master is.” He stretched out a rough hand, stroking my head, his voice laced with an eerie warmth. “Just be a good girl. As long as you write Maeve’s name, everything will be fine, and our family can go back to how it was…” “Come! Dad will show you, this time it’s real!” He suddenly snatched the resurrection card, then pulled a small knife from his pocket and viciously sliced his fingertip. A bead of crimson blood instantly welled up, dripping onto the center of the card. “The medium said the blood of a closest kin can connect with the spirits!” His expression was frantic as he thrust the blood-stained card in front of me. I held my breath, staring intently at the card. A hundred reasons told me it was a scam, yet my body tensed uncontrollably. One second, two seconds… Nothing happened. Just as I was about to let out a sigh of relief, that single drop of blood on the card suddenly emitted a faint red glow. Then, an ancient, frail voice abruptly sounded in my ear. “I… I miss you all so much…” It was Grandpa’s voice! Grandpa had passed away three years ago! My blood seemed to freeze solid in that instant, a bone-chchilling dread surging from my feet all the way to the top of my head. How was that possible?! “Did you hear it?! Did you hear it?!” Mom frantically grabbed my shoulders, shaking me violently. “It’s your Grandpa! You can’t mistake his voice, can you?! This card is real, your sister really can come back!” My mind went blank. Reason told me it was a trick, but the voice had sounded so real. Could it… could it be true? A thread of absurd hope began to frantically sprout in my desolate heart. “The Master said that for a resurrection, you, her closest blood twin, must write her name!” Mom, seeing my wavering expression, immediately fanned the flames. “Now, all you, her sister, have to do is sign, and Maeve will come back to life!” She forcefully pressed a pen into my hand, her eyes burning with urgency. My hand trembled. To sign, or not to sign? That voice… was it really real? “I… I’ll try dripping a drop of my blood too.” I reached for the knife in Dad’s hand. I wanted to verify it myself! However, my hand hadn’t even touched the hilt when Mom suddenly shrieked. “What are you trying to do?!” She seized my hair, pulling with such force it felt like my scalp would be torn off. “Are you trying to pull another trick?! I see it now, you just don’t want your sister back!” The excruciating pain made my vision go black; I didn’t even have time to cry for help. She dragged me out of the narrow room like a lifeless rag doll!

Mom dragged me by my hair, pulling me down the stairs. My scalp screamed in pain, and my forehead hit the cold, hard concrete steps, instantly drawing blood. “Let go of me! Mom! Please let me go!” I cried out, struggling desperately, but it was useless. Muttering curses, she dragged me all the way down to the street below our rental building, where people were coming and going. “Everyone look! Come and see this heartless daughter!” Mom’s voice, shrill and piercing, instantly drew the attention of everyone around. Neighbors, passersby, vendors… countless eyes turned to stare at me. My clothes were disheveled, my hair a wild mess, blood from my forehead streaking down my cheek – I looked utterly wretched, like a street beggar. “My daughter died, she died for this one! Now there’s a chance for her to come back to life, but this one is stopping it!” Mom pointed at my nose, accusing me with dramatic sobs. “She’s just jealous! She’s always been jealous that her sister was prettier, more likable!” I shook my head frantically, my lips trembling as I tried to protest: “I didn’t… I’m not…” “You didn’t?” Mom sneered, her words more venomous than the winter wind. “Kian Thorne, the one who bullied your sister, he was after *you* initially, wasn’t he? You just hate your sister for ‘stealing’ your man!” “I bet if Kian hadn’t died, you would’ve been eager to get rid of your sister just to climb into his bed!” “You’ve always been like this! Stealing your sister’s dresses, snatching her allowance – you’re a thief! You’re an ungrateful piece of trash!” **截断点** My mind went blank. These baseless accusations shredded my soul, tearing me apart limb by limb. The pointing fingers and hushed whispers around me became a deafening roar, completely engulfing me. “Oh my God, so she’s really like that…” “She always seemed so quiet, who knew she had such a wicked heart.” “To be jealous of her own sister, it’s terrifying.” “Smack!” Dad rushed forward too, and without a word, slapped me hard again. “How could we raise such an animal?! Your sister’s death is all your fault!” “Smack!” Mom slapped me backhanded again, making blood seep from the corner of my mouth. “Are you signing or not?! If you don’t sign today, we’ll beat you to death!” They took turns slapping my face. I was dizzy from the blows, barely able to stand. My heart ached more than my bruised body. Just as I was about to pass out, an old, strong voice rang out from beyond the crowd. “Stop this at once!” I struggled to open my eyes. Seeing the newcomer, a flicker of hope ignited in my heart. Uncle Marcus, our great-uncle, was the most senior elder in our family. He had been a teacher in his youth, and he surely could stop Mom and Dad’s madness. Uncle Marcus, leaning on his cane, pushed through the crowd, his face grim as he approached my parents. “What do you think you’re doing?! Beating your own daughter in the street, you’re disgracing our Clarke family name!” Mom and Dad’s bravado instantly deflated; they sheepishly released their grip. I looked at him like he was my lifeline, tears streaming down my face. “Uncle Marcus, I didn’t… I don’t not want Maeve to come back. I’m just afraid they’re being scammed…” My voice choked with tears and injustice. Uncle Marcus sighed, a complex pity in his eyes. He turned, steadied me, and his voice softened. “Rowan, I know your heart is hurting. But the dead cannot return. Those of us still living must think of the family.” I froze, not understanding what he meant. He patted my hand, speaking earnestly. “Your parents have gone mad. You can’t reason with them. Just play along, give them something to hope for, and life can go on.” I stared at him blankly. He seemed not to notice the despair in my eyes, continuing to persuade me in his esteemed tone. “It’s just a signature, isn’t it? Are you really going to watch this family fall apart completely just for your so-called principles?” “Listen to your Uncle Marcus, a harmonious family is a prosperous family, remember that.” “A harmonious family is a prosperous family…” I murmured, repeating the words, finding them utterly ironic. My pain meant nothing under the pressure of this “harmonious family for prosperity.”

My hesitation, to Mom and Dad, was an act of defiance. Mom suddenly shrieked like a maniac. “Stop wasting your breath on her! She just doesn’t want us to be happy! Don’t pretend! You think we don’t know you won the lottery?!” Her words exploded like a bombshell in the crowd. “Twenty million dollars! A full twenty million!” “Now that you’re living comfortably, you don’t care about your family anymore, do you?!” My heart tightened. The fact that I’d won the lottery, I’d only confided it in messages on Maeve’s old social media account, just talking to her. How could they know? Dad’s sanity completely snapped. He pulled a fruit knife from his pocket, its tip glinting menacingly in the sunlight. “If you won’t sign it yourself, then we’ll show you! We’ll draw some blood from you! Then you’ll know if this card is real or not!” He advanced on me, his face twisted in a snarl. Mom, meanwhile, gripped my arm tightly, pinning me in place. A gasp went through the crowd, but no one dared to step forward and intervene. I shrieked in terror: “What are you doing?!” “What are we doing? Drawing your blood! We’ll drip your blood on the card and you’ll see with your own eyes how your sister comes back!” Dad roared, raising the knife. I watched, horrified, as the cold blade came closer and closer to my wrist. Fear choked my throat; I could even feel the chill emanating from the blade. From a nearby neighbor’s open window, the TV news was broadcasting. “Latest news from the city: The prestigious Thorne Group declared official bankruptcy liquidation yesterday due to a broken capital chain. Chairman Charles Thorne absconded with funds, and his son, Kian Thorne…” The Thornes… went bankrupt? That arrogant, terrifying Kian Thorne, his family went bankrupt? This news, like a flash of lightning, sliced through my muddled thoughts. A bold and insane idea instantly formed in my mind. “I’ll sign!” Just as the blade was about to cut my skin, I screamed out with all my might. Dad’s movement froze. The knife’s tip was just a millimeter from my vein. Everyone was stunned. Mom released my hand, a triumphant joy spreading across her face. “See? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just do that?” She handed me the crumpled resurrection card and a pen, like a gift. “Hurry and write! Write your sister’s name!” I took the card, head bowed. No one could see the expression in my eyes. My finger, as if casually, rubbed the card. It was thick, much thicker than ordinary cardstock. I looked up, a compliant smile on my face, and took the pen. Under my parents’ relieved gazes, and the collective sigh of relief from relatives and neighbors, I gripped the pen and began to write. Each stroke was clear and forceful. After finishing, I handed the card back to Mom. “There.” Mom, ecstatic, snatched the card, her greedy eyes falling directly on the signature. The triumphant smile on her face hadn’t even fully bloomed before it instantly froze. The next second, she snapped her head up. Those eyes, which moments ago had been filled with hope, now bulged like brass bells, veined with blood and brimming with extreme fury. She shrieked: “Why did you fill in that murderer Kian Thorne’s name?!” Relatives and neighbors looked utterly shocked and bewildered. “Kian Thorne? That murderer?” “What… what is this? Why write the name of someone completely unrelated?” Dad violently snatched the card from Mom’s hand. Seeing the name, his face, which had been flushed red with anger, instantly drained of all color, turning ashen. Their previous frantic demeanor, desperate to seek justice for their daughter, vanished without a trace. I watched their expressions instantly return to normal, and the last sliver of hope in my heart completely disintegrated. I took a step forward, asking in a deliberately innocent tone, “What’s wrong? I resurrected the enemy who killed my sister. Aren’t you going to hit me anymore? Aren’t you going to scold me?”

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I accidentally overheard my ‘best friends’ talking trash about me behind my back, calling me ugly and fat. To test them, I lied and told them my family had gone bankrupt and I was broke. The result? They immediately kicked me out of our SnapChat group. “If it wasn’t for you being so dumb and rich, who would bother being friends with you?” “From now on, if you see us, just disappear. You’re such bad luck.” “Aria, you wouldn’t blame us, would you? As a *former* friend, how could you possibly drag down your ‘besties’? So, let’s just break up our friendship.” I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping me, and turned to leave. It wasn’t long before they learned the truth, and then they came crawling back, crying and begging for my forgiveness. “Where’s that big idiot Aria Hayes? She’s slacking off instead of working! I’m going to give her hell later.” Brittany Taylor huffed. “You’re too smart, leaving all the wedding prep to Aria. Did you even pay her?” Serena Davies asked, curious. “Aria probably paid for it herself. She’s always so eager to please,” Ashley Miller said, sounding like she knew me inside out. Of course, my family was old-fashioned, always prioritizing my brother over me, so I’d been funding Ashley’s university tuition and living expenses since day one. After spending half the day painstakingly decorating the bridal suite, I finally collapsed in a corner, ready for a break. That’s when I heard my three ‘best friends’ tear into me with a torrent of insults. Their attitude was completely different from usual, and I couldn’t help but hold my breath, wanting to hear what else they’d say. “Haha, well, it’s Aria’s fault for being so dumb and rich. Just sweet-talk her for a second, call her ‘bestie,’ and she’s so thrilled she doesn’t know what hit her. From college until now, it’s worked every single time. I almost feel sorry for her,” Brittany said, clearly gloating. “God is so unfair. Aria Hayes is dumb as a brick, and her looks are terrifying, yet she’s incredibly lucky and loaded. If only we had her money,” Ashley said regretfully. “So what? Just ask Aria for whatever you want. I’m planning to milk her for all she’s worth for the wedding, make her buy me a car and a house as gifts.” “If she dares say no, I’ll just threaten to cut her off. She’ll meekly fork it over,” Brittany boasted shamelessly. Serena suddenly sighed deeply, then her voice turned chilling. “What if Aria just… disappeared? She’s an only child, so all that money… We could pretend to be her grieving best friends, comfort her parents, and who knows, maybe we could inherit her family’s fortune. What a pity.” The room fell silent after her words. I could clearly hear my heart pounding uncontrollably in my chest. “Pfft! I was just kidding! Don’t take it so seriously. I could never do something so terrible. Just saying it out loud was enough,” Serena said, laughing as if nothing had happened. “Haha, yeah, right! Aria is our best friend!” Ashley added awkwardly. Brittany didn’t say anything, only responding distractedly. Even though they quickly changed the subject, for a moment there, I broke out in a cold sweat. Human hearts can never truly be tested. If those three were truly scheming against me, I was certain I would have fallen for it hook, line, and sinker. After all, we’d known each other for years, and I had come to see them as family, completely letting my guard down. Memories of the four of us laughing and joking together felt like a slap in the face. The memories were so beautiful, I couldn’t bear to believe it was all just manipulation. Brittany, always cheerful and like a ray of sunshine; Ashley, quiet but the most thoughtful; Serena, seemingly fragile and delicate… my best friends, they all turned rotten today. I leaned numbly against the wall, my thoughts spiraling, not even noticing when they left the room. Until my phone vibrated violently, and I slowly opened our pinned group chat.

“Aria Hayes, where the hell are you? Get your ass back here and work! If you mess up my wedding, we’re done!” “Hugs, my sweet Aria! You’ve worked so hard! Your decorations are so gorgeous, they look super expensive. I want you to plan my wedding too, hehe.” “Too bad I have to work late today, otherwise I’d totally come help…” Tears blurred my vision. I struggled to make out each word, trying to convince myself that what I’d overheard was just a cruel prank. But no! Even though the whole chat was dripping with calculation and exploitation, I still wasn’t ready to give up and decided to give them one last chance. “Girls, my family went bankrupt! From now on, I might need your help.” “You guys will have to handle the wedding decorations yourselves; I need to deal with my family’s debts.” To make it sound convincing, I even added a few crying emojis. But the three of them didn’t care at all. They just kept insulting and attacking me. “Aria Hayes, have you put on enough of an act? As a ‘best friend,’ is this how you’re going to half-ass my wedding?” “Bankrupt? Are you kidding at the wrong time? You’re such bad luck! You’ve ruined my good mood.” Brittany’s voice came through, a rapid-fire assault of accusations. I didn’t argue. I just sent a screenshot of my supposed debt, repeating seriously. “I’m not lying to you. You’re my very best friends.” “I can’t explain the full situation right now, but long story short, my family really is bankrupt. I truly have no money left.” “Oh, Brittany, I’ll send you the breakdown of the wedding decoration costs. Remember to settle up, okay?” If I hadn’t overheard that conversation today, Brittany would have just pulled her usual disappearing act, leaving all the work to me. But she wouldn’t get that chance again. The chat screen remained unchanged for ten minutes, then Brittany’s hysterical scream came through. “No way! You’re so irresponsible, Aria Hayes! Everyone I know expects me to have a lavish wedding, and now you’re ditching me? You’re making me look like a fool!” “I don’t care. If you don’t have money, sell your house and car. If that’s not enough, pawn your luxury bags.” “You figure it out! I *have* to be the most radiant bride, otherwise, how will I ever establish myself in the Scott family? They’ll laugh me out of town!” At this point, my heart had sunk considerably. But I never expected there was worse to come. “A big empire doesn’t just vanish overnight. I don’t believe your family went bankrupt without any backup plan. Brittany is your best friend, after all. Can you really bear to disappoint her?” “Stop pretending, come back and get to work. Be useful for a bit longer,” Serena said, her tone light and airy. “Yeah, Aria, live a little, right? Even if you’re bankrupt, life still goes on. Just make sure Brittany has a glorious wedding first,” Ashley added, feigning understanding. I knew what they were scared of. Brittany was marrying up, and the Scott family hadn’t been thrilled about it initially. They only reluctantly agreed after learning she was good friends with me. If the Scott family found out my family was bankrupt, the wedding would likely be off. I coldly rejected their suggestions and demanded the return of all the luxury gifts I’d given them over the years. “I know you don’t have much spare cash, so I won’t ask to borrow any. But those things are worth a lot.” “In this critical moment, as my best friends, you wouldn’t let me down, right?” “Don’t worry, with enough capital, the Hayes family bouncing back is only a matter of time. I’ll pay you back double then.” Another silence. Only Ashley stuttered out an explanation, saying she had family issues and had sold her gifts on eBay. “Aria, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but you know my family situation. I’m truly powerless. Take care of yourself!” Brittany was even more direct, cutting me off. “In that case, don’t even bother coming to my wedding. We don’t want the Scott family finding out, it’d be too embarrassing!” “Don’t ever say you’re my best friend again. I don’t have friends who are so unpresentable…” I didn’t even finish reading the rest before I was abruptly kicked out of the group chat.

The truth hit me instantly, and I felt like I was plunged into an ice-cold cellar, my fingers trembling uncontrollably. Just because my family was ‘bankrupt,’ because I had no more use to them, years of ‘best friendship’ were severed just like that, without a single moment of hesitation. My anger morphed into a bitter laugh. Once I calmed down, I felt a strange sense of relief. At least I’d seen their true colors before suffering even greater losses. A few days later, I gathered myself and went to a store to return Brittany’s wedding gift. To my surprise, I ran into all three of them there. “I’m sorry, miss, but once our merchandise is sold, it cannot be returned or exchanged.” “Honestly, people who can afford luxury goods never return things. They just toss brand new items if they don’t like them.” “Poor people shouldn’t try to buy luxury goods; you just create problems for us.” Hearing I was there to return something, the enthusiastic sales associate’s smile instantly vanished. She eyed me up and down, then scoffed, her face full of disdain. If she had politely refused, I would have dropped it. But she insisted on this blatant discrimination. Suppressing my anger, I said, “Is this how you treat customers? Call your manager out here; I’ll talk to them.” “Customer, don’t be unreasonable. No matter who you call, it won’t change the fact that you can’t return it.” “If I were you, I’d hurry home and put it up on eBay. Maybe you can salvage some of your losses.” The sales associate said, smirking without warmth. I was fuming, about to turn and leave, but three familiar faces blocked my way. “Tsk, tsk, look who it is! The extravagant Miss Hayes, secretly trying to sell stuff? Looks like the Hayes family is really done for.” “So angry? Can’t sell your stuff, so you don’t even have money for food today? How pathetic!” “Since we used to be besties, my house cleaner just quit. How about I arrange for you to come work for me?” Brittany giggled, covering her mouth, conspicuously wiggling the finger with her diamond ring. Ashley linked arms with her, her face earnest and sincere, saying with feigned emotion, “Brittany, you’re so kind and loving. It’s my good fortune to be your best friend.” “Aria, don’t just stand there. Thank Brittany for offering you a job opportunity. She’s doing it all for your own good.” They sang in unison, spilling every detail about my family’s supposed bankruptcy. ‘Offering a job’? Who would make their ‘best friend’ their house cleaner? Even if the Hayes family *had* gone bankrupt, I wouldn’t be like Ashley, twisting the truth for money, lying through my teeth. Compared to the other two, I had given Ashley the most, and her actions hurt me the most. “Miss, if you’re not buying anything, please take your junk and leave. The air in our store is being polluted by you poor people who just look and don’t buy,” the sales associate spat, her words utterly humiliating. To echo her, Brittany loudly demanded to see the store’s newest products, and the sales associate happily rushed to her side, gushing descriptions. Brittany’s family also had a business, but it wasn’t particularly successful until these last few years, when I nagged my dad to throw a few small partnerships their way. She must have truly married into money now, her spending far more lavish than before. No wonder Ashley was sucking up to her so hard today. No one is indispensable. There are plenty of rich people in the world. I let out a self-deprecating laugh, closed my eyes, pushing back the wave of bitterness, and tried to slip away unnoticed. But then, the unexpected happened. Serena, who hadn’t spoken a word until now, quickly snatched the shopping bag from my hand, pulled out the limited-edition handbag, and with a slight smirk, said casually.

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At the engagement party, just as I was about to slip the ring onto Chloe’s finger, her childhood friend, Ryan, stepped forward, blocking my way with a stack of papers. “Julian Sterling,” Ryan declared, his voice firm. “You can marry Chloe, but first, sign this agreement.” “For three years, you cannot pressure Chloe to have children. If any negative rumors about Chloe arise, you must take full responsibility.” I stared at the “Family Planning Agreement” in his hand, not taking it. My gaze instead fell on Chloe’s face. “Is this your wish too?” Chloe’s eyes flickered, avoiding mine. “While it wasn’t my idea, I think Ryan is right. I’m not ready to have children so soon.” Seeing her defend Ryan so fiercely, I let out a bitter laugh. So, she really was planning to have a child with Ryan first, to fulfill his critically ill father’s last wish. Being a doormat got me nowhere. I should just go back and accept the arranged marriage my family had set up. After all, a woman like her wasn’t worthy of being the mother of the Sterling Corporation’s heir.

“Julian, are you going to sign it or not?” “If you don’t, then this engagement is off. Don’t you dare treat our Chloe like a breeding machine.” Ryan pointed an accusing finger at me, his tone righteous, then shoved me, urging me on. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he was Chloe’s father, protecting his precious little girl. I snatched the agreement, threw it at his face, and spoke, my voice chillingly low, “What gives you the right to meddle in Chloe’s and my private matters?” Then, ignoring Ryan’s furious glare, I turned to Chloe. “Chloe, this is between us. I’ll listen to you!” Chloe looked at me with a conflicted expression, then at Ryan, before finally mumbling, “Julian, I… I really think we should wait a few years before having kids. I’m just not ready.” My heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds, a searing pain spreading through my entire body. Six years of devotion, and I was twenty-eight. She still wanted me to wait ‘a few years.’ Last night’s whispered conversation echoed in my ears: “Chloe, my dad’s been diagnosed with late-stage cancer. His biggest wish before he dies is to have a grandchild.” “Chloe, what am I supposed to do? For all these years, you’ve been the only one in my heart. How can I give him a child?” “Chloe, would you help me have a child? Please? As long as my father’s wish is fulfilled, I’ll dedicate my life to you. I’ll never marry anyone else, and I won’t ask for any official title, just to be by your side.” Chloe hesitated. “Ryan, tomorrow I’m getting engaged to Julian. The wedding date is even set. What about him?” Ryan excitedly stood up and hugged Chloe. “It’ll be fine, Chloe. Tomorrow, I’ll force him to sign a prenuptial agreement. If he refuses, the engagement’s off.” “Julian loves you so much, he’s waited six years for you. He definitely won’t want to cancel the engagement. He’ll agree to anything.” Chloe eventually fell silent. That day, I still held onto a sliver of hope. I thought she wouldn’t agree to such an absurd agreement, that she just found it difficult to argue with Ryan. I never imagined that at our engagement party today, she would actually ask me to sign a fertility agreement. And when I pressed her, she even said Ryan was doing it for her own good. How could she say that with a straight face? Didn’t she feel any shame? Seeing my silence, Ryan thought I was scared. He shot me a smug, triumphant look. “Julian, if you don’t sign, you’re treating Chloe like a breeding tool. Then you can forget about this engagement.” “When you learn to respect Chloe, then we can talk about getting engaged.” He believed a mere engagement cancellation would scare me. He was leveraging my endless love for Chloe, thinking he could manipulate me into signing this humiliating agreement. But I wouldn’t. *Slap!* I swung my hand across his face. “You’re so eager to stop Chloe from having kids with me. Are you implying you want her to have them with *you*?” Chloe’s face changed, then she angrily retorted, “Julian, what are you talking about? Ryan is only looking out for me. How can you be so barbaric?” She then lovingly checked Ryan’s face, gently stroking his cheek. I let out a soft laugh. “Looking out for you? Oh, he was ‘looking out for you’ so well, he ended up in your bed.” “Just like some people ‘care’ for you until their twisted schemes come to fruition.”

My words were pointed, and Ryan’s smile froze. A dark glint flashed in his eyes. The surrounding guests had gathered, whispering among themselves. “Exactly, what kind of couple signs an agreement like that? He’s making a fool of her!” “What’s an assistant meddling for? He’s getting too big for his britches.” Chloe’s expression turned ugly. She ripped off her corsage and slammed it onto the table with a bang. “Julian, that’s enough!” “Ryan is like my brother! How dare you hit him!” “Apologize to him right now.” Three rapid-fire sentences, full of righteous indignation, not a hint of guilt. The next second, I laughed out loud. “What if I don’t apologize? Will you say that this engagement is off today too?” Chloe’s gaze wavered. She picked up the corsage again. “Julian, you know Ryan saved my life. Hitting him in public just makes me look bad, doesn’t it?” “Apologizing would be for my sake.” She looked at me helplessly, just like countless times before, expecting me to bend to her will for her sake. I stared intently at Chloe, speaking each word slowly and clearly. “A year ago, Ryan messed up a contract, and you made me take the fall. I went and apologized to Mr. Davis.” “Ten months ago, Ryan got drunk and fractured someone’s skull. You called me in the middle of the night, told me to rush to the bar, and made me tell the police I was the one who hit them. I ended up detained for a month.” “Six months ago, he mixed counterfeit drugs into Westbrook Pharmaceuticals’ products. You made me admit it was my doing, and I was sentenced to six months.” … I listed each incident. “Chloe, every single time, you’ve made me help him for your sake. Even if I signed over my life, I should have paid off my debt by now, shouldn’t I?” Though my voice wasn’t loud, everyone heard me clearly, and their gazes at Ryan grew even more disdainful. “Always following CEO Westbrook, always causing trouble.” “A pure sugar baby, a spineless good-for-nothing. I don’t know what CEO Westbrook sees in him.” Seeing this, Ryan immediately changed his demeanor. *Slap!* He slapped himself again. “Alright, alright, it’s all my fault. I deserve to be hit.” “Who told me I didn’t have an older sister and treat Chloe like my own? I was just protecting her.” “Mr. Sterling, I apologize. Take out all your anger on me, don’t make things difficult for my sister.” He then made to kneel before me. The slight look of guilt in Chloe’s eyes quickly vanished, replaced by distress. “Ryan, get up! With me here, you don’t need to kneel or apologize to anyone!” She then angrily yelled at me, “You just won’t let go of a little act of kindness, will you? Do you want to force Ryan to kowtow to you?” Her words chilled me to the bone. Ryan’s acting was flawless. He pushed Chloe aside, then *thump*, he kowtowed to me. “Mr. Sterling, the debt of gratitude I owe you, I’ll repay myself.” “Don’t use this to pressure Chloe. Can you sign the family planning agreement now?” Ryan hit his head hard, and blood immediately streamed from his forehead. Chloe’s eyes widened. She rushed forward, hugging Ryan tightly and pressing her hand to his forehead. “Ryan! I can’t believe you’re such a calculating opportunist, using your supposed kindness against me. You’re despicable!” At that moment, her eyes blazed with rage and resentment, as if she wished to tear me to shreds. It was as if I wasn’t her lover, but her mortal enemy. Yet, from start to finish, I never asked Ryan to repay any debt of gratitude, nor did I demand he kowtow. Ryan was the one forcing me to sign the agreement. She was the one whose heart had changed. Yet she blamed everything on me. Not to mention, for six whole years, I’d brought Sterling Corporation’s assets into Westbrook Pharmaceuticals, helping it leap to the top tier, making Chloe a renowned CEO. I pushed myself to the brink, even getting a bleeding ulcer, all to secure hundreds of millions in profit within three months. In my personal life, I was meticulously attentive, making her nourishing soups, taking her on trips, rejecting countless arranged marriage proposals from my family for her sake, and maintaining strict boundaries with other women. Six years, day in and day out, and what did I get in return? That I wasn’t considerate enough of her? That she looked at me with angry eyes? The surrounding guests came forward, trying to mediate. “It’s a happy day, let’s all calm down.” “Exactly, let’s all compromise a little, don’t mess up the auspicious moment.” But Chloe’s expression was icy, showing no signs of budging. “Julian Sterling, since you’re so unwilling to be understanding, let’s call off the engagement. When you apologize to Ryan, we can reschedule.”

Watching her still holding Ryan, a desolate laugh escaped me. I slowly took off the corsage from my chest and placed it on the table. “Chloe, I’m not good enough for you. This engagement really shouldn’t happen.” Seeing that I wasn’t apologizing or begging for forgiveness, but actually daring to call off the engagement, Chloe instantly flew into a rage. She grabbed a nearby wine glass and hurled it at me. “Get out!” “Julian Sterling, if you walk out that door, you’ll never marry me in this lifetime! Even if you kneel and kowtow to me a hundred times, I’ll never want you again!” *Crash!* The glass shattered on the floor, and blood trickled down my forehead, into my eye. Chloe flinched, but she still didn’t release Ryan. Her face was dark with anger as she snapped, “Serves you right.” “Who told you to cause a scene on such a happy day? If you were even half as good at making me happy as Ryan is, we wouldn’t even be engaged today.” At that moment, Chloe’s eyes were filled with resentment, disappointment, and lingering regrets. So that was why she had rejected my proposals time and again. I could no longer bear to see the smug disdain in Ryan’s eyes. I pushed through the crowd and strode out of the hotel. This time, I had lost. Lost completely and miserably. I’d sacrificed my health, my time, only to be another man’s unresolved longing. “Chloe, I’ll grant you your perfect romance and moonlit nights.” When I reached the gate of our old estate, my father, Richard, was already waiting in the main hall. He looked at me with deep, knowing eyes. “Do you see clearly now?” I knelt before him in shame. “I’m sorry, Dad.” For six whole years, I’d neglected the Sterling Corporation, leaving my father to toil day after day with his ailing body. He even had to introduce clients and orders to Westbrook Pharmaceuticals for his useless son. My father’s tone was calm. “It’s not that I interfered with your marriage, son. The Westbrook family was never a good match.” “Years ago, old Mr. Westbrook conspired against Master Liam’s family, killing all eighteen members and stealing their ancestral formula to make his fortune.” “For years, he’s dealt in counterfeit drugs, cold-hearted and selfish. Everyone in high society knows.” I lowered my head in shame. When I returned from my studies in the US, I instantly fell for the lively and beautiful Chloe. Listening to her soft, gentle voice, I was utterly captivated. I thought she was different, a delicate and innocent young woman. How could she be ruthless? But some things, deep down, never change. “Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage. Please propose to the Thompson family.” My father immediately smiled. “Good. I’ll call old Mr. Thompson right away. Grace has been waiting for you, you know.” Then, he looked at me uneasily. “Son, think this through carefully. Once you’re allied with the Thompson family, you can never contact Chloe again. You mustn’t let Grace down.” I nodded solemnly. I couldn’t blame my father’s doubts. After all, my pathetic devotion was infamous throughout the city, utterly without bottom line. When the counterfeit drug scandal turned deadly, I stood in front of Chloe’s father, taking three stabs and breaking my ribs for him. I publicly apologized, voluntarily took the blame, even tarnishing the Sterling family’s reputation. When Chloe and Ryan’s rumors spread, I was the one who stepped forward, claiming Ryan was like a younger brother to both of us, and that I’d asked him to look after Chloe. Recalling all those past events, my face burned with shame. I spoke decisively, “Dad, withdraw all resources from Westbrook Pharmaceuticals. From now on, I will never interfere in any of their affairs again.” The next day, my father spoke with Mr. Thompson about the arranged marriage. To my surprise, Grace came to find me that very evening.

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For three years of our engagement, Scarlett had been kidnapped eight times. The night before our wedding, it happened again. I sold off everything I owned, drained my accounts to raise the ransom, and even followed the kidnappers’ demands, diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to fish out Scarlett’s high heels. Soaked to the bone, I hauled myself ashore, only to see Scarlett, who was supposedly kidnapped, smugly showing off to her ‘captors.’ “I told you guys, Liam would do anything for me. You just wouldn’t believe it, would you? Now you do!” “Forget diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to get my high heels. If I told him to drop dead right now, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second.” Her friends, disguised as kidnappers, burst into laughter, their eyes filled with scorn and mockery, as if I were nothing more than a pathetic simp. I calmly looked at Scarlett. “This is your ninth ‘kidnapping.’ And your ninety-ninth time making a fool out of me!” “All the promises I made to you? They’ve all been fulfilled. I don’t owe you anything anymore!” “Scarlett, for the wedding three days from now, you’ll have to find someone else to be the kept man in your family!”

My words hung in the air, and Scarlett and her friends froze. Scarlett frowned, her voice edged with impatience. “Liam, is your petty temper flaring up again?” “We were just playing a prank on you, and you’re getting mad? Seriously?” “Are you even a man? Can’t you stop being so small-minded?” Her scolding almost made me laugh, a bitter, humorless sound. For three years, she’d put me through ninety-nine ‘tests’ to “prove my love for her.” Each time, she’d drag me through hell, only satisfied when I was completely humiliated. My feelings for her had been chipped away, eroded by each one of her cruel games. Before I could even respond, her friends chimed in, mocking me. “Liam, that’s enough! Are you seriously expecting Scarlett to apologize to *you*?” “Don’t push your luck, man, you’re getting too big for your britches!” “Scarlett and we were just joking around, and you dare to threaten to cancel the wedding? Are you completely out of your mind?” “Do you really think you can leave Scarlett? Can you give up the wealth and luxury you’re about to get your hands on? Do you know how many guys dream of marrying into the Scarlett family?” “Scarlett just wanted to test your sincerity one last time before the wedding. It’s not like she did anything outrageous! And you dare to throw a tantrum? Have you forgotten your place?” “You pathetic freeloader, you gold-digging pretty boy, how dare you talk back to Scarlett? Who do you think you are?” Among Scarlett’s friends, her “god-brother,” Trevor, was the loudest in his mockery. Trevor sneered at me. “If it weren’t for Scarlett, with your dirt-poor background, with nothing to your name or influence, you’d never even dream of getting into our rich kid circle.” “Back then, if it wasn’t for Scarlett, you couldn’t even afford your mother’s funeral.” “You owe Scarlett. You’ll never be able to repay that debt in this lifetime, understand?” “She only pranked you ninety-nine times, and you can’t handle it?” “Don’t think just because Mr. Scarlett valued you, you can give Scarlett attitude. Once you leave her, even a stray dog wouldn’t spare you a glance, you pathetic piece of trash!” A cold wind swept through the dilapidated warehouse, making my soaked body shiver violently. I didn’t want to argue anymore. I turned and started to leave. Scarlett exploded. “Liam, stop right there! Did I say you could leave?” “We’re not even married yet, and you dare to treat me like this. After we’re married, you’ll start walking all over me, treating me like dirt, won’t you?” “I’m ordering you, get down on your knees and apologize right now. Then I’ll forget this ever happened. Otherwise, don’t even think I’ll forgive you!” I ignored Scarlett and continued shivering in the cold, walking towards the exit of the crumbling warehouse. Trevor lunged forward, kicking me hard, sending me sprawling to the ground. He looked down at me, a cold smirk on his face. “Liam, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear Scarlett?” Scarlett’s other friends crowded around, their faces gleeful, forcing me to my knees. Scarlett watched, her eyes cold, as if it still wasn’t enough. She said, “Liam, I’m giving you one last chance!” “Start slapping yourself. You don’t stop until I say so.” “Once my anger subsides, I’ll forgive you for today’s incident.” I stared at her, my heart filled with a profound and utter disappointment. She wasn’t like this once. She really wasn’t! I took a deep breath. “Scarlett, whatever I owed you, I’ve already paid back.” “I was grateful when you lent me money to bury my mother all those years ago.” “I gave you my genuine heart, but you took advantage of my love, trampling on my dignity more and more recklessly. I’m truly exhausted!” “Now, in your heart, my standing means less than your friends, less than your god-brother.” “Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself, do you truly see me as your fiancé, or just a pathetic simp you can call and dismiss whenever you please?” As my words finished, Scarlett’s face twisted. She was clearly embarrassed and furious. “Liam, when did you get so sharp-tongued, so defiant?” “You’re unrepentant. I’ll have to teach you a lesson today.” “Slap him!”

As soon as Scarlett’s command left her lips, Trevor swung his arm back and forth, relentlessly slapping my face, his expression exhilarated. Scarlett’s friends held me down tight. I couldn’t fight back. Trevor kept hitting me, a nasty grin on his face. “I’ve hated your guts for a long time. You’re just a gold-digging pretty boy, but you always walk around acting all aloof. Aren’t you fake?” “Becoming a kept man in the Scarlett family? That’s the luckiest break you could ever get.” “If Mr. Scarlett hadn’t favored you, there’s no way a poor kid from a dirt-poor background like you would ever get to marry Scarlett!” “Do you know how jealous I am of you? And yet, you’re so oblivious to your good fortune…” Trevor continued to slap and insult me. Scarlett seemed satisfied with Trevor’s words. She looked at me with cold eyes and snapped, “Liam, don’t test my patience any further!” “Bowing your head and apologizing isn’t some impossible task for you!” “For the past three years, you’ve bowed before me countless times. Your dignity has been long gone in my presence. Don’t be a stubborn idiot and make me angry now.” “Today…” Her words were cut short by the wail of police sirens from outside the dilapidated warehouse. Scarlett and her friends froze. Then, Scarlett exploded. She lunged forward and kicked me hard in the chest with her high-heeled shoe, roaring, “Liam, you actually called the police?” “If I were really kidnapped, just that move of yours would make the kidnappers kill me without hesitation! Don’t you understand that?” Scarlett’s kick, delivered with her high heels, was powerful, making me cry out in pain and pass out. As I lost consciousness, I was confused. I didn’t call the police! How did they find this remote, rundown warehouse? … I had a dream, going back four years. At that time, my mother was terminally ill, and all my savings had been spent on her medical treatment. Scarlett reached out to me then, lending me a sum of money. The interest was high, but for me at that moment, that money was a lifesaver. I arranged my mother’s funeral, paid off my family’s debts, and then, as agreed with Scarlett, I started working at Scarlett Corp. I worked diligently, and with my outstanding abilities, I quickly repaid Scarlett, principal and interest. However, in Scarlett’s eyes, the favor I owed her was something I could never repay in this lifetime. Our relationship deepened then, and Mr. Scarlett, her grandfather, also thought highly of me. Three years ago, Mr. Scarlett personally arranged our engagement ceremony. I thought I had found my happy ending, but the harsh reality told me my thoughts were too naive. Not long after Scarlett and I got engaged, Mr. Scarlett passed away. Trevor returned from studying abroad and attended Mr. Scarlett’s funeral. The Trevor family and the Scarlett family had a deep friendship. Scarlett and Trevor had been childhood friends, but Trevor moved abroad with his family in high school, and Scarlett lost contact with him. After Trevor returned, he announced he planned to develop his career in the country. Scarlett wholeheartedly helped him, constantly introducing herself as his “big sister” and enthusiastically bringing Trevor into her circle of rich friends. She was very attentive to Trevor’s affairs, and Trevor often showed concern for her. It was Trevor who suggested that she “test” whether I truly loved her. From then on, Scarlett began her so-called “tests of love.” I had argued with her before, but each time she would impatiently say, “If you can’t even get through these small tests, how can you truly love me?” “Liam, you have no money, no background. I pulled you out of the mud. You should be grateful.” “All I want is a man who thinks only of me. Is that too much to ask?” “And don’t always complain about Trevor and my friends. My god-brother and my friends are all doing this for my good. You have no right to criticize them.” “I’ll say it again: once you’ve passed ninety-nine tests of love, we’ll get married.” And this kidnapping was Scarlett’s final test of love for me. Was she satisfied with the outcome? I didn’t know! I only knew that our relationship had reached its absolute end. When I woke up from my dream, I found myself in a hospital bed. A woman was sitting beside the bed, holding my hand tightly. The moment I opened my eyes, she smiled gently and said, “You’ve been unconscious for two days. You’re finally awake!” I stared blankly at the woman beside the bed and blurted out, “Aurora? What are you doing here?”

Aurora and I were from the same village. She used to follow me around everywhere when we were kids, always pestering me to play house and often saying that when she grew up, she’d be my bride. Later, when we were in middle school, her parents passed away. Then, Aurora was taken away. I heard her biological parents found her and took her to live a good life. For many years after that, I never saw Aurora again. It wasn’t until after my mother’s funeral, after I had already agreed to work at Scarlett Corp, that Aurora suddenly reappeared. She knelt before my mother’s grave, burning offerings and incense, her eyes red and swollen. She looked at me and said, “Liam, I’m back!” I didn’t ask much about Aurora’s experiences over the years. I only knew that she had spent most of her time abroad and that her family treated her very well. Knowing she hadn’t suffered made me happy enough. But when she heard that Scarlett and I were dating, Aurora fell silent for a long time. Finally, she said to me, “Auntie may be gone, but you still have me.” “No matter what, I’ll always be behind you!” “This time, I’m back for good. I’m planning to open a small company here.” “If you and Scarlett find your happy ending and get married, I’ll bless you.” “But if you two can’t make it work… just remember, I’ll always be waiting for you!” As I recalled these memories, Aurora picked up a bowl of porridge from a thermos. She gently told me, “Have some porridge first. You haven’t eaten in two days, surviving only on IV fluids.” “The doctor said you were lucky. If you had been a little less fortunate, that kick from Scarlett could have caused immediate cardiac arrest and shock.” “Diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to get Scarlett’s high heels? How could you be so foolish?” “If the police hadn’t arrived in time, Scarlett and her friends might have actually killed you…” Listening to Aurora’s concerned rambling, I quietly ate my porridge. After a long while, I softly asked, “You called the police?” Aurora hummed in affirmation. “A few days ago, you suddenly started selling off all your assets, low-balling your property and cars regardless of the losses. I knew Scarlett must be putting you through another one of her so-called ‘tests of love.’” “How many times has she played you? Are you still that blind?” My face flushed slightly. I gave a bitter smile. “She and I are done!” “Ninety-nine ‘tests of love’ have completely erased any feelings I had for her.” Aurora’s eyes lit up, and a radiant smile spread across her face. “Tomorrow is your wedding with her. If you don’t show up, she’ll be utterly humiliated, and the Scarlett family will denounce you. Aren’t you afraid they’ll ruin your reputation?” I jokingly replied, “If the Scarlett family targets me, if I can’t find a job anymore, will you…” Before I could finish, she looked at me with serious eyes. “Yes!” “I’ll support you for life!” “Even if the whole world stands against you, I’ll always be by your side to fight against it.” “Just like when I fell into the water as a child and you saved me with all your might.” “You protected my childhood back then.” “Now, I have the ability to protect you for the rest of your life!” “Three years ago, I missed my chance with you.” “This time, I won’t!” On the wedding day, the hotel ballroom was packed with guests. The Scarlett family bustled around, but their faces were grim.

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My fiancé, Liam Stone, died saving me, and I was utterly heartbroken. Carrying my love and guilt for him, I vowed to remain unmarried for the rest of my life. When I was seventy, I transferred all my assets to the children of Noah Stone, Liam’s brother. Right after the equity transfer was finalized, I unexpectedly saw Liam Stone, who was supposed to be long dead. And standing beside Liam Stone were his wife and child! Liam Stone looked at me and sneered, “Eleanor, do you really think I ever loved you?” “My brother and I detest you the most. If your father hadn’t forced me to marry you, Daisy and I could have been together openly years ago! There would have been no need for me to fake my death! Now, all your fortune is ours!” I was so furious that I suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on the spot and died right in front of them. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Liam Stone faked his death. “Eleanor, my brother loved you more than anyone! He died saving you, you can’t possibly let him down!” The moment Noah Stone’s voice echoed in my ears, I knew I had been reborn. I looked at Noah standing before me, a hint of anxiety on his face as he said, “Eleanor, I want to give my brother a grand funeral, and it’s going to cost a lot of money…” His gaze fixed on me, and I knew exactly what he meant: Noah expected me to pay for it. In my previous life, Liam’s death had left me devastated, even causing me to faint several times. I couldn’t even attend Liam’s funeral; Noah had handled everything for me. But now, I knew Liam hadn’t died at all. And Noah’s so-called funeral was just a ploy to take a huge sum of money from me. All so Liam and Daisy could elope. Now, how could I possibly give Noah a single dime? “No need, Noah. Since Liam supposedly died for me, I’ll take full charge of his funeral myself. I’ll make sure it’s done grandly and honorably!” I looked at Noah Stone, my voice firm. Noah froze, stunned by my words. Both he and Liam were adopted by my father. While they received a certain allowance, it was never a significant amount. My father had long hoped both brothers would join the company, eventually take over the business, and one of them would marry me. But both brothers spent all their time revolving around Daisy, having no interest in managing the company. Over time, my father stopped bothering with them and only provided them with the most basic living expenses. Now, even if Liam wanted to elope with Daisy, they didn’t have the money. “Eleanor, I’m my brother’s closest kin. I know his preferences better than anyone. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure his funeral is perfect!” Noah quickly added, looking at me, “Your health right now, I’m afraid you can’t handle it. Just leave it to me!” “Absolutely not! I’ll handle this myself!” I turned, my gaze cold as I fixed it on Noah. “Since he died for me, how could I face him if I didn’t give him a grand burial?”

“Where is Liam Stone’s body?” I looked at Noah Stone and demanded. Noah quickly replied, “Eleanor, I’ve already taken care of Liam’s body. You know he died a terrible death! “After he died, he was completely disfigured. No one could recognize him! “If you saw him, you’d only be heartbroken! “It’s better if you don’t see him!” He watched me nervously, constantly urging me to reconsider. “Besides, you’re still so weak. You just fainted, remember? “You should really leave these matters to me. After all, Liam was my brother; I’ll give it my all!” Noah’s face was a mask of panic as he babbled on. In my previous life, I had listened to Noah, entrusting everything to him. And he, using Liam’s funeral as an excuse, siphoned a staggering million dollars from the company accounts. At the time, I’d even asked Noah about it, but he claimed he wanted only the best for Liam. Back then, the mere thought of Liam left me heartbroken, and I didn’t think twice. Now, I understood. Noah had taken that huge sum of money just so Liam could run away with Daisy. Afterward, Noah played a significant role in the company. Every year, he’d take large sums of money from me under the guise of commemorating Liam. Coupled with the generous salary and dividends I paid him, that’s how he and Liam managed to live so well. But what about him? Recalling Noah and Liam’s words just before I died in my previous life, I felt nothing but utter disgust for both brothers. They forgot that years ago, when my father was doing charity work at the orphanage, they were the ones who pleaded on their knees for him to take them in. And back then, my father’s initial interest wasn’t even in them. Yet now, they considered being rescued by my father a disgrace and detested me to the extreme. If that’s how it was… then I would naturally take back everything they had. “Noah Stone, no need. Just take me to see Liam Stone.” I rose, speaking to Noah. Hearing my words, Noah frowned slightly, then bluntly said, “Eleanor, why are you being so disobedient? “You need rest in your current condition, don’t you know that? “Now, lie down immediately! Leave those things to me!” Without another word, he tried to pull me back to the bed. But the next moment, I pulled my hand away from Noah, my gaze icy. “Noah Stone, you seem to have forgotten something! “I am the heir to the Vance family, the next head of the family! “As for you, you’re nothing but a dependent we took in! “It’s not your place to dictate what I, the head of the household, should do! “Now, you will follow my instructions, understood?” My words hung in the air, and Noah’s face immediately darkened. His eyes held a mix of disgust and humiliation as he looked at me. “Eleanor, I…” He tried to argue, but the next second, I slapped him directly. Noah was utterly stunned. He couldn’t even believe I had hit him.

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During our fertility treatments, my husband secretly implanted both his and his cousin’s samples into me, betting on whose child I would carry. The day the results came in, the entire family absolutely erupted. “Shameless woman! She actually got pregnant with another man’s baby!” “Given Marcus’s offer of a high-value property, we can just endure these ten months, and it’ll be over.” My husband, Ryan, was seething even more. “If Aria truly loved me, her body wouldn’t have accepted another man’s sperm!” “But now that she’s pregnant, no one else will want her.” “Women are soft-hearted when it comes to their babies. She’ll never be able to abort him!” “Just let her bear all the expenses herself. Once she gives birth, I’ll punish her, making her give birth to sons for me until I’m satisfied!” But I stood outside, clutching the termination forms, and silently turned to leave. On my due day, Ryan and Marcus frantically blew up my phone. “Aria! Where the hell are you?!” “Marcus is here with the house deeds, demanding his baby!” I sat in a Maybach, gazing at the exotic sights outside the window. “If you want a baby so badly, why don’t you just make one yourselves?” ——————

From the moment Ryan said he wanted a child, I exhausted myself trying to conceive. From endless appointments to painful shots, I went through it all alone. Every time the nurse asked why I was by myself, I made excuses for him. “The baby’s father is too busy. He really can’t make it.” But I never imagined he had malicious intent from the start. Not only did he pay off the clinic to put another man’s sperm inside me for a house, he actually turned the tables on me! He didn’t just treat me like a wife. He didn’t even treat me like a human being! The man he was now was a completely different man from the one I married. My hands trembled with rage. I couldn’t understand how he could have become like this. He used to take off his jacket and drape it over me on rainy days. He’d wait downstairs when I worked late. Once, when I was hospitalized, he even stayed by my bedside all night. Watching his tired, red eyes back then, I truly believed he was the one I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. So, I defied my family’s opposition and resolutely married him. Who knew that on the very first day, his family would put me in my place. The significant cash gift of eighteen thousand dollars we’d agreed upon turned into a mere 1,888 dollars. Ryan even smiled and told me, “The decimal point isn’t important. I’ll give you all my future earnings anyway, so what does the gift amount matter?” The promised “wedding jewelry” also turned into cheap trinkets from a hardware store. My parents were furious and wanted to confront them. But Brenda, my mother-in-law, scoffed, “Are these trinkets not ‘jewelry’? What law says wedding gifts have to be gold?” Ryan pulled me aside and said, “It wasn’t easy for my parents to raise me; I can’t bear to let them subsidize me further for the wedding.” “So I took the liberty to change it. The weight is the same anyway, and the box is closed during the wedding, so you can’t tell. When I have money later, I’ll definitely make it up to you.” At the time, I was naive enough to comfort myself. I thought he’d surely keep his promises, that he was just temporarily short on cash, and that now that we were married, he’d surely work harder for our home. But I later found out. He wasn’t short on cash. His money was for show, never for my use. He was so lavish with his family, he acted like he owned a gold mine. He bought Chloe, my sister-in-law, a handbag for thirty thousand dollars, and his mother health supplements for twenty thousand. When his father lost tens of thousands gambling, Ryan immediately pulled out his card to pay the bill. But when I mentioned baby formula or supplements for our child, he’d frown. “No need for those extravagant items, we need to be practical with expenses. Don’t waste money.” Now, for the sake of a high-value property, he didn’t hesitate to exploit my body and make me carry another man’s baby! Having once genuinely loved him, when I heard these words from him and his family, my head spun with rage, and my heart bled with pain.

“Oh, Aria! Why did you run out by yourself?!” I looked up and saw Ryan’s cousin, Marcus, beaming from ear to ear. His tacky gold chain glinted garishly in the sunlight, and he clutched a carton of milk and a fruit basket, eagerly rushing over to me. His joyous expression made my stomach churn. “I just came to check on you, you know.” He said, stepping closer with a sickly sweet smile. “You absolutely mustn’t wander off, my darling little…” “Ahem!” Ryan’s cough came from behind me. Marcus caught on, quickly changing his tune. “You absolutely mustn’t hurt my darling nephew, you hear!” He let out a short laugh, then quickly added in a low voice, “You, Aria, are truly the savior of our family. Once the baby is born, your family will get double the house and money!” His eyes glinted with smugness, like he was sealing a deal that couldn’t possibly fail. Next to him, Ryan’s eyes flashed with a glint of greed. But when he saw me, he composed himself. He deliberately cleared his throat twice and said to me. “Aria, aren’t you going to thank my cousin?” I lowered my eyes, a barely perceptible cold laugh on my lips. Seeing my silence, his smile slowly faded, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes, as if he’d realized something. “Aria, when did you get here? Why didn’t you come inside? Everyone’s waiting for you!” “Just arrived,” I said flatly. “Ran into Marcus on the way and chatted for a bit.” He sighed, visibly relaxing, and forced a strained smile, “That’s good, that’s good.” Marcus was still immersed in his joy, completely oblivious to this small detail. He kept staring at my belly, looking it over and over, thoroughly satisfied. “That’s good, that’s good.” Ryan let out a breath of relief. I looked at his pretense and suddenly found it laughable. Marcus, beaming, patted Ryan’s shoulder, “Treat your wife well, make sure she’s well-fed. She’s carrying our golden child!” “If the baby needs anything, just let me know! Your family will be well compensated!” Ryan’s eyes lit up. He nodded profusely, bowing slightly, “Of course, of course!” Just then, Chloe, my sister-in-law, poked her head out from inside the house, sniping sourly, “Well, sister-in-law’s certainly worth a fortune now, more valuable than gold.” “And who knows whose baby she’s carrying, yet my brother’s falling all over himself to treat her well. Hope it’s not a losing investment.” “Chloe! Shut up!” Brenda glared at her, then turned to me with a placating smile, “Chloe doesn’t know what she’s saying; don’t take it to heart.” “This baby is the golden grandchild of our family, he’ll be loved by everyone from birth, truly blessed!” “His cousin said he’ll give you a big bonus once the baby’s born, and Mom will give it all to you!” From the moment I returned until now. She had never been so pleasant to me. A cold laugh bubbled inside me, and I retorted, “How can you be so sure I’ll actually give birth to this baby?”

At my words, everyone froze. Ryan was the first to react, his voice laced with menace. “Aria, don’t be ungrateful!” “Now that you’re pregnant, who else would want you besides me? Just give birth, and you’ll have a life of comfort!” “Exactly!” Brenda immediately chimed in. “Abortion harms the body; you won’t be able to conceive later! Ryan’s willing to keep your tainted body, you should be utterly grateful!” Marcus fretted, rubbing his hands together, “Aria, don’t do anything rash! How about this, I’ll add another two hundred thousand for your pregnancy expenses!” I looked at this bunch of ridiculous clowns, and any lingering doubt in my heart vanished completely. They saw me as a breeding machine, life as a commodity, and their shamelessness as justified. I suddenly laughed. “Why are you all so tense?” “I just meant, the doctor said this pregnancy is fragile, and I need to be extra careful, or it’ll be hard to keep this baby.” Ryan exhaled, visibly relaxing. But then his expression changed again, and he grabbed my arm nervously, “Why didn’t you say something sooner?!” Brenda was even more panicked than him. She grabbed my arm and dragged me into the house. “Then hurry up and lie down! Chloe! Go get Mom’s best blanket and make up the bed for your sister-in-law!” Only Marcus was pacing anxiously, tears practically welling up in his eyes. His face turned purple, a comical mix of desperation and inability to speak, utterly ridiculous. “Oh, my precious future son…” I coldly watched this family. Only a while ago, they had been completely indifferent to me. No one even accompanied me to my prenatal appointments. Even when I told them a week in advance, on the day of my appointment, they all conveniently had ‘something urgent’ come up. That day, I was terribly nervous and called Ryan, but he said he had to go play poker with his dad. Calls from me kept coming, relentless. He finally answered with an exasperated sigh, “It’s just a check-up, not like you’re giving birth. Do I really need to be there?” Hearing his cold words, my chest tightened with a crushing pain. But I still suppressed my surging emotions and softly said, “Ryan, he’s your child too, after all…” “What do you mean? Can you stop guilt-tripping me with the baby every five minutes?” “Don’t act like you’re the only woman on earth who can have a baby!” With that, he slammed the phone down. At that moment, my heart ached with suffocating pain. Clutching my belly, as I leaned against a chair in the hospital corridor, my ears were filled with other husbands’ loving inquiries, but I, alone, had to buy my own bottle of water. The baby’s kicks felt like sharp jabs to my heart. If the nurse hadn’t helped me, I nearly collapsed in the hospital corridor then and there. When I finally made it home from the hospital, he had just stumbled home, reeking of alcohol. Even so, I patiently told him, “You should drink less. The strong smell of alcohol isn’t good for the baby.” Who knew he’d roll his eyes at me, “Can’t you even stand the smell of alcohol just because you’re pregnant?” “Once the baby’s born, I’ll even teach him to drink! He’ll learn his father’s tolerance!” “What kind of man can’t hold his liquor? Women are all so dramatic.” I bit back my tears and said nothing. Brenda came out of the room, scoffing, “My son works hard all day, and you think you can boss him around?” “It’s your duty to care for your husband, don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse to act like a queen!” But now. I coldly watched this eager family. I had kept putting up with it because I used to consider them family. But now they only saw me as a mere breeding vessel. There was no longer any need for me to entangle myself with them.

A few days later, Ryan, for once, acted halfway decent. He said he wanted to accompany me to pick out baby items. He was incredibly attentive along the way, playing the part of a devoted husband perfectly. Everyone who saw us was incredibly envious, gushing about how lucky I was to have such a wonderful husband. Only I silently endured it all, a cold laugh bubbling in my heart. I wondered if they’d want this ‘blessing’ if I offered it to them. I ignored them and walked into a baby boutique. The boutique had soft lighting and was filled with the sweet scent of baby formula. The neatly arranged baby clothes, bottles, and tiny shoes on the shelves brought a lump to my throat. If this were truly my child, how desperately I would want to keep him. Ryan didn’t notice. He carefully surveyed the baby items around us, then casually, almost too casually, asked, “Aria, what if… I mean, what if we don’t keep this baby with us?” I was holding a light blue baby blanket, and my movements paused. “Don’t keep him? Where would the baby go?” Ryan rubbed his hands nervously. After a long, awkward pause, he finally blurted out. “My cousin, he… he’s always wanted kids, hasn’t he? I was thinking… maybe we could let him have the baby.” “Why would we send him away?” I looked up at him, pressing him, step by step. He avoided my gaze, pretending to examine a nearby crib, his voice dripping with insincerity, “I was just asking casually, you know.” “After all, our finances are tight, there’s a lot of pressure, and your pregnancy isn’t stable. And if… my parents decide it’s best to let him go, try not to be too upset.” I gave a faint smile, my gaze turned icy, “Ryan, if you truly wanted this baby, you wouldn’t be so quick to talk about ‘giving him away’.” He flinched, then offered a sheepish laugh, “I was just worried you’d be too tired.” I coldly watched his performance, and suddenly realized that heartache, after aching for so long, eventually numbs. That night, Marcus, my husband’s cousin, called Ryan again. “I heard your wife’s pregnancy is a bit unstable, so I transferred more money over. Make sure Aria eats well!” “I’ve waited for this precious son for so long, he mustn’t suffer!” Ryan eagerly agreed on the phone, then immediately handed the money over to his family. I, the supposed recipient of the funds, didn’t see a single cent. Ryan’s family had never seen such a large sum of money, and the moment they got it, they indulged in a spending spree. Brenda bought new gold bracelets and earrings, and Chloe, my sister-in-law, flaunted a limited-edition designer handbag. The whole family paraded their new purchases in front of me, smug as can be. Chloe swayed her handbag strap, her eyes gleaming with triumph: “Don’t get the wrong idea, sister-in-law, this was a gift from my boyfriend.” I gave her a cold smile and retorted: “That boyfriend of yours, he wouldn’t happen to be a secret ATM, would he?” Their faces drained of color. Arthur, my father-in-law, yanked Chloe away. Brenda tried to smooth things over. “What are you saying? It’s just that luck has been on our side lately. Ryan’s been getting lots of clients, and Chloe’s just naturally radiant. It’s all thanks to the precious baby you’re carrying, isn’t it?” “Once you’ve given birth, Mom will definitely get you some nice things, just like this!” I said nothing, only sneered inwardly. What a utterly hypocritical family, they were so stingy, even their empty promises felt cheap. So I composed myself and deliberately said to them with a look of apology. “I’m actually very happy that the family is doing so well now, but since my pregnancy was fragile, my family found me the best specialist for high-risk pregnancies, and she’s already here, so I was thinking…” Before I could finish, Brenda excitedly cut in, “Yes! Of course, you can! Your family can take excellent care of you. After all, you’re their own daughter; they’ll certainly be more dedicated than us ‘outsiders,’ won’t they?” Ryan hesitated slightly. Brenda tugged him closer and whispered, “Are you really going to use all that money Marcus gave you to buy expensive supplements for your wife?” Sure enough, Ryan fell silent. He seemed to avoid my gaze, so I clutched the termination of pregnancy consent form in my hand, giving him one last chance to prove himself. “So, will you come with me to my prenatal appointment tomorrow?” “Yes! Of course, I’ll go!” Ryan quickly said. “But…” He suddenly looked extremely awkward. “Which hospital? What time again?” “Eight o’clock.” I said faintly. Then he solemnly set multiple alarms and even made a memo on his phone. It read: [Accompany my darling wife to her prenatal appointment.] Watching his serious expression, my resolve wavered for a split second. But reality slapped me hard, right back to my senses.

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Just a month after Julian and I got married, his older brother ran off with his mistress. As I pushed open the door to comfort Julian, he handed me a document. “Scarlett, Stratton Holdings can’t be without an heir. I’ve decided to step in for my brother and have a child with Seraphina.” Shock frozen me. Then, fury. I tore the paper, screaming, “Julian Sterling! This isn’t the Middle Ages! You can’t just ‘loan’ out your husband to another woman to have a child! What do you take me for?” Julian stared at me, stubbornly, “Scarlett, it’s just three years, isn’t it? I’ll come back, and I’ll still be your husband.” “If I had been Mom’s only son back then, I would have been the one to marry Seraphina and merge our families. You wouldn’t even be in the picture.” I looked at Julian, heartbroken, as his familiar face turned cold, so self-righteous. “I’ll let you be a sperm donor for IVF. That’s my biggest concession.” Julian stood up, silently pulling out another agreement. “The heir to Stratton Holdings can’t be some cold, mechanical creation. It has to be a product of passion.” He looked at me, completely unashamed. “For the merger between our two families, a child must be born. I’m informing you, not asking for your opinion.” I clenched my fists, finally giving up completely. “Julian Sterling, let’s get a divorce.”

Mrs. Sterling, my mother-in-law, immediately stood up, slapping me across the face. “Julian has been so good to you, but you dare to suggest divorce? You ungrateful wretch!” The older relatives from the Sterling family began to gather around, trying to persuade me. “Scarlett, Julian still loves you. Otherwise, if he secretly had a child with Seraphina, you wouldn’t even know, would you?” “Exactly! Julian is doing this for the Sterling family. If Seraphina gets angry and backs out, Sterling Corp. will be in danger.” I stared in shock at these elders, spouting morals and righteousness, and then let out a bitter laugh. Julian flushed with anger and roared, “Enough! Scarlett will understand.” I looked around at the indignant relatives. This was the company and family I had sacrificed a prestigious career to save, pouring my soul into its survival. A sharp, desolate pain pierced my heart. I lifted my chin, forcing back tears, and looked at Julian. “Julian, we’ve weathered every storm together. Do you really want to sacrifice our marriage for the future of Sterling Corp.?” Julian fell silent. After a long moment, he looked at me pleadingly. “Scarlett, I’m not sacrificing our marriage for Sterling Corp.’s future. No matter what, you’ll always be my most beloved wife.” “Scarlett, think about it. Seraphina is a titan, with unparalleled intelligence and deep connections to several prominent families in the capital. Given your health condition…” I stared at Julian in shock. He finally said what was truly on his mind. So he looked down on me because of my poor health. That’s why, in our six years together, he always insisted on contraception. But for whom had I drunk myself sick? For whom had I worked myself to the bone to secure deals, leading to a third of my stomach being removed? A tear dropped onto the back of my hand. I looked up, my voice hoarse. “Julian Sterling, what if I absolutely refuse?” “Scarlett, I know it’s hard for you to accept right now. It’s okay… I’ll give you time to think about it.” A flicker of guilt crossed Julian’s face, but then he self-righteously raised his voice. “A joint heir for the Sterling and Stratton families – that child must be born. This is for the greater good. You need to look at the bigger picture, not be so petty.” I laughed bitterly, tears welling in my eyes as I looked at Julian. At twenty-six, in the prime of his life, he already exuded the sharp, imposing aura of a CEO. “So, you mean you’re not only going to have a child with Seraphina, but this child will also inherit everything we have?” “And I am just a tool for making money, destined to never have a child of my own?” Julian pursed his lips, his voice silent, his expression complicated as he looked at me. All the relatives averted their gaze. They stood up, offered a few more hollow words of advice, and swiftly left. Julian also left indifferently, closing the door behind him. I sat there all night. As a sliver of dawn broke on the horizon, I wiped away my tears and called the company lawyer. “Help me draft a divorce agreement. I want a divorce.”

Once the matter was out in the open, Julian stopped hiding. He began openly showing affection for Seraphina. When the private investigator sent me the information and photos, my hands trembled, and I had to muster all my courage to open them. September 11th, 12 PM: Julian made chicken soup for Seraphina and delivered it to her CEO’s office. They stayed there until 1:30 PM. That evening, Julian waited at the hotel entrance. At 11 PM, he picked up Seraphina, drove her home, and didn’t return that night. September 12th, 8 AM: Julian spent two hours making seafood porridge and delivered it to Seraphina’s office. They spent an hour together. September 13th: They went shopping. Julian bought Seraphina a gown and personally selected a Cartier diamond bracelet. September 14th, … Julian, who never posted on social media, shared a romantic photo from a fancy restaurant for the first time. Vibrant roses were presented to a pair of slender, fair hands, and the caption was overflowing with happiness: “Destiny, rekindled.” The clinking wine glasses stung my eyes. After thinking for a long time, I commented below: “Rekindling romance with another woman? What does that make your wife?” Almost instantly, the comment was deleted. Immediately after, Julian sent me several sixty-second voice messages. “What are you commenting on my Ins for? How is Seraphina supposed to feel?” “You’re getting so petty these days, jealous over every little thing. I’m only saying this to win over Seraphina so we can have a child quickly!” Mrs. Sterling was also furious. She stormed into the house, pointing at me and screaming insults. “Julian is younger than you, and he understands the bigger picture! You’ve lived thirty years for nothing; no wonder you’re just a freeloader!” “My Sterling family supported you as Vice President, gave you reputation and status, and you’re still not satisfied? You want to sabotage Julian’s grand plan?” “I’m telling you, if Seraphina refuses to have a child with Julian because of you, I’ll never forgive you!” I stared at Mrs. Sterling in shock. This was the family member I had treated as a mother, now humiliating and scolding me with the most vicious words. I finally gave up completely, slowly handing her the divorce agreement. “Since I’m so worthless, have Julian sign it. I won’t hinder his grand plan to revitalize Sterling Corp.” Seeing that I not only refused to admit fault but dared to threaten them with divorce, Mrs. Sterling immediately exploded in anger. She picked up a vase from the coffee table and threw it at my head. “Your low-class parents must have been trash to raise such an ill-mannered wretch like you! Today, I’m going to teach you some proper manners!” Then she grabbed an ashtray and slammed it onto my head with a loud bang. She glared at me fiercely, spitting on my face. “You look like a pauper. Julian must have been blind to ever look your way.” I clutched my head and coldly looked at Mrs. Sterling. Ever since Sterling Corp. escaped crisis and got back on track, she had always looked at me with more disdain than warmth. She always felt I had climbed above my station by marrying Julian. Otherwise, her second son could have married a wealthy heiress, a second-richest successor, just like her eldest. But she forgot. It was she who had once taken my hand and thanked me for my hard work. It was she who said I was the Sterling family’s lucky star, that I had saved Sterling Corp. from crisis with my selfless dedication. I had knelt in the bank manager’s office to secure loans. I had nursed a business partner’s father in the hospital, saving lost orders… I finally understood: some people only see profit, no affection. Turns out, selfishness is hereditary. My heart suddenly grew calm. There was no more sadness. I ignored Mrs. Sterling’s ranting, grabbed my car keys, and rushed to the hospital. As I reached the second floor, I saw Julian walking towards me, arm-in-arm with a coy Seraphina. The moment our eyes met, Julian’s face flashed with panic and embarrassment. He quickly turned away, coughing. “What happened to your head?” Then he said, with disgust, “Look at you. What can you even do? A grown woman manages to get her head bloody. If you had even a fraction of Seraphina’s capability, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.” My gaze, sharp as ice, fell on Seraphina beside him. Her expression was serene, her eyes enigmatic. In that moment, I admitted that I couldn’t compare to her; she truly was unfathomable. “Alright, go get yourself checked out. Don’t cause any more trouble in the future.” He said, as if afraid of touching something dirty, and walked away with Seraphina, not looking back. As they turned the corner of the stairs, Julian’s message arrived: “Seraphina is pregnant. I’m organizing a celebration for her this Wednesday. You absolutely must attend.” “Seraphina wants everyone to believe this child is Dominic’s, and she’s already three months along. Remember not to say anything out of line.”

I calmly deleted the messages, then looked at the text from my lawyer. “Scarlett, if you’re willing to walk away with nothing, the divorce proceedings will be quick. But if you want to divide assets, it will be more complicated and take some time.” I looked at the message and replied, “I authorize you to liquidate the assets I’m entitled to. I will not walk away with nothing.” Since joining the failing Sterling Corp. after university, I had single-handedly created the legend of turning a profit of over a hundred million within three months. Why should I be a spineless fool and walk away with nothing? I would take back what was rightfully mine. My belongings, even if I donated them, would not go to some illegitimate child. On Wednesday, I arrived on time. Julian had his arm around Seraphina’s waist, circulating among the guests, soaking in their congratulations. Seraphina smiled gracefully, engaging in conversation with everyone. I calmly handed my gift to Julian. He merely glanced at it, then stepped three feet away as if to avoid association. “Oh, Seraphina already has a whole attic full of things like this. You don’t need to bother.” I smiled faintly. “Alright then!” Turns out, in his heart, Seraphina was already his wife. My gift, from his legitimate wife, was just a pointless gesture. I turned and handed it to Mr. Davies, the family butler. “Mr. Davies, this is for your wife. Please take it to her.” Mr. Davies immediately thanked me profusely. “Ms. Scarlett, you are too kind. I thank you on behalf of my wife.” He bowed to me. See? Sometimes, an unintentional kindness to a stranger earns you overwhelming gratitude. Some people, no matter how good you are to them, will take you for granted, seeing you as nothing more than a desperate admirer. Some business associates came up to congratulate me. “Ms. Scarlett, so glad to hear Ms. Stratton has been blessed with a child. Congratulations!” Then they looked puzzled. “Ms. Scarlett, why isn’t Ms. Stratton under your care? Mr. Sterling has been with Ms. Stratton the whole time.” I smiled calmly. “It’s all the same. We’re family, after all. No need to be so particular.” The surrounding people looked at me inquisitively, then at Julian and Seraphina, who stood close together. They seemed to understand something, exchanging knowing, meaningful smiles. Finally, a small voice piped up from a corner. “Mommy, that auntie and uncle look so good together! Their baby must be beautiful!” The grand hall fell silent. Everyone exchanged awkward glances. Julian’s face flushed crimson. He reluctantly walked over to me and took my arm. Then he whispered, full of disgust, “Can’t you have some common sense and stand by me? Do you want everyone to laugh at me?” I smiled indifferently. “I thought you were afraid Seraphina would get jealous, thinking I was still trying to snatch you away.” Hearing me say that, Julian’s face broke into a satisfied smile. “At least you’re sensible enough to know your place. Seraphina is a bit of a clean freak when it comes to relationships. In the future, be mindful of your boundaries when you see me. For these three years, I am not your husband. Remember your place and don’t displease Seraphina.” I scoffed, saying nothing more, and enthusiastically greeted the guests. Once everyone had had their fill, Julian abruptly let go of my arm, disdainfully brushing off his suit. “Seraphina and I are leaving. I need to prepare a tonic for her pregnancy. You can go home on your own.” “I’ll be busy with Seraphina and her pregnancy lately, so I’m leaving the company to you. Be diligent and don’t mess things up.” With that, he took Seraphina’s arm and walked out. It was clear that in his heart, Seraphina was already his wife, and the Stratton estate was his home. I smiled and walked into the night. “Mr. Stone, I’ll give you a million for a job. Extra expenses will be covered.” I wondered if his own brother, when he eventually returned, would even be able to go back to that ‘home’.

Julian, true to his word, spent several days by Seraphina’s side and didn’t come home. Mr. Stone, the private investigator, sent me photos regularly. Perhaps seeing my silence, Julian and Mrs. Sterling simply moved into Seraphina’s mansion. Julian even began openly referring to Seraphina as the baby’s “godparent” (which everyone understood as the father). Everyone in the city’s high society knew exactly what was going on. They’d exchange knowing glances and cast sympathetic looks my way. Soon, it was Mrs. Sterling’s birthday. I looked at the message from Mr. Stone and smiled, then transferred an extra five hundred thousand to him. On the day of the birthday celebration, I invited the city’s most renowned news reporters and every notable influencer I could find. With over a dozen cameras set up, it was more bustling than a movie set. Mrs. Sterling, dressed in a red traditional gown, seeing the cameras pointed at her, finally offered me a rare pleasant look. “Though you’re not as capable as Seraphina, at least you’re sensible and know your place. It’s not for nothing that my Sterling family has kept you.” I smiled and nodded, agreeing with everything she said. The guests’ eyes, when they looked at me, were filled with even more contempt. The Sterling relatives, with their noses in the air, sneered at me. “She has no backbone! Her husband is sleeping with his sister-in-law, and she’s still fawning over her mother-in-law! She’s a disgrace to all women!” “What do you know? She’s a bottom-feeder, a parasite who couldn’t find her way out of a paper bag without the Sterlings! She’s so spineless, she’d probably be happy being cuckolded as long as it benefits her!” Ignoring the constant whispers and mockery, I calmly greeted the guests. As the auspicious hour approached, Julian appeared, arm-in-arm with Seraphina. All the guests swarmed around them, chatting with Seraphina and trying to forge connections. Julian, still arm-in-arm with her, showed no discretion. His head held high, he basked in their adulation, as if he were already the rich husband of a tycoon. Seraphina’s belly was prominently rounded, already six months along. Mrs. Sterling hurried over, greeting them warmly as her daughter-in-law and son, asking if Seraphina was tired, and urging the servants to bring her tea. Throughout it all, Seraphina remained polite and gracious, revealing no discernible emotion. Many times, I wondered: Seraphina, a powerful tycoon, had initially married into the Sterling family out of gratitude for a life saved. But now, the debt of gratitude had been repaid. Wealthy suitors, eager to have children with her and marry her, lined up from one end of the city to the other. Why would she, ignoring all gossip, insist on sleeping with her married brother-in-law? Just as I was lost in thought, fireworks popped, and the emcee’s booming voice rang out. “Today is a joyous day! We thank all friends and family for coming to celebrate Mrs. Sterling’s birthday!” “Now, we invite the son and daughter-in-law to come forward, pay their respects, and wish Mrs. Sterling a long and prosperous life!” The moment the words fell, Julian, smiling, took Seraphina’s arm and stepped forward. “Mom, Seraphina and I wish you a long, healthy life and endless fortune!” With that, he pulled Seraphina, about to bow deeply. Seraphina stood perfectly still, her sharp gaze falling on me. I chuckled and stepped forward. “Julian Sterling, you’ve got the wrong person. Your wife is right here.” Julian’s face immediately flushed red, then he angrily said, “Dominic isn’t here, so I’m taking his place to accompany Seraphina in wishing Mom a happy birthday. Stay out of it!” I silently counted the seconds. One, two, three… Julian again pulled Seraphina’s arm, about to bow deeply to his mother, when a sharp voice suddenly rang out.

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The year I turned six and lost my sight, Mom and I found Zane nearly frozen to death. I lied and said I wanted a companion. I begged Mom to save him. After Mom remarried, Zane became my only support. He even gave up his extraordinary talent for painting to study medicine, all for my eyes. But even after becoming a skilled ophthalmologist, he still couldn’t cure my blindness. On my twenty-fifth birthday, Zane’s female soulmate won a major art award. Zane locked himself in the study, scribbling furiously on paper. His voice strained with suppressed emotion. “I’m writing you birthday wishes.” I smiled, about to step forward and hug him when my guide dog spoke. “You dumb blind girl — he’s ripped up every painting he ever made. The backs are covered with ‘Anna, go die.’” “Don’t walk forward! He put a live wire there. You’ll die if you step on it!” I froze in place. Then I forced a smile and kept walking. “Zane, all your wishes will come true.” I took another step forward. Zane suddenly called out. “Anna!” His voice caught, thick with tears, but he said nothing more. I pretended not to know. My tone stayed light and cheerful. “Does your head hurt again? Let me massage it for you.” My guide dog spoke again. “Fool, the wire is right in front of you!” I was about to step down when the doorbell rang. A chair scraped violently across the floor. “Watch out!” A force slammed into me. I crashed to the ground. My brain buzzed. Pain exploded through my skull. I couldn’t think clearly for several moments. Zane’s hands trembled as he helped me up. “Anna… I’m sorry… There was a wire just now. I was afraid you’d trip.” My guide dog barked twice. I understood what it meant. “He’s lying, Anna. He really wanted to kill you just now! He only changed his mind at the last second.” My heart twisted. Why did I still feel sorry for him? I forced myself to smile through the pain. “If there was a wire, it’s my fault for not seeing it. I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt.” Just then, Zane’s phone rang. I heard a woman’s voice on the other end. “I know you’re home. I won’t leave until I see you. Zane, just… consider this my last time coming.” I recognized the voice. Victoria. Zane’s talented painter friend. She and Zane had met at an art gallery years ago. Zane once told me Victoria was his best friend. Victoria once told me Zane’s paintings had the most spirit she’d ever seen. But now one had become a renowned artist. The other had become a doctor stuck taking care of a blind person. Zane hated being a doctor. He hated the smell of blood. After every surgery, he would vomit until he could barely stand. After Victoria hung up, Zane shoved me aside. He rushed out desperately. I lost my balance. The back of my head struck the sharp corner of the table. Blood poured out in waves. I whimpered weakly. “Zane, it hurts…” The door slammed shut. I couldn’t see, but my hearing was sharper than most people’s. Even through the closed door, I heard Victoria and Zane talking outside. Victoria’s voice broke with tears. “Anna’s eyes can’t be cured. You can’t take care of her forever! Your hands have so much more talent than mine! You should keep painting!” But Zane interrupted her, his voice shaking. “Victoria, Anna gave me this life. How could I abandon a blind person…” Victoria’s voice filled with sorrow. “Then what about your dreams? What about… me?” Zane stayed silent for a long time before answering hoarsely. “No matter what, we’ll always be… best friends.” Victoria ran away crying. “I won’t come looking for you again… When you figure it out, take this to my teacher.” I lay on the floor in a daze. Suddenly I remembered when I was thirteen. Someone had bullied me. I limped home from the school for the blind. Zane was furious. He decided to transfer from his regular school to the blind school to watch over me. When I was fifteen, Mom remarried. She grabbed my hands and cried. “Anna, my new husband can’t help me raise a blind child. Mom is really struggling. You understand, don’t you? Besides, Zane will take care of you!” Mom dragged her suitcase away. She left behind the old house and Zane. Zane had just turned eighteen. Taking care of blind me wore him down until he was covered in ailments. I kept crying and begging Zane to leave. To stop taking care of me. But he always smiled and patted my head. “Silly girl, we’ll be together forever.” A blind person like me that nobody wanted, if Zane hadn’t held my hand and helped me grow up, I should have died long ago. I should die somewhere Zane doesn’t know about. Otherwise, he’ll blame himself.

I wiped the throbbing back of my head. My fingers came away sticky with blood. I was still struggling to stand when the door burst open. Zane’s voice cut through the silence. “What happened? Why is there so much blood?” I forced a smile. “I’m sorry. I fell by accident.” The words had barely left my mouth when I heard glass shatter against the floor. “Anna!” His voice cracked like a whip. “You’ve lived in this house for years. How can you still not walk properly?” Then came a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Anna. I shouldn’t lose my temper with you.” I heard him rummaging through the house. Drawers opened and slammed shut. Finally, he pulled out my old white cane. I hadn’t used it in years. He grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the door. His steps were too fast. Too angry. I stumbled, trying to keep up. My foot slipped on the first step. Then the third. Each time I nearly fell, but he didn’t slow down. Fear clawed at my throat. “Zane, where are we going?” He stopped so suddenly I crashed into his back. My nose hit his spine. Blood gushed from my nostrils. I reached up blindly to wipe it away. His voice came out strangled. “Anna! There are so many blind people in the world. Why can everyone else live normally except you?” Each word hit like a physical blow. “I’m not your guide dog. I can’t be your dog for the rest of my life!” My heart seized. Something inside me crumpled. Then I felt his hands on my back. He shoved me. Hard. His voice drifted back through the wind, cold and final. “Don’t come home until you learn to use the tactile paving.” His footsteps faded. His scent disappeared. The world reduced to wind, traffic, and strangers whispering around me. Darkness and panic swallowed me whole. I clutched the cane until my knuckles ached. I wanted to scream. Instead, I whispered his name like a prayer. “Zane, I’m so scared.” Before, I never needed a cane. One hand always held my guide dog’s harness. The other held Zane’s arm. He said I’d never need anything else. Now only the wind answered me. My guide dog’s voice dripped with mockery. “Wasn’t he the one who promised to hold your hand forever? Said you’d never need a cane?” I had forgotten everything about tactile paving. The raised dots and lines meant nothing to my feet anymore. I tapped the cane against the ground. Each step felt wrong. I must have exhausted him completely. A blind woman who couldn’t even walk alone. I wandered aimlessly until the sound of car horns grew deafening. I stopped at what must be the street’s edge. Maybe if a car hit me, Zane could finally be free. I waited. The traffic roared past. Then someone yanked me backward into their arms. Zane’s body trembled against mine. His voice broke with despair. “Anna, you’re blind, not stupid. How can you not know how to cross a street? Why? Why did you have to be blind?” Why? I wanted to know too. The question I’d asked myself a thousand times. The question that had no answer. I finally broke. Sobs tore from my chest. “You’re right. I’m not stupid. So go! Leave! I don’t need you!” When I was five, my parents fought over their divorce. They screamed at each other every night. Neither wanted custody of me. When I spiked a fever that destroyed my vision, they didn’t even notice until it was too late. Zane’s hand found mine. His grip was weak. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten angry. How could I not take care of you?” He led me home. He never mentioned the cane lessons again. But I noticed him spending more time staring at things in his study. Long silences filled with something I couldn’t name. I hid in my room and dialed Mom’s number. She answered on the fourth ring. Her voice turned sharp the moment she recognized mine. “Why are you calling me? I don’t have any obligation to raise you anymore.” “Mom, I’m not asking you to raise me. Could you just pretend to let me live with you?” Silence stretched between us. I made promises. So many promises. I’d be invisible. I wouldn’t be a burden. I just needed somewhere else to go. Finally, she sighed. “Fine. For old time’s sake. I’ll come get you after your sister finishes summer camp.” I hung up. A strange lightness filled my chest. Mom had a healthy child now. A daughter who could see. And Zane could finally be rid of me.

I stood outside Zane’s door and knocked. Inside, I heard him scrambling to hide something. Papers rustled frantically. “What do you want? Can’t find something again?” His tone made me flinch. I forced myself to smile. The kind of playful smile I used to wear when things were still good between us. “Zane, Mom contacted me. She says she’s doing well now. She feels guilty about everything. She wants me to come live with her. I said yes.” Silence stretched between us. Then his voice came out sharp and disbelieving. “Do you even know what you’re saying?” I repeated the words carefully. “I want to live with Mom.” Something inside him snapped. His chair scraped violently against the floor. “Anna! Have you forgotten what she did to you? You haven’t suffered enough?” How could I forget? The years the court gave me to Mom, she dated constantly. Sometimes she’d disappear for days. She’d forget to leave money for food. Little Zane would collect bottles in the freezing winter. He’d trade them for bread and give it all to me. His stomach would growl with hunger, but he’d smile and say, “I think I ate too much.” I’d begged Mom to adopt Zane because I wanted him to survive. Instead, he’d spent his entire life dragging around a blind girl. He’d never had one good day because of me. When Zane refused to even consider it, I called Victoria. “Please,” I said. “Talk to him. He’ll listen to you.” Victoria was quiet for a long moment. Then she agreed. Two days later, she called Zane. I heard his phone ring. Heard him answer. Her voice drifted through the speaker. “Zane, I’m leaving with my teacher in a few days. Once I’m gone, you’ll never have another chance.” Zane stared at me. I didn’t know why, but even though I couldn’t see, I could feel his gaze on me. Then something broke inside him. He stormed into his study, grabbed something, and ran out the door. The apartment door slammed shut. I smiled in the silence. Relief flooded through me warm and light. A full day passed. Zane didn’t come home. Victoria called me the next afternoon. Her voice bubbled with excitement. “Thank you for this. Zane really is meant to paint. I’m arranging a gallery show for him.” Happiness surged through my chest. He was free. Finally free. But by evening, my stomach had begun to cramp. I hadn’t eaten anything all day. Zane always prepared meals before he left. This time he’d been too angry to think of it. I used voice commands to order delivery. When it arrived, I felt my way to the door. The handle wouldn’t turn. He’d locked it from the outside. Night fell. My stomach burned with acid. Hunger made my hands shake. I navigated toward the kitchen by memory. My fingers traced the familiar countertop. I needed to find something. Anything to eat. My arm swept across the counter. Something crashed to the floor. Glass shattered. Then I smelled gas. Panic seized my chest. I’d knocked over the stove lighter. Flames roared to life somewhere to my left. I grabbed for the faucet. Water sprayed everywhere. Not on the fire. The flames spread across the counter. Smoke filled my lungs. I dropped to my knees, coughing. Heat blistered my skin. My hands went numb. Pain disappeared into a strange, terrifying absence of feeling. Tears streamed down my face. I crawled toward where I thought the door should be. “Anna, you useless waste,” I sobbed to myself. “Don’t die here. Don’t you dare die here.” If Zane came home and found my charred body, he’d never forgive himself. The guilt would destroy him. I couldn’t do that to him. My guide dog bit my pant leg. Its bark cut through the roar of flames. “Stupid girl! This way! Hide this way!” I crawled in the direction of its voice. My lungs screamed for air. Black spots burst behind my useless eyes. The world tilted sideways. Then nothing. *** Beeping pulled me back to consciousness. Antiseptic smell. Crisp sheets. Hospital. Footsteps rushed toward my bed. Zane’s voice came out exhausted and bewildered. “I was only gone one day. Why do you always do this to yourself?” My hands twisted in the sheets. “I’m sorry.” More footsteps entered the room. A doctor’s voice rose sharply, scolding Zane. “What kind of guardian are you? You left a blind person alone in a locked apartment. Do you understand she almost burned to death?” I opened my mouth to defend him. To explain it wasn’t his fault. But Zane spoke first. His voice was cold and hollow. “Every time I try to leave, you use reality to remind me. To show me I can only stay by your side.” Victoria’s shriek pierced the room. “Anna! You did this on purpose! You’re using this to keep Zane trapped!” Pain lanced through my chest. Sharper than any burn. I laughed. The sound came out bitter and broken. “So what if I did? My eyes aren’t healed. He has to stay with me for the rest of his life. He owes me that much.” The words tasted like poison. But I forced them out anyway. If he hated me enough, maybe he’d finally walk away for good.

“Slap!” Zane hit me across the face. I felt my mouth curve into a smile. Idiot. Why was his hand shaking? I twisted the knife deeper. “Zane, someone like you has no right to chase dreams. I burned all those paintings you hid. You’re not going anywhere!” My phone rang. Mom’s voice boomed through the speaker before I could answer. “I’m almost at the old house. Pack up and wait for me.” Zane snatched the phone from my hand before I could respond. His voice shattered into something wild and unrecognizable. “Anna, I wish I’d never met you! Twenty years! I don’t owe you anything anymore!” His hands closed around my arm. He dragged me from the hospital bed. The doctor’s voice rose in alarm. “She’s injured! She can’t handle this kind of stress!” Zane ignored him. He pulled me through the hallways and out the hospital doors. We reached the apartment complex entrance just as Mom arrived. I hadn’t seen her in ten years. Zane shoved me toward her. His voice rang with twisted relief. “Take her far away from here! I hope I never see her again for the rest of my life!” His footsteps faded into nothing. Mom stood at a distance. Disgust radiated from her posture. I could feel it even without seeing her face. “I’m only here because we’re family. Remember what you promised. I bring you with me and that’s it. We’re done. And those injuries? Not my problem. I don’t have money to waste on medical bills.” I smiled. No sadness came. Today the person who loved me most in the world had thrown me away too. There was nothing left to lose. “I won’t forget, Mom. Can you take me to Central Park?” The place where I’d first met Zane. Mom drove in silence. The moment we reached the park, she abandoned me on the sidewalk. She practically ran back to her car like I was contagious. Winter had emptied the park of visitors. Just wind through bare trees and dead grass crunching under distant footsteps. I wandered slowly. My burned skin had gone numb in the cold. The pain faded into something distant and unimportant. My feet carried me forward with no destination. Just moving through the place where a six-year-old girl had found a freezing boy and changed both their lives forever. My guide dog’s bark cut through the quiet. “Stop! There’s a lake ahead!” I kept walking. My foot met empty air. Then I was falling. The cold water hit like a thousand knives. It flooded into my nose and mouth and ears. The shock stole my breath. I sank. The lake swallowed me whole. Darkness had always been my world. But this darkness was different. This darkness was peace. No more guilt. No more being a burden. No more watching Zane destroy himself to keep me alive. My lungs screamed for air. I ignored them. The cold stopped hurting. Everything stopped hurting. This was better. Zane would finally paint again. Victoria would have him back. Mom could forget I existed. Water filled my chest. My body went limp. I thought of Zane’s smile when we were children. The way he’d hold my hand and promise we’d be together forever. I’m sorry, I thought. I’m sorry I couldn’t be someone worth saving. The water pressed in from all sides. Filling every space. Every sense. My thoughts scattered like leaves in wind. Then nothing at all.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299290”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #狼人Werewolf #玄幻Fantasy #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn