My baby died during a difficult labor. I was devastated, spending every day at home washing my face with tears. When my coworker, Linda, found out, she wanted to bring some people over to my house to visit me. Not wanting to bring up sad memories, I politely declined. I told her that once I recovered, I would definitely invite her over for dinner. She instantly got upset, firing off text after text. [I’m not trying to lecture you, Maya, but you’re in your late twenties. How do you not understand basic social etiquette?] [We’re giving up our time and buying things to come see you, and you don’t even appreciate it. That’s really disheartening!] 1 Linda is five years older than me and a senior employee at our company. A year ago, she introduced me to her cousin, who is now my husband. Because of these two connections, I forced down my displeasure. [Linda, I know you mean well, but I’m really in a bad place right now. I just want to be alone for a bit. I hope you can understand.] The pain of losing a child is like having your heart ripped out. Any words of comfort were pale and meaningless to me. I didn’t want to talk about it, didn’t want to remember it. I just wanted to hide and slowly stitch up the wounds in my heart by myself. But Linda wouldn’t let it go. [Maya, can you stop acting like a spoiled child? If you keep this up, you’re going to ruin your reputation with everyone!] [Do you know that Chloe, who sits across from you, insisted on coming to see you even though she’s heavily pregnant? Usually, people consider your situation bad luck for a pregnant woman, but she didn’t complain once. Do you really have the heart to reject that kind of kindness?] [Besides, not only did we buy gifts, but we were also planning to give you some cash. This is a good thing! Don’t be an idiot!] Can money buy back my child’s life? Besides, I never asked them to come see me! Holding back my anger, I replied. [Thank you, Linda, and please thank everyone for their concern, but it’s really not necessary.] Linda: [Seriously, why are you so stubborn? Haven’t you ever heard that refusing good advice will only bring you trouble?] I didn’t want to waste any more words on her, so I just closed the app. She still wouldn’t give up, trying to call me. I immediately hung up on her. In my eyes, she had crossed a line. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do, nor do I need forced sympathy. Her constant pushing only proved she had an ulterior motive. Seeing that I was ignoring her, Linda finally stopped. I thought the matter was settled, but a few days later, she actually showed up at my front door with a group of people. “Open the door, Maya! It’s Linda, I brought your coworkers to see you!” She pounded on the door relentlessly, looking like she wouldn’t stop until I opened it. “We’re all so worried about you, Maya! You lost a baby, but you can always have another one. Please don’t do anything drastic!” She yelled at the top of her lungs, as if afraid the neighbors wouldn’t hear her. I stood in the living room, so angry I wanted to scream profanities. She was doing this on purpose. How could someone be so obnoxious? I told her not to come, and she came anyway. But I couldn’t lash out, because I didn’t want to face her, didn’t want to deal with her. So, I muted my phone and pretended not to be home. After knocking for a long time with no answer, she naturally had to leave. Sure enough, ten minutes later, the knocking stopped. Linda: “Looks like Maya isn’t home today. What bad timing. We’ll come back another day.” Listening to the footsteps fading down the stairs, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. When my mother-in-law comes over tomorrow, I have to ask her to call Linda and talk to her. She won’t listen to me, but surely she’ll listen to her own aunt. My emotions are already incredibly unstable. If she bothers me again, I really will break down. Thinking about this, I fell asleep on the couch. I don’t know how much time passed before I heard the sound of the keypad lock on the front door. My husband was home from work. I groggily sat up, about to greet him, when Linda suddenly popped out from behind him. She shook her head with a triumphant look on her face. “Hmph, I knew you were home. Even if you don’t open the door for me, I have my ways of getting in!” I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It had been two hours since she was knocking on the door. 2 “Ugh, my legs are so sore from standing in the hallway for so long!” Linda complained as she rubbed her legs. “Mark, your wife is really something, treating your cousin like an enemy!” I kept a straight face, staring at her coldly. Wow, how hard that must have been for her, trying so hard just to see me. Standing outside for two hours in four-inch heels. The other coworkers had already left because they had things to do. Linda plopped down right next to me. “What happened, Maya? Everything was fine, why did you suddenly have a difficult labor?” She held my hand, trying to force a sympathetic expression. But the slight upward curve of the corners of her mouth gave her away. “I heard that babies who die from a lack of oxygen during labor have blue and purple faces. Oh, how pitiful!” “By the way, what did you do with the body? Did you leave it with the hospital, or did you take it yourselves?” “Did you take any pictures for memory? What did the baby look like? Let me see!” Her eyes were wide open, a hidden excitement gleaming in them. I felt like someone was choking me; I suddenly couldn’t breathe. The scenes from that day flooded back into my mind. The baby without a heartbeat, the doctor pronouncing the time of death, my mother-in-law fainting on the floor, my husband crying his eyes out. I violently wrapped my arms around myself, my body shaking uncontrollably. My husband noticed I wasn’t doing well and quickly spoke up to stop her. “Linda, that’s in the past now. Let’s talk about something else.” He picked up a mango from the table. “My friend brought this back from Florida, it’s really sweet. Try it!” “Shoo, shoo, shoo!” Linda rolled her eyes at him. “Can’t you see I’m comforting Maya? Don’t interrupt!” Saying that, she turned back to me. “Don’t mind me, Maya. When I had my baby, it went so smoothly, I don’t know what a difficult labor is like, so I’m a little curious.” “You must be in so much pain. Why do you have to be so unlucky? If it were me, I probably would have jumped off a building by now!” I kept my head down and didn’t say a word, but my hands were already clenched into tight fists. So this was her so-called “caring.” Ripping off scabs, reveling in my misfortune, maliciously leading the conversation. Terrified that I wasn’t suffering enough, terrified that I would move on too quickly. If I were even slightly more fragile, I probably would have fallen right into her trap. She had said and done offensive things in the past, and I never held it against her. But that didn’t mean I was an idiot who couldn’t see her dark, petty intentions. I took a deep breath, telling myself I couldn’t get angry. I was still in my postpartum recovery period; getting sick from anger would affect me for the rest of my life. “I’m tired. I’m going to my room to rest. Make yourself at home.” With that, I got up, walked into the bedroom, and locked the door behind me. Linda immediately started squawking. “Excuse me? I came all the way here to see her, waited for over two hours, and she’s just going to leave me here?” “Look, Linda, my wife is recovering from childbirth, she needs to rest. Just give her a break, okay?” My husband’s tone was extremely frustrated, but he couldn’t really blow up at her. “Come on, let’s go, I’ll walk you down. It’s getting late, you should hurry back and cook dinner for your husband!” Linda was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed. “Mark, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was so hard for Maya to have a baby. If I had known, I definitely wouldn’t have…” “Stop!” My husband dropped his voice to a whisper. “I’m begging you, Linda, just stop talking, okay?” Lying on the bed in my room, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. Great. Even as she was leaving, she had to try and drive a wedge between my husband and me. 3 No one would believe it if I said it, but I used to be really good friends with Linda. When I first graduated and joined the company, she helped me a lot with work. In return, I gave her a ride to work every single day. After work, we would often grab dinner or go shopping together. Even though there was a five-year age gap, we talked about everything and really hit it off. Later, she introduced me to her cousin, Mark. He came from an ordinary background, but he was a good guy, and it wasn’t long before we got married. And that’s exactly when my relationship with Linda took a sharp nosedive. The second month after we got our marriage license, my father-in-law died unexpectedly in a car accident. When he was young, he abandoned his wife and son to live it up with his mistress. Later, when he got old and sick, he ran back home and forced his wife and son to take care of him. Because of this, my mother-in-law and husband always despised him. At his funeral, Linda walked up to me with a sinister look. “You’re pretty lucky, Maya. You just married into the family and your father-in-law dies. Not only is that one less burden to take care of in his old age, but you also got hundreds of thousands of dollars in a settlement. You must be thrilled, right? God, why don’t I have luck like that?” Her lips were pressed tightly together, staring at me dead on, a faint trace of hatred in her eyes. Her hands hanging by her sides were clenched into fists, her whole body shaking from how hard she was squeezing them. I was startled. Since I’d known her, I had never seen her make an expression like that. After that day, Linda seemed like a different person. She stopped catching rides with me. Instead, disregarding her two-thousand-dollar monthly mortgage, she borrowed money to buy a thirty-thousand-dollar car. She started distancing herself from me, isolating me, and subtly trying to compete with me. The way she spoke became passive-aggressive and snide. I knew she was feeling unbalanced. But the truth was, the settlement money was entirely in my mother-in-law’s hands. I had no right to control it, nor had I ever coveted it. To smooth things over, I bought Linda an expensive pearl necklace for her birthday. I have always valued my friends, not to mention she was now my relative. In the private karaoke room, Linda picked up the necklace and gave it a glance. “Wow, having money really does make a difference! Look how generous you are!” Saying that, she casually tossed the necklace onto the table. “Maya, today is my birthday. Do you really think it’s appropriate to buy me a gift using dead man’s money?” “Are you here to wish me a happy birthday, or curse me with bad luck?” She gritted her teeth and glared at me aggressively. I froze, unable to believe her reaction. I bought the necklace with my own hard-earned money. “If you have a problem with me, just say it. There’s no need to play these cheap, dirty tricks. It only makes you look incredibly low!” The karaoke room fell dead silent, all eyes on me. I felt like I had been slapped in public; my face was burning hot. I never realized someone’s jealousy could be this extreme. Why would I even try to salvage a relationship with someone like this? I grabbed my purse and left without looking back, deciding I would act as if I had never been friends with her! And Linda? She complained endlessly about my gift but never returned the necklace to me. We completely fell out. Although we saw each other every day, we silently agreed to treat each other as invisible. Until I had a difficult labor, and she uncharacteristically reached out to show “concern.” At first, I thought she had figured things out and wanted to repair our friendship. I figured if she was willing to lower her head, I wouldn’t hold the past against her. But I never imagined her true motive was to use the visit to rub it in my face and viciously poke at my wounds. 4 I had to admit, Linda’s plan worked. I thought she would leave it at that, but not long after, she called me again. “The boss told me to notify you to drop off a document to a client on the Southside tomorrow morning.” Hearing this, my anger flared up instantly. “I’m on maternity leave! What document?!” Was there something wrong with her brain?! “Maternity leave?” her tone was rigid. “You don’t have a baby to take care of, why should you get maternity leave? You should be back at work now that your recovery period is over!” My eyes fell on the calendar on my desk. I realized that from the day of my labor to today, it was exactly one month. Not a day more, not a day less. She had secretly been counting the days for me. She really “cared” more about me than my own mother. “Logically, in your situation, you shouldn’t even get the recovery leave.” “Whether I get it or not depends on state law, not you!” I had already checked the relevant labor laws. Even if the child dies, the mother has the right to take her full paid family leave. Besides, the boss already approved it. What right did she have to gossip? Linda: “Stop trying to fool people. I looked it up too. There are no clear regulations for this situation. You’re just exploiting a loophole!” She raised her voice, sharply accusing me. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. So not only was she counting the days for me, but she also took the time to research maternity leave policies. She was keeping herself awfully busy. “So what? The boss has already approved my leave. If you have a problem with it, go talk to him!” Linda: “It was the boss who assigned you to deliver the document. His meaning is already very clear. Can’t you see that?” “And the rest of the office has a big problem with you right now. If you don’t come back to work, you’re going to get fired very soon!” “Then have the boss himself call me. I don’t believe anything you say.” Trying to play the “fake orders from the king” trick on me? I wasn’t some naive rookie who just joined the company. After five years at this company, I knew the boss’s temper very well. He wasn’t the type to go back on his word. Seeing that I wasn’t falling for her traps, Linda angrily hung up the phone. I realized I was stuck with her. Jealousy had twisted her mind, making her lose herself. Every day, she just kept her eyes on me, trying to deal with me, trying to find ways to make my life miserable. But that was fine. I wasn’t a pushover either. From today on, I would not tolerate a single ounce of disrespect from her. If I caught an opportunity to take her down, I would not show any mercy. I blocked all of Linda’s contact info. My mother-in-law also specifically talked to her, telling her to stop bothering me. And so, my life finally returned to peace. After peacefully finishing my family leave, I returned to the office. To celebrate my return, I invited the people in my department out to a karaoke bar after work. Naturally, Linda was not on the guest list. Everyone had a great time, and we didn’t wrap up until past 11 PM. My coworker, Chloe, had a little too much to drink, so I offered to drive her home. While waiting at a red light, she suddenly spoke up. “Maya, can I ask you a question?” “Sure,” I replied casually, keeping my eyes on the road. “I heard your difficult labor was because you were so jealous that Linda’s husband passed the civil service exam that you got so angry it triggered early labor. Is that true?” Boom. I felt all the blood in my body rush straight to my head. “Who did you hear that from?” Chloe giggled. “I saw it on Reddit! Someone posted anonymously, complaining about their awful female coworker. After reading it, I just felt like they were talking about you!” “Tsk, tsk. I never would have guessed that you look so chill on the outside, but you’re actually that petty on the inside!”

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My boyfriend, who had always hated cats, brought one home. I thought he did it to make me happy and was touched for a long time. Until six months later. Julian’s college upperclassman returned from abroad. The first thing she did was open her arms to Julian. “Julian, I’m back.” The second thing she did was call out to the cat in my arms: “Sweetie, come here, Mommy’s back…” 1 Upon hearing her voice, Sweetie immediately jumped out of my arms. And in the blink of an eye, she was in Mia’s embrace. I stood there, stunned. Watching as the cat, who usually wouldn’t even let me touch her, gently licked Mia’s hand. Julian stood beside her, suppressing a smile. Mia stroked Sweetie’s head, her eyes full of adoration, “My sweet little thing~ Mommy missed you so much. Tell Mommy, did ‘Daddy’ treat you well these past six months?” Hearing the word “Daddy,” Julian didn’t react. He just said casually, “You’re wronging me, Mia. I treat Sweetie better than I would my own son.” Mia held the cat up to his face, blinking, “You’re not lying? Haven’t you always hated cats? I was so worried you’d be annoyed.” Julian subconsciously stepped back, “Well, that depends on whose cat it is, doesn’t it?” Confirmed that he wasn’t lying, Mia smiled in satisfaction. Listening to their conversation, my heart sank violently. Julian was famously a cat hater. I knew this very early on. So, I forcefully swallowed my dream of a life with two people and a cat. Until six months ago. He proactively brought home a dirty little cat. I was surprised and a little delighted. “Julian, don’t you hate cats? Why did you suddenly bring one home?” I asked very carefully, afraid he’d get annoyed and throw the hard-won cat out. Unexpectedly, Julian wasn’t annoyed at all. He even surprisingly prepared cat food and toys for the little thing. “Because you like them,” he said, sounding very impatient. I thought his impatience was just his natural reaction to seeing the cat. I didn’t care why he was acting that way. Thinking back on it now, that day was probably the day Mia went abroad. … Actually, Sweetie was not an easy cat to take care of. She was delicate and had a bad temper. Every time I tried to hold her, she would irritably swat me away with her tail or scratch my arm. Whenever that happened, Julian would mock me: “Chloe, you really have terrible luck with cats…” “If it really doesn’t work out, I’ll just leave her at a pet shop.” I panicked, afraid Sweetie would be sent away. I often whined and promised that I would raise Sweetie to be plump and healthy. Only then would he generously say: “Fine… since you’re begging me so much, I’ll reluctantly let you keep her for a few days.” I happily jumped on Julian and kissed his face: “You’re the best, honey.” In my heart, I was determined to make Sweetie completely dependent on me. To make Julian look at me with new respect. It wasn’t until today that I realized how stupid I was. It turned out that Sweetie was a cat who always had only one owner. 2 But I couldn’t figure it out. Why didn’t Julian just tell me clearly? Why did he lie to me? I stepped forward and grabbed his cuff: “Julian, didn’t you say Sweetie was a gift for me?” Both of them were startled by my sudden action. Julian reacted, frowning: “Chloe, let go first.” I shook my head. Was it really just because I liked cats? And Sweetie just happened to need someone to take care of her? Just as Julian was about to speak… Mia interrupted him, pointing at me and asking: “Julian, is she the person you hired to take care of Sweetie?” I froze. I looked at Julian in disbelief. “What is she talking about?” Julian put his arm around my shoulder, completely ignoring my shock. “Chloe, you were basically the one I asked to take care of Sweetie.” I broke free from his grasp: “But didn’t you say you brought Sweetie back because I liked her?” Julian nodded: “Yes, if it weren’t for you liking her, I would have left her at the pet shop.” “But I don’t recall saying I was giving you the cat…” “Baby, taking care of a cat is one thing, but we can’t just steal someone else’s pet…” My heart felt like it was pierced by a sharp sword. I stood there pale and rigid. My hands clenched involuntarily at my sides. Julian didn’t notice anything wrong with me. He pulled me forward and introduced me, “Mia, you actually believed I was joking? This is my girlfriend, Chloe.” “Thanks to her, Sweetie was well taken care of these past six months.” Mia was stunned for a moment. Then she smiled, “Julian, you hid her well. Your girlfriend is so pretty.” “Thank you, Chloe, for taking such good care of Sweetie for me.” After saying that, she nudged Julian’s arm, “Since your girlfriend is so accommodating, want to go to the party Mark is throwing later?” Julian readily agreed: “Sure, we definitely have to celebrate you coming back to the country.” Mia looked delighted and linked her arm through his, “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to ask your girlfriend to take care of my cat a little longer.” I wanted to refuse. But my shoulder was squeezed hard. Julian: “No problem, my Chloe loves taking care of Sweetie the most.” 3 It was 1 AM, and Julian still hadn’t returned. After he and Mia left, the empty apartment was left with just me and Sweetie. After taking care of her for six months, I couldn’t be totally heartless. I poured out some cat food and called her over to eat. Sweetie seemed not to hear, continuing to lie by the door, waiting. I figured she was probably waiting for Mia. I went over to hold her. But she extended her claws and scratched me. As if to say: Get lost, don’t bother me. My heart was pierced again. Thinking about how, despite my best efforts over the past six months, she remained unmoved. Even when I approached. She would assume a defensive posture. A surge of anger rose in my chest. I kicked the cat bowl over. Instantly, cat food scattered all over the floor. Sweetie let out a frightened “meow,” arched her back, and lunged at me. Just then, the door was violently pushed open. Mia rushed in, screaming: “Sweetie—” Julian followed closely behind. Mia quickly picked up Sweetie, looking at me with a defensive glare. “Chloe, what are you doing?” “What did Sweetie ever do to you? Do you really have to starve her?” “I… I didn’t…” I tried to explain. But Mia wasn’t listening. She raised her hand and shoved me. I wasn’t expecting it, lost my balance, and fell to the floor. When you’re unlucky, even drinking cold water can make you choke. When I fell, my lower back hit the corner of the sofa perfectly. The pain made me curl up, tears rolling down my face. I looked up at Julian. Only to find that he wasn’t even glancing my way. He was busy comforting the woman in his arms. Mia cried pathetically, “This is abuse. I’m calling the police. I can’t even imagine what kind of life Sweetie has lived these past six months…” “Julian, is your girlfriend even human? My cat is so well-behaved, how could she do this, boo hoo hoo…” Julian patted her back soothingly. His eyes overflowed with heartache. “Mia, maybe today was just an accident.” “Chloe usually dotes on Sweetie.” Hearing Julian speak up for me, Mia immediately pulled away from his embrace. Her tear-filled eyes glared at Julian. Without any real threat. “You’re taking her side?” Julian paused, wanting to say he didn’t mean that at all. Because he knew how much I liked Sweetie. But seeing Mia looking like she wouldn’t let it go. Julian turned to me and coldly ordered: “Chloe, apologize to Mia and Sweetie. Say it was an accident.” 4 The moment I looked up, my tears fell uncontrollably. Julian, in his immaculate custom suit, looked aloof and aristocratic. He was looking down at me with disdain. His eyes were indifferent and icy. Lacking even a trace of heartache. In a flash, the last string in my heart completely snapped. When I looked up again, I met Julian’s gaze with calm composure. “Why should I?” Julian was stunned. “What did you say?” This time, I straightened my back and said firmly: “Why should I apologize? Do you even know what really happened?” Julian clearly didn’t expect me, who was usually obedient and compliant, to fight back. He froze for a second, then quickly recovered. As if realizing something. He stepped forward and gripped my wrist tightly. “Chloe, there has to be a limit to your jealousy. Isn’t it a fact that you kicked over the cat bowl?” “You’ve taken care of her for six months and Sweetie still doesn’t like you. Why don’t you look for the reason within yourself? Is it really that hard to apologize when you’ve done something wrong?” I didn’t expect Julian to be so capable of twisting the truth. He was the one who lied to me. I foolishly raised the cat for six months. And the cat still wasn’t affectionate with me. If I hadn’t been wearing thick clothes today, my arm would have had deep, bloody scratches. But he didn’t think about any of that. His heart had already tilted since Mia returned. A sudden, immense feeling of powerlessness surged over me. I couldn’t be bothered to explain anymore. I swatted Julian’s hand away and prepared to go upstairs. “Whatever you say.” Seeing me leaving, Mia panicked and lunged to grab my hair. “Bitch, you hurt my cat and you think you can just walk away?” “Hiss,” my hair felt like it was being pulled out by the roots, a piercing pain shooting through my scalp. I was forced to lean back. I instinctively reached out to protect my hair. But no matter how much I slapped at her hands, it was useless. I tried to reach out and pull her hair. But just as I was about to touch Mia, my hand was intercepted by a well-defined hand. My hand hung suspended in mid-air. Julian said coldly: “Chloe, have you thrown enough of a tantrum?!” It felt like a ball of cotton was lodged in my throat, unable to go up or down. My fingertips turned white from clenching them so tightly. I feigned composure. But I couldn’t control my own eyes. I quickly lowered my gaze, letting the tears blur my vision. Julian seemed unable to bear it. He looked at Mia, “Mia, Chloe is just immature. She raised Sweetie for six months, so she has feelings for her. I believe she didn’t intentionally keep Sweetie from eating.” “How about this? You’ve vented your anger. For my sake, let’s just drop this.” After Julian finished speaking, Mia reluctantly let go. A clump of long black hair fell to the floor. “If it weren’t for the fact that she’s your girlfriend, she’d be locked up by now. You know I have the power to do that.” Julian, like a sycophant, flattered her: “You’re absolutely right.” I didn’t even look at them. I just turned and went upstairs. The thought of breaking up surfaced for the first time right then.

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When Liam accompanied me to set off fireworks at sea to celebrate my birthday, a phone call lured him away. He never returned that night. In the quiet, empty expanse of the night, my loneliness didn’t last long. Mia, a female artist under his agency, posted an explosive social media update. It was a photo of a man and a woman’s hands intertwined on a bed. The caption read: “Saw the most beautiful white fireworks tonight. Thank you to my boss.” I knew then that I never wanted to see fireworks again. The love story between Liam and me was finally reaching its end. 1. “Ms. Hastings, this is the fake death service plan we’ve customized for you. It includes practical scheduling and arrangements based on your proposed boat explosion scenario. Please review it and let us know if you’re satisfied.” I took the proposal, skimmed it, and signed my name with a flourish. Seeing my decisiveness, the staff member couldn’t hide his surprise: “Honestly, many people still hesitate a bit at this stage. There are a lot of factors to consider. You are truly bold.” “Especially the scenario you requested… that’s an incredibly expensive, luxury yacht.” “And because of the fame you and Mr. Sterling share, the coast where that yacht is moored has become a highly popular landmark for couples on dates and singles seeking romance.” “Are you sure you won’t regret blowing it up just like that?” I lowered my eyes, my expression darkening. Regret it? Maybe a little. That yacht was Liam’s eighteenth birthday gift to me, worth nearly forty million dollars. And Liam was only eighteen himself at the time. At such a young age, such a grand gesture immediately dominated the entertainment news headlines, causing a sensation across the city. I was both shocked and playfully scolding him: “How could you be so impulsive, spending so much money all at once…” Liam pressed his fingertips against my lips, then smoothed out my slightly furrowed brow: “Don’t mention money. No amount of gold can buy my happiness. You should give our boat a name.” Since his public declaration of love had shaken the whole city, my answer slipped out naturally: “Love of a Lifetime.” On that night, with the moon bright and the wind gentle, Liam and I sailed out to sea on the Love of a Lifetime to celebrate my coming of age. Brilliant fireworks bloomed against the night sky, loud and fiery. I hugged him tightly, my left ear pressed against his chest, feeling his heartbeat, which was more vigorous and passionate than the fireworks. In our youth, we stood at the bow of the ship. Mimicking the characters from the movie Titanic, we shouted: “I am the king of the world!” “I am the queen of the world!” “You jump!” “I jump!” That night, we lingered in each other’s arms on the boat until the horizon began to glow with the hazy light of dawn. I felt myself completely melt, becoming the dancing waves beneath him. Liam and I were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since we were kids, naturally falling into a teenage romance. But I still felt that the night on the yacht when we turned eighteen was the true beginning of our love. Because that was the first time we connected physically as adults, and we solemnly promised to love each other for a lifetime. So, what that ship carried, besides our most inextricably sweet and passionate memories, was also my most fervent and earnest longing for our future. But… Last night, during our annual celebration on the boat, he was called away by someone else. I watched the loud, grand fireworks all alone, but my heart was as dim and desolate as the dark night that followed. Liam never came back. In the quiet, empty expanse of the long night, my loneliness didn’t last long. Mia, a female artist under his agency, posted an explosive social media update. It was a photo of a man and a woman’s hands intertwined on a bed. I had known Liam for so many years; I had held his hand since we were kids. It was as familiar to me as my own. So, I immediately recognized the man’s hand in the photo as his. Moreover, Mia’s caption directly called him out: “Saw the most beautiful white fireworks tonight. Thank you to my boss.” 2. There was no wind or waves, yet I still felt myself swaying. The storm inside me grew more intense, threatening to smash this huge ship to pieces and swallow me whole. I felt dizzy and disoriented, but I fought back the nausea. I thought about my past with Liam, and I thought about his intimacy with someone else. After the yacht birthday party back then, the romance of our eighteen-year-old selves became known to everyone in Seattle. The public, in a clichéd yet fairy-tale-like way, dubbed us the Princess and Prince of Seattle. At eighteen, I had already been discovered by a talent scout and debuted as a singer, so I stayed in Seattle for college. And Liam, in order to accompany me, forcefully rejected his family’s plans for him to study abroad, stubbornly choosing the university I attended. No matter how much others, or even I, tried to persuade him, he refused to leave. At that time, he said to me: “Any time spent without you is a waste to me. I don’t want to waste my life, not even for a single day.” During college, we were seen together every day, drawing everyone’s attention wherever we went. After graduation, to boost my career, Liam founded an entertainment company. He essentially stepped half-foot into the entertainment industry to build a career with me. We were still inseparable. Our love truly became a fairy tale whispered in the streets and alleys of Seattle. But it turns out, there are no fairy tales in the real world. I never thought that the relationship between Liam and me would be tainted by the typical decay found in the entertainment industry. During our twenty-eighth year, my world tour kept Liam and me apart for half a year. And in that blank space of my absence, Liam found someone else to spice up his life. Just like he had once gifted me a yacht. When Mia first appeared before my eyes, I was so shocked I couldn’t recover for a long time. That was only a few days ago. I had traveled a long distance to return from abroad. But among the people cheering and welcoming me at the airport, Liam was noticeably missing. Without a moment’s rest, I rushed to find him. In Liam’s office at the company. Her hand was intimately hooked with his, the glimpse of cleavage from her deep-V dress almost pressing against his face. Seeing me enter, they both panicked for a moment and pulled apart. But an indescribable, ambiguous scent lingered in the air. I didn’t say a word, just pulled a long face and slammed the door as I left. And Liam didn’t chase after me. My fury unabated, I didn’t go home that day but stayed in a hotel. It grew completely dark, and Liam still hadn’t contacted me. Sitting in the dark, my mind was a chaotic mess. Who was that woman? What exactly was her relationship with Liam? And before I pushed that door open, what were the two of them doing in the office? In the hazy confusion of the darkness, I remembered the way Liam looked at her. I remembered their disheveled clothes, the sneaky atmosphere in the office… And Liam’s neglect and coldness toward me. I had just walked away. He ignored me, didn’t even make a single phone call. A bone-deep disappointment enveloped me. Just then, a crisp sound echoed, sounding almost like the breaking of my own heart. It was a knock on the door. Liam had finally come. I moved toward the dark doorway, hesitated, and didn’t open the door. He turned and left without much persistence, leaving me in further disbelief. I slumped weakly against the door to the floor. I didn’t understand what was happening to us. How could everything have changed just because I left him for half a year? But just as tears streaked my face, I received a message from him. It was an aerial video. The dazzling large screens all over the city were displaying my photos, along with slogans congratulating me on the perfect conclusion of my world tour and welcoming me home… Then, brilliant fireworks bloomed outside the window. I ran over to look, and suddenly saw Liam’s figure under the night sky. He stood beneath my window, looking up with a gaze of foolish devotion, his dark eyes shimmering with tears. So, he didn’t come to find me immediately because he was busy doing all this? But was this a temporary apology or a pre-planned surprise? My phone rang again. On the phone, Liam said: “Please stop being mad at me, okay? I know you’re tired, and my heart aches seeing you tortured by these emotions.” My heart felt a mix of sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy, an incredibly uncomfortable feeling. I couldn’t understand how he could flirt with someone else while being so attentive to me. With no answer and unable to speak, I simply hung up the phone. But the icon of the entertainment app on my phone suddenly showed countless red notification dots. I clicked it. Unsurprisingly, Liam celebrating my return to the city was trending. The internet was flooded with comments of praise and envy: “Mom, I made it! I’m witnessing the magical romance between the CEO and the female star again.” “Mr. Sterling and Chloe are so sweet together. I’m willing to believe in love again.” “The fireworks are too flashy, Mr. Sterling and Chloe are too sweet. It’s so beautiful it revived this exhausted corporate slave working overtime.” … Most of these comments came from the “shippers” of Liam and me. I was very familiar with the usernames and avatars of those top fans. They were all good friends who had accompanied Liam and me along the way. Even they were so emotionally invested in our love, so my heart softened again. I rushed downstairs and tightly hugged Liam’s cold body, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms. “You made me angry today.” Liam wrapped his arms around me, burying his head in the crook of my neck, taking a deep breath as if craving my warmth: “If I hold you like this, are you still mad?” I bit my lip, staying silent. He kissed me gently: “It was my fault for forgetting to pick you up at the airport today, but there really is nothing between Mia and me. We’ve been together for so many years, don’t you trust me?” I believed him. But for the next few days, Liam became extremely busy. He would stay with me for a short while before getting a phone call, then use an emergency at work as an excuse to leave. Meanwhile, I was busy preparing for the final concert of my tour in Seattle. As a result, we rarely had time to be intimate together. I was conflicted, and my suspicions about what Liam was doing resurfaced. Yet, I didn’t know if I should make a scene again, or if I was truly making a mountain out of a molehill. Until yesterday, my twenty-eighth birthday. He decorated our Love of a Lifetime yacht with great care, making it look exceptionally beautiful. It was adorned everywhere with pink and purple ribbons and balloons. A massive display of Floyd roses spelled out our names. Liam popped the champagne himself, his eyes radiant: “Let’s remember every important day in our lives. Happy birthday, Chloe.” I thought he had been busy planning this surprise for me the past few days, and all my suppressed unhappiness was swept away. But when the fireworks bloomed, he lied and left once again, rushing toward someone else. The bubbles in the champagne were still fizzing upwards, like sounds growing within the wine. But the next second, the sea breeze scrambled that sound. I tilted my head back and downed the champagne… It turns out that many things are just like the foam in this wine—they surge to life for a moment, and then vanish without a trace. Then, Mia posted that social media update… It was as if the Sword of Damocles, which had been hanging over my head, finally fell. Liam had truly betrayed me! My mind went blank, seemingly visualizing the “white fireworks” belonging to Liam that Mia had mentioned. I knew then that I never wanted to see fireworks again. I never wanted to step onto that boat again. The love story between Liam and me was finally reaching its end. 3. At the fake death agency, before I could answer the staff member’s question about whether I felt regret, I suddenly received a call from Liam. The voice on the other end was full of tension and concern: “Chloe, where did you go? Didn’t we agree to have dinner at my parents’ house today? Why aren’t you home yet?” I took a deep breath. How I wanted to scream at Liam that I wasn’t coming home because he hadn’t come home for the entire night! Even if he used a fire in the company practice room and people being trapped as an excuse, I still knew what he did all night. Because last night, I also received a call from the female protagonist of that “accident,” Mia—perhaps calling it a live broadcast of his infidelity would be more accurate. On the phone, Liam and Mia’s voices intertwined. Each sound formed a massive net that blotted out the sky and heavily ensnared my heart. Liam’s voice was coarse and obscene in a way I had never heard before: “You dared to set a fire just to seduce me? Are you really not afraid I’ll have you thrown in jail?!” Mia just laughed: “Right now, Mr. Sterling, it’s you who has ‘gone in’.” Liam began to exert more force: “You caused trouble to seduce me back here, so you must bear the consequences yourself!” “Weren’t you acting crazy and giving it your all just now? Why are you moaning so weakly now, as if I’m forcing you?” Mia’s voice sounded pitiful, a mix of laughter and crying: “Does Mr. Sterling like me like this?” “I love it. That’s why I couldn’t bear to stay away.” … Like a fish caught in a net, experiencing a suffocating dull pain, I struggled through listening to over an hour of betrayal. After a long groan from Liam, the sound of running water came from the bathroom. Then came Mia’s satiated, sharp, and venomous provocation: “How was it, Ms. Hastings? Did you enjoy listening?” “I’m just being kind. Mr. Sterling told me you are rigid and boring in bed, so I’m giving you a chance to learn.” My mind was already at the breaking point. I had no energy, nor did I want to argue with her. But her words were truly sickening, so I gritted my teeth and let out a cold sneer: “I also think Miss Mia has a real talent in this area. You’d definitely have a grand career as an adult actress. Why bother being a singer here?” Mia laughed too, deliberately making her words vague and suggestive: “You don’t need to mock me. It’s my skill that keeps Mr. Sterling fascinated by my body.” “That’s why he spent so much money to sign me to his company, keeping me by his side every moment… anytime, anywhere…” I felt all the blood in my body turn cold. It seemed all the seawater rushed into my veins at that moment, making my head swell and my teeth chatter from the chill: “You think that’s love?” Mia laughed wantonly: “Why wouldn’t it be love?” “People say you can’t exchange true feelings for true feelings, but effort definitely exchanges for sound.” “You heard how loud we were screaming. It’s been a long, long time since Mr. Sterling put this much effort into you, hasn’t it? He loves me far deeper than he loves you.” “Besides, Mr. Sterling gives me money, resources, and connections. He’s very dedicated to helping me climb up.” “You probably don’t know this, but as soon as he signed me, he gave me major productions. I’m already the most popular female singer in Seattle.” “Oh, and that yacht symbolizing your ‘love of a lifetime’—I have one too.” “During the half-year you left Seattle, Mr. Sterling and I were intimately entangled on the boat he bought for me.” “My new boat is bigger and more luxurious. Your boat is old now, and so are you.” “So, I will completely replace you very soon. In bed, in your career, in life… in every aspect.” Every word she spoke felt like concentrated sulfuric acid, splashing heavily onto my heart, burning my skin and flesh. I never imagined my Liam would fall in love with someone else. Even more unimaginable was that Liam and Mia had only known each other for half a year, yet he could devote himself so fully to her! So what were the past twenty years between Liam and me? What was his promise at eighteen? What was our grand ship, the Love of a Lifetime? Or did the tragedy begin when we mimicked Jack and Rose’s sweet words? It turns out there are sudden disasters in this world, sudden partings, and naturally, sudden losses of love. The Titanic sank, and so would our Love of a Lifetime. After a night of agonizing reflection. Perhaps Mia was right. My ship was old, and so was I. But the Liam she had used was old now too. Then let’s discard all the old things. Whether it was the old yacht or the unfaithful Liam, I didn’t want them anymore. And to achieve this goal as quickly as possible, I brought myself to the fake death agency. I was going to blow up that ship. It seemed I had to use such a tragic and grand method to make Liam understand exactly what he had lost. 4. The extreme desolation in my heart had truly made me forget about the dinner with Liam’s parents. Until Liam called me. Although his heart had strayed and I decided to cut all ties with him, Liam’s parents watched me grow up and were very close to me. So, I decided to suppress all the displeasure in my heart and go to this dinner properly. To say a proper goodbye. Thus, I swallowed the sarcasm that almost blurted out to Liam: “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your parents. I’m preparing a gift. You don’t need to wait for me; I’ll head over there myself later.” “You’re always the most thoughtful and considerate.” Liam’s voice, which had just carried a hint of nervous tension, relaxed. I didn’t know why he was so nervous. Did he realize he couldn’t find me? Or was he feeling guilty about his absurd night with someone else? But that didn’t matter to me anymore. The story between us had already ended with his betrayal. Therefore, not wanting to waste any more time, I spoke decisively to the agency staff: “The yacht must be blown up. I don’t want people to continue flocking to a symbol of deteriorated and fake love. It’s best blown to pieces; there’s nothing to regret.” “Alright, the plan will be executed in three days. If there are no issues, please sign here.” “Okay.” Without any further hesitation, I signed my name with sharp, decisive strokes. From eighteen to twenty-eight, exactly ten years. Time has passed, and everything is so different now. The me of ten years ago absolutely never imagined that ten years later, Liam and I would fall apart so completely. And in such a resolute way. I buried my love for Liam in my heart. Let the sea also bury the ship that carried our most beautiful memories and our deep promises to each other. Let the story end exactly where it began. Turn the starting point into the breaking point.

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During the holidays, my boyfriend introduced me to his friends for the first time. But before I even sat down, his childhood friend poked my chest. “This shape, this bounce. 90% chance they’re fake.” “Jason, you better be gentle when you get hands-on, or they’ll pop and need repairing.” I froze for a second. Then I turned to look at my boyfriend. Instead of defending me, I saw him and his friends laughing together. “When you sent her picture to the group chat, Chloe took one look and said she was a plastic surgery monster.” “Didn’t expect even the airbags to be fake!” “Bro, how do the fakes feel? Comfortable?” My boyfriend didn’t stand up for me at all. He just gave a suggestive smirk. “They’re alright. Doesn’t affect the usage.” I frowned. But when I got a clear look at his childhood friend’s face, I smiled. I was the one who personally performed her hymenoplasty surgery… All 18 times. I downed my drink in one gulp and smashed the glass right at her feet. “You think you can diagnose plastic surgery just by looking?” “You better start worrying about how you’re going to die today!” …… The glass shattered at Chloe’s feet, sending shards flying. She instantly threw herself into Jason’s arms, looking up at him with terrified eyes. “Emma! The materials you used are so cheap!” “If you make sudden movements like that, they really will pop!” “You need to be careful!” Hearing this, the men in the room all stared fixedly at my neckline. “Can’t afford it but still got it done? Must be a gold digger, right?” “Using such cheap stuff, aren’t you afraid they’ll pop while you’re doing it and scare our boy Jason?!” “Honestly, even if they’re fake, they’re perfectly round. Kinda want to get a feel myself!” I glanced at Jason. He was casually comforting Chloe in his arms. He showed absolutely no intention of saying a word in my defense. A chill rose in my heart. We met at a banquet. At the time, his family’s real estate company was failing. As the heir, he was begging people for help. Nobody at the banquet wanted anything to do with him. I was the only one captivated by his stubborn refusal to give up. I hid my identity and approached him. Over the past year, I secretly had my parents and brothers inject capital into his company behind the scenes. I saved it from ruin. I had planned to tell him the truth once our relationship was more stable. But now, he was perfectly willing to let my reputation be dragged through the mud all for Chloe. Seeing that he didn’t care, his friends grew even bolder. Someone even pointed at my lower half. “Her butt’s pretty perky too. Chloe, take another look. Is that fake too?” A smirk curled on Chloe’s lips. She threw me a haughty glance. “What do you think?” “You could balance a cup on it. But honestly, men don’t like this style.” “I suggest Emma get the shape changed sooner rather than later.” “Don’t wait until you’re old to regret it; it’ll be hard to fix then.” I laughed out of pure anger. “Just because you say it’s fake, it’s fake?” “Chloe, from where I’m standing, the one who practically lives at the plastic surgery clinic is you.” When I first heard her name, I thought it sounded familiar. It wasn’t until I saw her face clearly that I was sure. She was the one who came to me for 18 hymenoplasty surgeries. When you do the same procedure that many times, it’s hard not to remember the patient. But I was wearing a surgical mask every time, so she never recognized me. But Chloe clearly misunderstood what I meant. She flipped her long hair, her tone full of arrogance. “Emma, how did you know I own the Marymount Clinic?” “I’ve run that clinic for years. I can tell if someone’s had work done with a single glance.” “Yours is just… really shoddy work.” She paused and let out a fake sigh. “But since you’re Jason’s girlfriend, I can fix it for you for free.” I froze. Isn’t the Marymount Clinic my hospital? When did it become hers? And she wants to use my hospital to fix something I never had done? Is she crazy? Seeing my silence, Jason said sternly. “Emma, Chloe’s offering out of the goodness of her heart. Why haven’t you thanked her?” “I brought you to meet my friends; that means I don’t look down on you.” “Can you stop causing a scene?” “Don’t look down on me?” I whipped my head to look at him. “Jason, I haven’t had any work done. You believe her over me?” Jason frowned, about to speak. Chloe suddenly grabbed his hand and pressed it against her own chest. Her cheeks flushed, her voice sickly sweet. “Jason, you can feel it! The real deal feels completely different from a fake one!” “Emma’s is just too obvious. Even a layman can feel the difference!” “If you still don’t believe me after this, then I have nothing else to say.” Seeing this, the guys around us erupted into sleazy wolf-whistles. Jason didn’t pull his hand back. Instead, he looked down and said gently, “How could I not believe you?” Then he turned to me, his eyes full of disappointment. “I understand you’re insecure, but Chloe didn’t mean any harm.” “She’s just trying to help you.” “You don’t appreciate it and throw a fit instead. How am I supposed to help you?!” Help me? If he really wanted to help me, he should have stood up the moment Chloe opened her mouth. Besides, any idiot could see their relationship wasn’t purely platonic. A man like this? Even if he wanted to help me, I’d feel disgusted. Jason really didn’t know me at all. I am the sole heiress of the Sterling Group. I grew up pampered by my parents and three older brothers. When have I ever swallowed this kind of disrespect? Thinking of this, I forcefully yanked his hand away. Then I grabbed a wine glass from the table. I smashed it violently at Chloe’s feet again. “If you like being groped so much, why don’t you go stand on a street corner?!” Glass shattered everywhere. Chloe dodged quickly, but a piece of glass still nicked her calf. She shrieked, tears instantly welling up. “Emma! What do you mean by that?!” “I was just using the most basic physical assessment technique!” “I only wanted to prove I wasn’t wrong! Did you have to get so mad?!” Seeing Chloe hurt, Jason sprang up. His fingers dug painfully into my wrist. “Emma! Are you crazy?” “Chloe was just telling the truth! If you don’t want to hear it, get out!” “What kind of psycho throws a fit here?!” I stared at him dead in the eye. “Is this why you brought me to meet your friends today?” “Jason, I demand that you make her apologize to me! Right now!” “Or I’m calling the cops!” The room fell dead silent for a few seconds. Chloe snapped out of it, hurriedly pulling Jason away. She looked at me with a pitiful expression. “I just thought we were all close friends here, so there was no harm in saying it.” “How was I supposed to know you’d care so much!” “If an apology will make you feel better, I’ll apologize!” As soon as she finished, Jason pulled her behind him protectively. “Why should you apologize?” “She’s the one who got plastic surgery out of vanity, and she’s the one who hurt you!” “She should be the one apologizing!” Hearing this, the other friends cast looks of pure disdain at me. “Yeah! Our Chloe is a pro at spotting plastic surgery! If she says you have it, you have it!” “Hilarious. She’s just pissed because she got exposed in public!” “Got work done and won’t even let people talk about it? Talk about a glass heart!” Chloe tugged at Jason’s collar, crying softly. “Jason, let it go. I’m fine.” “Don’t make her angry. If she gets too mad, the implants might shift…” My chest tightened. Breathing became difficult. From the looks of it, she wasn’t going to apologize. I turned and picked up my phone. “In that case, I’m calling the police!” But before I could even dial the number, Jason snatched my phone. He tossed it straight into a pitcher of beer. “If you call the cops, how is that going to look for Chloe?!” “Are you deliberately trying to ruin her business at the Marymount Clinic?!” “I’ll give you one minute to get on your knees and apologize to Chloe!” “Or we are breaking up!” “Break up?” I nodded without hesitation. “Jason, I’m the one who should be dumping you!” “And as for her slandering me about plastic surgery, I’ll sue her to the bitter end!” Jason froze. He clearly didn’t expect me to agree so readily. In the past, whenever we fought, I would always act cute and make peace. As long as it didn’t cross my bottom line. But this was different. Seeing my firm stance, Jason’s face turned completely cold. He stared at my chest, a mocking smirk on his lips. “Whether it’s slander or not, why don’t we let everyone take a look and feel for themselves?” “Then we’ll know for sure.” Chloe’s eyes lit up. She pulled out her phone and chimed in. “I actually have before-and-after photos of similar cases!” “Take a look at these, then look at hers, and you’ll see!” “As for how it feels, it’s even easier to tell with a hands-on check.” My heart sank. I took two steps back. “Jason!” My voice cracked. “Do you realize what you’re saying?!” He nodded. “Didn’t you want to break up?” “Since you’re not my girlfriend anymore, I have no obligation to protect you.” “If you don’t want to be humiliated in public, get on your knees and apologize.” “Once Chloe is satisfied, I’ll naturally have your back.” I looked around. They had the numbers; fighting back physically was useless. The most important thing right now was to protect myself. I took a deep breath, grabbed my purse, and turned to leave. “Fine. Let’s not contact each other ever again.” But I hadn’t taken two steps before Jason grabbed my arm. He violently hurled me onto the sofa. “Emma, did I say you could leave?!” The others’ eyes lit up when they heard that. “Yeah! Didn’t Jason say it? If you won’t admit it, we’ll give you a proper appraisal!” “Hurry up and strip! Let us get a good look at whether you’re fake or not!” “Trying to run away so scared? Just worried we’ll feel the fake goods, aren’t you?” “Hehe! I’ve got big hands, I’ll go first!” They advanced on me step by step. My back was pressed against the sofa. There was nowhere left to run. Just as they reached out to touch me, I screamed at Chloe. “Chloe!” “Do they know you had 18 hymenoplasty surgeries at Marymount?!” Everyone froze. They snapped their heads to look at Chloe. Taking advantage of the distraction, I snatched my phone out of the beer pitcher. Thank God, it still worked. I frantically hid the phone behind my back. I hit the speed dial for a group call with my family. The moment the call connected, a huge wave of relief washed over me. Chloe snapped out of her shock, looking at me with pure horror. “Emma! What did I ever do to you?!” “How can you slander me like this?!” “Saying things like that… how am I supposed to show my face in public?!” The others laughed in disbelief. “Yeah, right! 18 hymen surgeries? Chloe? Impossible!” “Everyone knows Jason chased Chloe for years but couldn’t get her.” “A girl as pure as her, getting that kind of surgery?” “Exactly, Chloe’s never even had a boyfriend. This is pure bullshit!” So Chloe wasn’t just a childhood friend. She was Jason’s elusive “first love” that he could never get. No wonder… Chloe suddenly buried her face in Jason’s chest. Her whole body trembled as she cried. “Jason, I really didn’t…” “Didn’t?!” I quickly stood up. “You had your surgeries at Marymount!” “Didn’t you say you’re the owner of Marymount? Then go pull the medical records!” I deliberately spoke loudly. So my parents and three brothers on the call could hear everything clearly. Chloe guiltily turned her face away. “Emma! I really don’t know why you’re saying this, but I didn’t!” “Do you realize saying this could ruin my life?!” Jason held her tightly. “It’s okay, it’s okay, we all believe you, don’t be scared…” Once Chloe calmed down, he looked up and glared at me viciously. “Emma, I gave you a chance to apologize.” “But not only did you throw it away, you actually turned around and slandered Chloe!” “Then don’t blame me for what happens next!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “When she diagnosed me with fake boobs out of thin air, you turned a blind eye.” “But when I tell the truth, it’s slander?!” I took two steps back, trying to get as close to the door as possible. “If you think I’m slandering her, call the police!” “The cops will find out the truth!” Chloe looked flustered for a moment. Then she pointed at me and screamed, “I get it now!”

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1 I’ve been exceptionally capable since I was a kid, but I love playing weak. I love watching people call me a useless loser, only to slap them hard in the face with reality later. Growing up, I was always the teacher’s pet, the “perfect child” in the eyes of all the neighbors. Being invincible was honestly quite lonely. That is, until I got to college and met our academic counselor, a total “pick-me” who worshipped men. During freshman orientation, she pointed at the guys lounging in the shade, praising their “perseverance,” while claiming us girls only knew how to act coy and dodge training. Without a word, I stood at attention under the blazing sun for ten hours straight. Even the drill instructor couldn’t help but call me an eagle among women. During her lectures, she would only ask the guys basic, surface-level questions. But when it came to the girls, she practically threw Olympic-level math at us. When we couldn’t answer, she’d call us useless and say we had zero potential. That comment flipped a switch in me. I stayed up day and night watching advanced competition videos. By the second class, I left her completely speechless. A visiting expert sitting in on the lecture even wanted to offer me a direct spot in a graduate program and take me to his lab right then and there. When it came time for scholarship applications, I filled out the forms exactly to spec, but she rejected them over and over again. She saved all the quotas for the guys and rolled her eyes at me. “You’re so competitive, you’ll never find a husband! You need to take a good look at yourself!” I laughed out of pure anger. “Professor, were you a horse in your past life? Why are you so obsessed with being ridden?” …… “Go write a ten-thousand-word apology essay, and read it in front of the whole class at our meeting next Sunday!” Our counselor, Susan, turned beet red, slamming her pen violently onto my chest. “Professor, I don’t think I did anything wrong, did I?” Was it the list of awards on my application that stung her eyes? But considering how blatantly she favored the guys, what’s wrong with me showing off a little? “Emma, how did your parents raise you? You’re always grandstanding. You don’t act like a college student at all!” Susan tore up my application—which I had already revised fifteen times—right in front of my face. “If you really want this scholarship, get on your knees and apologize to me! I’ll teach you the manners your parents clearly failed to!” My expression instantly turned ice cold. It was one thing to insult me, but she had to drag my parents into it. I was about to fire back, but Susan beat me to it. She probably assumed I was applying for the scholarship because I was poor. She looked at me with pure disdain and provocation. “I see you listed your parents’ occupations as ‘Confidential.’ Are their jobs too shameful to mention?” “Makes sense. Maybe your mom raised you by selling her body to please men. That would explain why you dress up like a peacock every day!” “If you want to lessen your mother’s ‘burden,’ beg me properly, and I might just give you the lowest-tier scholarship.” Me? Short on money? What a joke. I only applied because the requirement was being in the top ten percent of the major. Your name gets posted on the honor roll at the campus entrance. It was just for bragging rights. It’s not like I needed it! “Professor Susan, I won’t be writing an apology, I won’t be at the class meeting next week, and I certainly won’t be kneeling for you.” “I’m not approving your weekend leave! I’ll mark you absent, and you won’t be able to graduate!” Seeing that I dared to challenge her directly, Susan began abusing her authority. She looked at me with smug triumph. But I just let out a cold laugh. “Then please take it up with the Dean. I’m hosting the Arts Gala next Sunday. He specifically requested me.” The moment those words left my mouth, she exploded. “You? Host the Gala?!” She swung her hand to slap me hard across the face. Luckily, I’ve taken mixed martial arts since I was a kid, so I dodged it easily. Otherwise, my face would have swelled up instantly. Seeing that she missed, Susan gritted her teeth in fury. She grabbed a fistful of my hair and snatched a pair of scissors from her desk. “Who are you trying to seduce, always leaving your hair down? Do you think college is a joke? Are you going to cut it yourself, or should I?!” With a quick block, I made her cry out in pain and let go. I smoothed out my pulled hair, my heart aching for the damage. “What are you doing?! Do you have any idea what this costs? I’ve been maintaining my hair with caviar treatments since I was little!” “I’ve spent at least three hundred thousand dollars on it! Can you afford to pay for that with your measly salary?” Crash. Susan smashed her water cup onto the floor. Shards of glass scraped my ankle, and a malicious smirk curled on her lips. “You have the nerve to tell such lies while applying for a scholarship! I’m reporting you to the university to strip you of your honors student status!” Saying that, she dialed my parents’ number several times in a row. “I’m going to have you expelled!” I waved her off, entirely unbothered. “My parents won’t answer your calls. You’re way below their pay grade!” She got even angrier. “I don’t know what kind of parents would raise such a shameless daughter!” I smiled faintly. “I’m afraid if I tell you who they are, you’ll be the one kneeling.” 2 Susan was practically radiating heat, completely enraged. “With an attitude like yours, don’t even dream of finishing college! I’m going to the Dean tomorrow to have him contact your parents!” “What exactly is wrong with my attitude?” She was the one constantly picking on me, and now she was trying to force me out of school. I’ve been like this since I was a kid. Was I supposed to suppress my true nature just because I was in college? When I was three, my parents took me overseas to visit my uncle. He kept a prairie lion as a pet. The other kids were so terrified they didn’t even dare to breathe. I was scared too. But I bit the bullet, stood in front of everyone, and yelled at the lion that could swallow me whole: “Stop roaring!” Even with my legs trembling, I climbed onto the lion’s back, soaking in the awe-filled gazes of the other children. Since that day, I realized I could do anything to save face. On my tenth birthday, my parents wanted to gift me a subsidiary company. My chauvinistic older brother scoffed. “What does a girl need a company for? Her destiny is to be a pretty vase and get married off for a corporate alliance!” I didn’t waste a single word arguing. The very next day, I went to the company and charmed all the employees. Everyone praised me endlessly to my parents. They called me meticulous, capable, and a management prodigy. When my brother came back from a business trip, the receptionist politely told him: “Our little boss is still at school today. Would you like me to schedule an appointment for you?” To prove I was worthy of their trust, I started taking college-level business administration courses while I was still in elementary school. My brother just thought I was putting on a show, badmouthing me to our parents every day. But my parents saw my hard work, and even planned to hand over the reins of the family business to me. As an eighteenth birthday present. But my grandfather, who heavily favored boys, wasn’t happy about it. My brother provoked me like a victorious rooster. In just one summer vacation… I took the messy, failing company he left behind and took it public. My grandfather, with tears in his eyes, patted my brother’s hand. “My foolish grandson… maybe wait for your next life to take over the family.” From then on, he washed his hands of the matter, and my brother never saw him again. So when it came to flexing, my parents supported me 100%. “There’s nothing wrong with a girl showing off! Mom just wants to see you shine!” “Why keep a low profile? As the wealthiest family in the city, we didn’t work this hard for nothing!” I didn’t reveal my parents’ identities because I found it much more satisfying to earn people’s attention through my own abilities. I never expected that in Susan’s mouth, it would turn into: “Your parents probably have shameful jobs anyway, probably picking up trash! Maybe they’ll come crying and begging me to let you go!” I was just about to snap back when the door opened from the outside. Our class president, Kevin, walked in. Even though I had won the popular vote by a landslide, Susan had forcefully appointed him instead. And yet, he pushed all the actual work onto me, the vice-president. He spent his days entirely focused on sucking up to Susan. Seeing me there, Kevin immediately curled his lip in annoyance. “Looks like someone’s got a great relationship with the Dean, becoming the Gala host without even auditioning.” “Susan, you don’t know how long I prepared for this, only to get screwed over in silence!” Susan instantly understood what he meant. She looked at him with a heart full of pity. “Don’t worry, I’ll go fight for it for you tomorrow.” “After all, someone is about to be expelled from our school!” 3 I didn’t want to deal with them, so I grabbed the door handle to leave the office. Kevin stepped right in front of me, grabbing my hand, his finger disgustingly tracing my palm. He mouthed to me: “If you agree to be my girlfriend, I won’t let Susan report you!” Susan was still yapping away in the background. “My boyfriend is a major donor to this school! Emma, you’re finished!” What a joke. My family is the biggest donor to this university. Snap. I twisted Kevin’s hand backward into an unnatural angle. Amidst their curses, I left the office. Back in my dorm, before I could even rest, the class group chat started blowing up. It was about some group project. Kevin sent a voice memo: “If you don’t turn it in today, you automatically fail the class!” What assignment? Confused, I asked my roommate next to me. Chloe covered her mouth, her eyes wide. “You didn’t know? The counselor assigned it. We’re supposed to pair up, one guy, one girl, and shoot a campus video.” “She assigned the groups herself. I think she DM’d everyone individually.” I couldn’t help but scoff. She was trying to set me up to fail. Without a second thought, I tagged her in the group chat. “Professor Susan, are you getting forgetful in your old age? You didn’t notify me about the group project.” When I looked at my phone again, I had been kicked out of the group chat. Susan sent me a private message. Her tone was arrogant. “You’re too stuck-up. None of the guys in the class wanted to be in a group with you.” Is that so? I opened WeChat, took screenshots of the friend requests from almost every guy in the class, and sent them to her. The next second, she lost her mind, sending a long string of abusive voice memos. “Dressing up like a peacock every day, looking like a streetwalker! Anyone can tell you and your mother are both trash!” But it was true that she seemed to have some connections at the school. I forwarded the voice recordings to the disciplinary office to report her. They rejected it, claiming it was AI-generated. The next day, Susan doubled down. Using my “failure to submit assignments” and “poor conduct” as excuses, she formally petitioned the Dean to replace me as the Gala host. She even claimed I was insubordinate and demanded I be expelled. But the Dean just looked at her like she was an idiot. “Your class is just an elective. Emma already has enough credits to graduate. Why would I expel her?” I stood in front of Susan, a provocative smile on my face. What a joke. A few credits? Did she really think I cared? I finished my four-year credit requirement during my freshman year. If you log into the system, you can see I have almost double the credits of the person in second place. Susan was humiliated and stomped away in a rage. But I knew she wouldn’t let it go. Sure enough, when I got back to my dorm… I found all my hair accessories and custom skincare products gone from my desk. The clothes in my closet were missing too. My roommate Chloe called me in a panic. “Emma! All your clothes are in the dumpsters downstairs!” 4 I called the police. The surveillance footage showed Susan leading a group of guys into the girls’ dorm under the guise of “moving things.” They swept my desk clean and threw everything into the trash. The clothes from my closet, my silk duvet—Susan had aggressively stomped all over them. When Susan arrived, she was holding two hundred dollars, showing zero remorse. “You had a lot of contraband items. I was just doing a routine inspection.” “This money is compensation. It should be enough. After all, that’s the amount of the scholarship you wanted.” I sneered. “This little amount? Who are you trying to buy off, a beggar?” I backhanded the list of missing items right into Susan’s face. “The hair clips were Chanel, the clothes were haute couture, and the skincare was custom-formulated for my exact skin type.” “The purchase receipts are all right there. That cash isn’t even enough to buy one of my hair clips!” Susan’s eyes widened in shock. “Impossible! If you’re that rich, why would you apply for a scholarship?!” She insisted I was lying, but the police verified the receipts. I thought being on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars would make her pack her bags and leave. Surprisingly, she didn’t panic at all. “You think you’re the only one with money? My boyfriend is way richer than a nouveau riche brat like you!” She cooed and acted helpless in front of the police. “Officer, my boyfriend will compensate her for the losses.” Her boyfriend did have means; the money was quickly transferred to my account. The university also claimed that as a counselor, she had the right to inspect for contraband, and she didn’t even get a reprimand. I originally wanted to call my parents right then and there to have them use their influence to squash this nuisance. But on second thought, slapping her down like that was too boring. It would be much more fun to deliver the slap to both Susan and her boyfriend personally. So I held back and applied to the Dean to move off-campus. For three days, I was basically living at the Arts Gala rehearsals, and Susan stopped picking on me. I thought she had turned over a new leaf. But on the day of the Gala, I found my evening gown shredded in the dressing room. I didn’t even have to guess who did it. I instinctively tried to open the door to confront her, but it was locked from the outside. Then, the lights suddenly went completely dark. Someone had pulled the breaker. This situation… I almost wanted to consider Susan a soulmate. How did she know that I absolutely thrive on flexing my skills in desperate situations like this? I’ve never been afraid of the dark. And as an heiress, knowing how to pick a lock is a perfectly normal skill to have, right? So, I grabbed a bobby pin, picked the lock, and casually texted my family’s butler, Uncle Wang. In the broadcast room, the Dean was pacing anxiously. “Why isn’t Emma here yet? The Gala is about to start!” Susan spared no effort in putting me down. “Girls like her have no concept of time. Why don’t we let Kevin do it? He’s definitely better than her.” But the next second, Susan’s eyes went wide. Because I stepped onto the stage wearing an even more magnificent, breathtaking gown. The Arts Gala was a massive success, but Susan just couldn’t stop acting up. Over the next few days, rumors spread like wildfire across campus that I was a sugar baby for an elderly billionaire. The “proof” was a photo of Uncle Wang delivering my gown. Whether I was in the library or the cafeteria, students would cast weird looks my way. There was even a campus forum thread with thousands of replies. They claimed I was a fake socialite whose entire lifestyle was funded by a sugar daddy. They even posted my leave of absence record from last semester. [She claimed she had stomach pains and took a week off. Now it looks like she went to get an abortion!] This was right during a critical period when I was participating in a national-level academic competition. The academic affairs office politely approached me, suggesting I withdraw voluntarily. I ignored them and showed up on the day of the competition. To my surprise, that half-wit Susan was actually sitting on the judging panel. She was constantly whispering to the other judges. Before I could even step onto the stage, they stopped me. “Student, this is a national-level competition. Someone with your moral conduct is not permitted to participate.” Susan walked over to me with a cold smirk. “I told you, my boyfriend is way more powerful than your sugar daddy! If you get on your knees and apologize to me right now, I might let you keep a degree!” I was just about to slap her when her eyes suddenly lit up. She waved at someone behind me. “My boyfriend is here! You might be permanently reduced to a high school graduate today!” I turned around and saw her boyfriend. When he saw me, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. And the slap that was meant for Susan landed squarely, and viciously, on her boyfriend’s face, right in front of everyone’s shocked eyes.

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Seven years after I disappeared, my brother found my name on an organ donor list. He stared at the paperwork in the nurse’s hand, his brow furrowing deeply as he looked at my photo and my former name. “Where is this person?” “In the hospice wing on the 12th floor. Today is likely her last lucid day. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.” His face was dark as he took the elevator up. When he pushed the door open, he caught me in the middle of writing my will. “Chloe.” I looked up at him and offered a calm smile. “You must have the wrong person, Mr. Sterling. My name is Mia, not Chloe.” He approached the hospital bed, his tone rigid. “Come home with me. Apologize to Lily. I’ll find you the best doctors…” “There’s no need. I haven’t done anything wrong, so I have no one to apologize to.” Without looking up again, I signed my name at the bottom of the organ donation agreement. …… After a long pause, he let out a cold scoff. “Nice act. Seven years later, and you’re still playing the innocent victim.” “You’re sick? What is it? Why do you need surgery?” I chuckled softly. “Terminal glioblastoma. I don’t have much time left.” “Rather than rotting in the ground, I might as well donate my organs and save a few lives.” Alexander’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly masked it with coldness. “Save it. You think playing the pity card will make me go soft?” He glanced around the sparsely furnished hospital room, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Things haven’t been going well for you out here, have they? If you hadn’t done those things back then, it wouldn’t have come to this.” I stared down at my emaciated hands, remaining silent. “Chloe…” he called out suddenly, a trace of conflict in his voice. “Are you really that sick?” I looked up at him, my eyes terrifyingly calm. “What does it matter to you, Mr. Sterling?” “I am your brother!” “Your sister died seven years ago.” His face turned a sickly pale, and he glared at me. “You hate me that much? Weren’t the things that happened back then your own…” “Enough,” I cut him off. “Mr. Sterling, you didn’t come here to rehash the past, did you? What do you want? Spit it out.” He opened his mouth, but found he couldn’t form the words. “Let me guess,” I said slowly. “Does she… need a liver again?” Alexander didn’t answer. But his evasive gaze told me everything I needed to know. I leaned back against the headboard and laughed aloud. “I see.” “After seven years, she finally remembered she has a sister.” “So you’re here today to demand my liver for her?” “Not demand,” he corrected. “It’s what you should do. You volunteered to donate back then. Now Lily needs it again. You are still her sister; this is your responsibility.” Leaning against the headboard, I found the whole situation utterly absurd. “Alexander, seven years ago when you kicked me out of the house, why didn’t you mention that I was her sister?” “You brought that upon yourself!” his voice suddenly spiked. “If you hadn’t done all those vicious things and framed Lily, why would I have kicked you out?” “You’re still lying, still pretending to be innocent.” “Did you think hiding for seven years would make me forget what you did?” I closed my eyes, my heart turning to ash. So, he never doubted it. He always believed I was the one at fault. “Get out,” I said exhaustedly. “I need to rest.” “Chloe!” He suddenly grabbed my shoulders. “Listen to me clearly! Lily needs your liver!” I opened my eyes and looked at him calmly. “Then let her wait on the transplant list. My organs have already been promised to strangers.” “You—” He was trembling with anger. “How can you be so heartless?! Lily saved my life back then! Without her, there would be no Sterling family today! And you, you ungrateful wretch!” I said nothing, merely turning my head to look out the window. “Chloe, let me make this perfectly clear today,” he released me, his tone turning glacial. “If you don’t save Lily, I will absolutely not let you die this easily.” “I will use every resource the Sterling family has to treat your illness. I will keep you alive. I will make your life a living hell.” Listening to his threats, I felt absolutely nothing. “Do whatever you want.” He gave me one last, deep look, then turned and left. The door slammed shut behind him. Lying in the hospital bed, tears silently rolled down my cheeks. 2 My thoughts drifted back to fourteen years ago. That year, I was thirteen, and Alexander was twenty-one. Our parents died in a car accident, leaving behind the massive Sterling family fortune and countless relatives drooling over it. Back then, Alexander was like a wolf protecting its cub. He shielded me tightly behind him and carried the weight of everything on his own shoulders. At the funeral, a drunken relative pointed a finger at me and cursed. “You worthless little jinx! If it weren’t for you, your parents wouldn’t be dead!” Alexander threw a punch, leaving the man’s face covered in blood. “Anyone who dares touch a single hair on my sister’s head, I’ll make them wish they were dead.” That night, holding me as I cried my eyes out, he repeated over and over: “Don’t be scared, Chloe. Your brother is here.” “I will protect you for the rest of my life.” I believed him. I thought we would always rely on each other like that. But everything changed when Lily, our half-sister, arrived. She had poor health, so my brother gave her my bedroom because it had better sunlight. When she didn’t like the meals our cook prepared, my brother took her out to eat every single day. When she was afraid to sleep alone, my brother stayed in her room until she fell asleep. A month before my high school finals, Lily contracted a rare liver disease and was in critical condition. My brother went out of his mind with worry. He took her to the best hospitals in the country and consulted every top specialist. Ultimately, the doctors gave two options: Wait for a deceased donor, or do a living-donor transplant. Waiting for a donor could take a year or two, time she didn’t have. A living-donor transplant required an immediate family member with a matching blood type. And in the entire Sterling family, only she and I had the same blood type. When my brother came to talk to me, I was doing my final review for exams. “Chloe,” his tone was softer than it had been in a long time. “You know about Lily, right?” I didn’t say anything. “The doctor said you have the highest probability of being a match.” I turned a page in my textbook. “Chloe, she’s going to die.” His voice trembled slightly. “Please. Save her.” I finally looked up at him. “Alexander, do you remember what you were doing the last time I was sick?” He froze. “I had a fever of 104 degrees. I lay in my room alone for two days, and no one cared.” “And what were you doing? You were taking Lily shopping.” “Because she said she was in a bad mood.” He opened his mouth. “Chloe, that time was my fault…” “And,” I cut him off, “do you remember the time I was pushed down the stairs?” “When I told you it was Lily who pushed me, what did you say?” “You said I was clumsy and didn’t watch where I was going, and that I was just trying to blame Lily.” His face went pale. “Chloe…” “Alexander, you want me to save her?” I stood up, looking him in the eye. “Fine.” “But after this, we are even. I will no longer be a member of the Sterling family, and you will no longer be my brother!” 3 He flinched. “What did you say?” “I said, I’m willing to donate part of my liver to her.” “But after the surgery, I’m leaving the Sterling family.” “Consider me dead.” He remained silent for a long time. Finally, he nodded. On the day of the surgery, I was wheeled toward the operating room. Just before I went in, I saw my brother standing by the door. His lips moved, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he said nothing. The surgery was a success. Lily survived. I lost a third of my liver and never returned to the Sterling estate. That afternoon, Alexander came back. This time, Lily was trailing behind him. Seven years had passed. She had grown even more beautiful, those dark eyes still as bright as ever. Alexander sat on the edge of the bed. “Chloe, Lily came to see you.” “Chloe,” Lily walked over, her eyes rimmed with red. “I heard you were sick. I’ve been so worried…” “Drop the act,” I interrupted. “It’s just the three of us. Who are you performing for?” Lily’s face paled, and a tear slipped down her cheek. “Chloe, why do you hate me so much? What happened back then wasn’t my fault…” “Not your fault?” I scoffed. “Lily, you hacked my account and insulted yourself in the class group chat—wasn’t that you? You peeked at my exam paper—wasn’t that you? You pushed me down the stairs—wasn’t that you either?!” “Enough!” Alexander abruptly stood up. “Chloe, it’s been seven years, and you’re still telling these lies!” “All the evidence back then proved it was you! How long are you going to keep framing Lily?!” “Just because you were jealous that Lily was better than you, just because you couldn’t stand her, you fabricated all these lies!” Every word he spoke twisted like a knife in my heart. “Alexander, are you so certain I was the one lying?” “Wasn’t it you?!” he said coldly. “Everyone at school—the teachers, the students—saw what you did. You were the one constantly bullying Lily. You were jealous of her!” I closed my eyes, not wanting to argue anymore. There was no point. He never believed me. “Chloe,” Lily stepped closer, grabbing my hand. “I know you hate me. But Alexander said you’re sick, and I’m truly so sad…” “If you need money for treatment, I can give you all my savings…” I snatched my hand away. “Lily, save your little tricks!” I looked at Alexander. “Alright, I know why you’re both here. But I’m not donating my liver to her.” “I would rather give it to a stranger than save her again.” Alexander’s face darkened with rage. “Chloe, are you really that heartless?!” “Yes, I am,” I looked back at him. “Seven years ago, I gave her a third of my liver. What did I get in return? I got kicked out of my own home!” “Now you come crawling back to me. Why should I?!” “You brought that upon yourself!” “Fine, perfect,” I nodded. “Then my refusal to save her now is her bringing it upon herself too.” “After all, you reap what you sow.” Alexander was trembling with fury. He suddenly grabbed me by the collar. “Chloe, don’t push me!” “What are you going to do?” I met his gaze dead on. “Hit me? Kill me?” “I’m dying anyway, so be my guest.” His hands shook. After a long moment, he released me and took a deep breath. “Chloe, I’m asking you one last time. Are you going to save Lily or not?” “No.” “Good. Very well.” He laughed coldly. “Then don’t blame me for what happens next.” He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Do it. Execute the plan I told you about.” 4 My heart sank. “What are you trying to do?” “Nothing much,” he put his phone away. “Since you want to donate your organs to strangers, I’ll make sure those strangers never get them.” “I’m having the hospital cancel your donation application.” “And then, I will use all of the Sterling family’s resources to treat you.” “I’ll keep you alive in agony until you agree to save Lily.” My eyes widened. “You’re insane!” “You forced my hand,” he said coldly. “Chloe, you are too selfish. For the sake of your pathetic pride and resentment, you’d rather hurt innocent people.” “You’re just as vicious as you were back then.” With that, he grabbed Lily and walked out. I lay in bed, shaking with rage. That very night, a hospital administrator came in to inform me that my donation surgery was canceled. “Someone reported that your mental state is unstable, rendering you unfit to make donation decisions.” “We need to conduct a psychiatric evaluation, which will take at least a month.” The next day, I was transferred to the best private hospital in the city. I was put in a VIP suite, and my attending physician was the nation’s leading neurologist. Alexander stood in my room, looking down at me coldly. “Cooperate with the treatment. Once Lily’s surgery is done, whether you want to live or die is up to you.” “Alexander, this is false imprisonment!” “Call it whatever you want,” he shrugged indifferently. “I’m saving your life. Who’s going to say anything?” “You are a monster!” “You forced me to do this,” he walked over to the bed and leaned down. “Chloe, if you had just agreed earlier, we wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble.” I looked into his eyes. They were filled with madness and obsession. I knew he would follow through on every word. “Fine,” I closed my eyes. “I agree.” He paused. “What did you say?” “I said, I agree to save her.” I opened my eyes and looked at him calmly. “But I have one condition.” “Name it.” “After the surgery, you leave me alone. Let me choose how I die.” He remained silent for a moment. “Fine. I promise.” The next day, I was wheeled into the operating room. Alexander stood by the door, looking at me with a complex expression. “Chloe…” I didn’t look at him. I just closed my eyes. The surgery lasted four hours. It was successful. A portion of my liver was transplanted into Lily once again. After the surgery, I was sent to the ICU. Suddenly, a piercing alarm blared. “The patient is in cardiac arrest! Prepare for resuscitation!” The EKG monitor emitted a long, continuous beep. My heart stopped, and my soul slowly drifted out of my body. Through the glass, I saw Alexander standing in the hallway. He was talking to the doctor, his expression much more relaxed now that Lily’s surgery was a success. When he heard the news of my death, he simply gave a faint “Mm” and furrowed his brow imperceptibly. Just then, a commotion erupted outside the ICU. “Mr. Sterling! Mr. Sterling!” It was his assistant’s voice. “We investigated the events from seven years ago! All the evidence is right here!” The assistant handed Alexander a tablet. Alexander took it, swiped through the files, and his face slowly turned ashen white. “How is this possible…” 5 He abruptly jerked his head up, looking into the ICU at my lifeless body. His eyes were bloodshot, filled with shock, regret, and utter despair. On the tablet, the evidence stabbed into his heart like a knife. The security footage clearly showed Lily sneaking onto my phone, logging into my account, and sending those vicious insults in the class group chat. Her head was lowered, a smug smirk playing on her lips. After sending the messages, she carefully placed the phone back into my backpack exactly where she found it. Then there was the exam. The footage showed Lily waiting until I went to the restroom to secretly rummage through my test papers. She then deliberately “let it slip” in front of the teacher, claiming I had stayed up late studying and magically guessed all the key topics. The most chilling piece of evidence was the stairwell video. In the frame, I was wearing my backpack, about to head down the stairs. Lily approached from behind, checked her surroundings to ensure no one was watching, and suddenly reached out, shoving me violently. Caught completely off guard, I tumbled down the entire flight of stairs. She then swiftly ran to the top of the landing. Tears sprang to her eyes instantly as she cried out to the arriving teachers: “Mr. Davis, I saw Chloe looking at her phone while walking… I told her to be careful, but she didn’t hear me…” Her acting in the video was sickeningly perfect. “Impossible…” Alexander’s voice trembled. The assistant pulled up another file—a psychiatric diagnosis report. “Mr. Sterling, these are Lily’s medical records from back then. She had been seeing a psychiatrist regularly since she was fifteen. The diagnosis was Borderline Personality Disorder, accompanied by severe possessiveness and a need for control.” “The doctor’s notes read: ‘The patient’s attachment to her brother has exceeded the bounds of normal familial affection, displaying an intense desire for exclusivity. She views her sister as a rival and has repeatedly expressed a desire to “eliminate the obstacle” during sessions. Immediate systematic treatment is recommended, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous.’” Alexander’s face was now as white as a sheet of paper. “And there’s this,” the assistant handed over another document. “These are new testimonies from her former classmates. Over the past few years, several of them moved abroad, escaping Lily’s control, and are now willing to speak the truth.” “They stated that Lily threatened them back then. If they didn’t provide false testimony for her, she would use the Sterling family’s influence to get their parents fired. Those kids were terrified and had no choice but to do as she said.” “Sarah Jenkins said she personally saw Lily frame Ms. Chloe but was too scared to speak up. She lived with the guilt all these years, and now that she’s settled overseas, she finally had the courage to testify.” He remembered that night seven years ago. I knelt in front of him, crying and begging him to believe me. “Alexander, it really wasn’t me! It was Lily! She framed me!” And what did he say? “Enough, Chloe! The evidence is irrefutable. How much longer are you going to lie?!” “So many people saw it! Are you saying everyone is trying to frame you?” “You’re just jealous that Lily is better than you, which is why you’re targeting her at every turn!” “I was so wrong about you!” He still remembered the look in my eyes back then. It was pure, unadulterated despair. Like a drowning person grasping at the final piece of driftwood, only to have it snap in their hands. “Alexander… I really didn’t…” My voice had trailed off, eventually turning into a choked sob. “I don’t want to hear your excuses!” he had roared. “Starting tomorrow, move out of the Sterling house! I never want to see you again!” That night, I packed my bags alone. He walked past my bedroom door and heard muffled crying from inside. He placed his hand on the doorknob, hesitating for a long time. In the end, he never pushed that door open. The next morning, I left. Without even saying goodbye. He thought I would come back. After all, I had depended on him since we were kids. But he waited a week, a month, a year… I never returned. And he never went looking for me. Because he believed I was the one who made the mistake, so why should he be the one to seek me out? Thinking back on it now, how laughable, how foolish he had been. “Mr. Sterling…” the assistant called out cautiously. Alexander violently snapped back to reality. He lunged toward the ICU doors. But the doctors blocked him. “Mr. Sterling, please accept our condolences…” “Get out of my way!” he roared, kicking open the heavy ICU doors. “Chloe! Chloe!” He grabbed my cold hand, his voice hoarse and broken. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” “I was wrong! I was so, so wrong!” His agonizing screams echoed throughout the ICU. A doctor pulled down his surgical mask and handed him a document. “Mr. Sterling, the patient signed a Do Not Resuscitate order before the surgery. She stated that if complications arose during the operation, we were not to resuscitate her, and to let her pass peacefully. This is her final will. Please accept our condolences.”

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Chapter 1 When I turned 32, my mother finally launched an indiscriminate, full-scale marriage-pressure campaign against me. I swiftly broke up with my supermodel boyfriend of four years, packed my bags, and moved back to my hometown. My best friend was aghast: “Are you crazy? I thought you were obsessed with Liam’s face and body? You’re really willing to let that go?” I scoffed: “I’m not an idiot. Dating a guy like him for a thrill is fine, but if I actually married him, what would my life be? Spending the rest of my days catching him cheating and then forgiving him?” Just as the words left my mouth, a voice as cold as ice, yet incredibly familiar, came from behind me. “Chloe, is that your reason for dumping me?” Dragging my suitcase back to the apartment Liam and I shared, I bumped right into a woman walking out. She was wearing a flimsy camisole with Liam’s silk dress shirt draped loosely over it. She was barefoot, holding a pair of limited-edition high heels in one hand. I recognized her. She was a new, up-and-coming designer Liam had recently collaborated with. Her name was Ellie, barely twenty, practically radiating youth. I instinctively took a step back, hiding in the shadows of the elevator lobby. A few seconds later, Liam followed her out. He had only a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was still dripping wet, and his skin was flushed. He leaned against the doorframe, lit a slim cigarette, and looked lazy and exhausted. A moment later, he casually tossed an unopened, latest-model designer watch box toward her. “Take it.” Ellie’s eyes lit up instantly. She threw herself at Liam, hugging him and squealing, “Ahhh! Oh my god, it’s the Starlight series! Liam, you’re the best!” “Picked it up while I was in Milan for the shows.” “I love you so much! Baby!” Ellie tried to kiss him. But Liam had run out of patience. He frowned slightly and turned his face away to avoid her. “Alright, hurry up and leave.” The girl wasn’t annoyed, speaking in a tone that was half-whining, half-complaining: “So ruthless, tossing me aside the moment you’re done. You were just calling me your little vixen in bed.” She happily hugged the new watch box and blew Liam a kiss before leaving: “I’m off. See you at the studio tomorrow.” Only after she left did I step out from the shadows. Liam probably hadn’t expected me to return from my business trip early. He froze for a second, but quickly resumed his usual nonchalant demeanor. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?” I stared at him for a moment. “My flight got changed. It was too late, I didn’t want to wake you.” The hickey on Liam’s collarbone was glaringly fresh and ambiguous, yet he showed no remorse. He walked over, intending to take my suitcase. “You must be tired. I’ll go run a bath for you.” As he bent down, his towel loosened slightly, acting as if the scene I had just witnessed never happened. Seeing me standing still, he raised an eyebrow: “What’s wrong?” Then understanding dawned on him, and a lazy smile touched his lips: “Missed me?” He leaned in close. He still carried the scent of body wash mixed with another woman’s perfume. His hand skillfully slid under the hem of my shirt. “Then let’s get down to business first, and then—” He was a runway model who worked out constantly. His fingertips had thin calluses, and when they brushed against my skin, they brought a tingling, numb itch. I closed my eyes and tiredly pushed him away. I have to admit, I was infatuated with Liam’s body. The reason I pursued him in the first place was because I caught a glimpse of him backstage at a fashion show and was absolutely blown away. But maybe because I had just flown for over ten hours, or maybe because of the woman I just saw, right now I only felt nauseous. I had zero interest. Liam was rarely rejected by me. He froze for a moment, his face darkening slightly. “What kind of tantrum is this?” I looked down and saw a women’s earring on the entryway rug that didn’t belong to me. Liam clearly saw it too. He clicked his tongue, his expression turning impatient. The living room fell into a dead silence. He pulled another cigarette from the box and lit it, smoke swirling around him. “She’s just a junior designer. She drank too much and had nowhere to go, so I let her crash here for a night.” “We didn’t do anything.” Chapter 2 I looked at him. The white smoke separated our lines of sight, making it impossible to clearly see each other’s expressions. But we both knew perfectly well how pathetic that excuse was. This wasn’t Liam’s first time cheating. He was probably born to live among a garden of women. When I met him, he was already like this. At the time, my company was organizing a high-end fashion collaboration. My best friend took me to meet the red-hot top supermodel, saying he had a unique aura but a terrible temper. I didn’t have a good impression of models; I always felt they were just empty shells. Until Liam walked in. He was wearing a simple black turtleneck sweater, standing tall and straight, with a few stray hairs falling across his high, straight nose bridge. The moment he walked in, the air in the entire conference room seemed to freeze. That face, that body—he was the Creator’s most biased masterpiece. He looked up, those deep eyes sweeping over us with careless detachment. I didn’t hear a single word he said that day. My mind was entirely consumed with how to get him into my bed. After the meeting, countless people swarmed him trying to get his contact info, and he coldly rejected them all. Only I persistently cornered him in the parking garage. Single since birth for 26 years, that was the boldest moment of my entire life. Liam was probably annoyed by my pestering, or maybe he just found it novel. Anyway, I became his girlfriend. Right up until now. But I knew that for these six years, Liam had never truly loved me. Or perhaps, he loved me in his own way. He loved my independence, my understanding nature, my ability to handle his messy PR crises, and the fact that I never made a fuss about the endless gossip surrounding him. Every time I caught him, he’d throw out some random excuse, and I would forgive him. He once mocked me for living too rationally, saying I wasn’t like a real woman. He also joked that one day, when he met his true soulmate, he would kick me to the curb. For these past few years, the relationship was entirely sustained by my unilateral tolerance. “You promised me you wouldn’t bring anyone home again,” I said, my voice very low, staring at the expensive earring. A flash of mockery appeared in Liam’s eyes; he had absolutely no intention of coaxing me. “Since when did you become so uptight?” He leaned in close, blowing smoke into my face, his eyes full of malice: “Can’t take it anymore?” “If you can’t take it, then get out.” He had said things like this countless times over the past four years. The ending was always the same: I would lower my head, apologize, hold him, and beg him not to be angry. Over time, he found my weak spot. He knew that as long as he said that, I couldn’t do anything about it. I turned my head away: “I’m tired. I’m going to sleep.” Liam grabbed my wrist. His brow bone was high; when he was expressionless, he always carried a sharp, oppressive aura. “Chloe, quit while you’re ahead. Don’t push your luck.” I shook off his hand and went into the guest room. Not long after, an earth-shattering slam of the front door echoed through the apartment. Liam left. He was angry. I knew that. After all, between us, I was always the one compromising, the one doing the coaxing. I had never given him the cold shoulder like I did today. I rolled over and turned on my phone. In the family group chat, my mom sent another picture of a man: “Chloe, Auntie Li introduced this one. A college professor, steady and reliable. You’re 32 this year; it’s time to start thinking about the important things.” Then I opened my work group chat. My boss tagged me: “Chloe, the new Brand Strategy Department at headquarters has just been established, and we’re missing a director. I think your capabilities are a perfect fit. The resources and platform at headquarters are on a whole different level compared to the branch office. Think it over.” My mom was calling me home for blind dates. The company wanted to promote me and send me back to headquarters, which happened to be right in my hometown. The timing, the location, the circumstances—it all lined up. It seemed I truly had no reason to stay in this city anymore. I sighed. To be honest, I really liked Liam. He was handsome enough, his body was hot enough, and we were a match made in heaven in bed. Most importantly, he was a total scumbag. Being with him was easy. I didn’t have to think about the future, and I didn’t have to be responsible for him. During those first few years in the corporate world when the pressure was crushing me, I just wanted someone to relieve the stress. But I was dead set on looks, picking and choosing until I met Liam. His best years were spent by my side. When I was tearing my hair out over KPIs, he used his body to comfort me through countless late nights. And even though he had a constant stream of women, he was somewhat particular—all his flings had to provide regular health checkups. I took all the necessary precautions, so I wasn’t afraid of catching anything. It would probably be hard to find such a satisfying… bedmate again. But there was nothing I could do. Dating was one thing; getting married and living a life together was another. I liked Liam a lot. But I also knew very clearly that he wasn’t the right person for me. Now, the game was over. Chapter 3 Liam didn’t come home that night. For the next few days, he completely vanished. The messages I sent sank like a stone in the ocean. When I called, his phone was turned off. When I tried messaging him again, a red exclamation mark appeared. He had blocked me. The familiar cold shoulder. He had done this before. Liam was a master of the silent treatment. Every time, I had to rack my brain, go to his modeling agency, or stake out the gym he frequented to corner him, humbling myself to coax him before he would unblock me. But this time, I was busy handing over my work and didn’t have time to play his games. That evening, as I was booking my flight back to headquarters, my phone rang. It was Liam’s assistant. Through the phone, the deafening sound of club music and the laughter of men and women assaulted my ears. “Ms. Hastings, Liam drank too much. He’s at the Rosemary Club. Could you come pick him up?” Liam loved clubbing. He came from a wealthy family; modeling was just an interest and a talent for him. I once asked him why he didn’t just take over the family business. He scoffed, saying he couldn’t be bothered to fight with all the mistresses and illegitimate children who were tearing each other apart for the inheritance. He knew his grandfather’s and mother’s shares would eventually be his anyway, so he just wanted to live his life exactly as he pleased. Liam had absolutely zero career ambition, and we were complete opposites in that regard. Whenever I landed a massive contract or got promoted and told him about it, he showed zero interest. He once disdainfully said that working myself half to death for that salary, which wouldn’t even buy him a single watch, was pointless. I knew that down to our bones, we were not the same kind of people. Other than physical intimacy, we had nothing in common. I didn’t understand his soul, and I only lusted after his body. He ignored my hard work, only accustomed to my compliance. That was fine. That way, when we parted, neither of us would feel heartbroken. I thought about it for a second and said yes. Putting the phone down, I glanced at my plane ticket: 10:00 AM, the day after tomorrow. I sighed. Actually, I didn’t want to break up this quickly. Liam and I were truly synchronized in bed. The pressure from changing roles recently was immense, and I had originally wanted to have breakup sex one last time. I clicked my tongue, feeling it was a bit of a shame. But since the opportunity presented itself, I might as well go with the flow. … When I arrived at the club, Liam was surrounded in the center of a booth. Men and women, all glamorous, all very beautiful, their faces full of youthful collagen. It was obvious they were all quite young. It made sense. Liam had money, looks, and spent generously. His playboy lifestyle seemed like just an extension of his carefree supermodel charm. I touched the fine lines at the corner of my eye, remembering what Liam had said in disgust before. “Chloe, you’re 32. Can you please go get some treatments? Don’t live so roughly.” No wonder he was disgusted by me. Turns out he was surrounded by girls in their early twenties. I didn’t speak. I stood outside the crowd, my eyes meeting Liam’s. He acted like he didn’t see me and quickly looked away. Ellie’s face was flushed, her whole body practically hanging off him, her voice sticky-sweet: “Liam, just one more drink.” Liam smiled. Under the club lights, his deep, devastatingly handsome eyes rippled with a charm that lacked any warmth. “Drinking like this is boring. Feed me.” “How?” Liam didn’t answer, just looked down at her. A half-second later, Ellie realized what he meant. A flash of wild joy crossed her eyes as she threw her head back and downed the whiskey in her glass! Then, Liam abruptly grabbed the back of her head and kissed her fiercely. His kiss held no tenderness; it was more like he was venting. Ellie tilted her head up to receive it, the corners of her eyes reddening from the lack of oxygen. Liquor spilled from the corners of their intertwined lips. The atmosphere around them instantly exploded, screams and whistles rising and falling. I knew he was doing it on purpose. He was punishing me. Punishing me for not coaxing him that day and for daring to give him attitude. It wasn’t until I walked right up to Liam that everyone quieted down, watching me like I was the main act in a play. Liam looked up, his expression flat: “What are you doing here?” Looking at this face, my mind drifted back to the countless days and nights of intimacy over the past four years. In the heat of passion, we had even spoken of love. Was it painful? Maybe a little. But was it agonizing? Not really. After all, I had known what kind of person Liam was for a long time. A playboy, always chasing novelty, unable to say no. Selfish, raised on a pedestal, always self-centered, never considering anyone else’s feelings. My voice trembled as I spoke: “Liam, you’ve gone too far.” Liam looked at me. Even though he was sitting and I was standing, I felt like he was looking down on me. He still wore that flat expression, a contemptuous smile on his lips. “Too far? You can break up with me. It’s not like I’m stopping you.” I remained silent, just looking at him. I couldn’t count how many times he had threatened me with a breakup. Eighty times? A hundred times? A friend nearby probably felt he had gone too far and tugged at his sleeve: “Liam, that’s enough. Look at Chloe, she looks like she’s going to be sick.” In truth, my eyes were red. If you’re going to act, you have to commit. When that teardrop hit the carpet, I clearly saw Liam’s expression freeze. The fingers holding his cigarette twitched, but he still didn’t say anything, just looked at me coldly. The next second, I said softly: “Okay, Liam.” “Let’s break up, then.” The expression on Liam’s face instantly solidified. For a moment, I even thought he was going to flip the table. However, instead of getting angry, he laughed, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. It looked like it was squeezed through his gritted teeth. “Fine, Chloe, look at you getting a spine. But remember this: I, Liam Sterling, never go back to an ex.” “Don’t come crawling back to me like a dog begging for me later.” “Okay.” I nodded and wiped my tears. Then I turned and walked away, never looking back at him once. Liam didn’t come home that night. Overnight, I deleted all his contact information and packed my bags. Early the next morning, I got on the earliest flight back to headquarters. As the plane soared into the sky, I took out my SIM card and tossed it into the trash bag. Chapter 4 I didn’t contact Liam again. My life at headquarters got back on track. I quickly adapted to the rhythm of my new department, and I also met the man my mother had set up for me. The 30-year-old man sitting across from me, wearing a stiff suit, was still droning on. “I think that for women, before 30, the focus should be on the family. Having too much ambition isn’t good. What I mean is, after we get married, it would be best if you put more energy into the family and taking care of the kids…” He kept blabbering. I stirred my coffee with a smile, telling myself I had to hold back and absolutely could not throw this coffee in this self-absorbed man’s face. Finally, when he finished, he adjusted his glasses: “Did you catch all of that? Do you have any opinions?” I maintained my smile: “No. But Mr. Davis, I don’t think we’re a good fit. Let’s just split the bill for this meal.” Then, amidst his grumbling complaints of “Women over 30 aren’t in demand anymore, what are you being so picky for, old maid…”, I turned and left. In the days since I returned to my hometown, my mother had arranged no less than ten blind dates for me, some with relatively decent prospects. However, having seen the ocean, all other waters pale in comparison. After being with someone with Liam’s god-tier looks for four years, it was genuinely hard for me to generate any interest in these ordinary men. This depressed mood lasted until the Monday group strategy meeting. Everyone arrived early. The conference room was completely silent, the atmosphere heavy. I quietly asked the colleague next to me: “What’s going on? Did something happen?” My colleague lowered her voice: “The ‘Young Master’ hired by the board of directors has dropped in! Rumor has it he’s using our group as practice to familiarize himself with domestic operations before taking over the entire Asia-Pacific region.” “This Mr. Vance, they say he has a Juris Doctor from an Ivy League school. After graduating, he did M&A on Wall Street and never lost a case. When he came back to the States, he started his own venture capital firm and reached the top of the industry in just a few years. If the old chairman hadn’t threatened and lured him with shares, he wouldn’t have agreed to come back at all. He’s a truly ruthless guy, be very careful with what you say later!” Shortly after, a man wearing a dark gray three-piece suit walked in. He wasn’t wearing a tie, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone. The moment he stepped into the conference room, his assistant respectfully took his files. I looked up. In that instant, everyone’s breathing seemed to stop. The first thing that struck you was the aura radiating from this man. It was a sense of absolute control and oppression. He clearly had no expression, but everyone present, myself included, instinctively stiffened their backs, not daring to make eye contact with him. It was only on the second glance that you noticed his slightly slanted phoenix eyes, framed by gold-rimmed glasses, the lenses hiding coldness and scrutiny. This man was incredibly handsome, but a completely different type from Liam. If Liam was a blazing, scorching fire, then he was a frozen undercurrent in the deep sea. “Apologies, my flight was delayed. I’m late.” His voice was cold and clear. He sat at the head of the table and got straight to the point: “My name is Alexander Vance. Starting today, I am taking over the group’s strategy. I have already reviewed all departmental files and financial reports from the past three years. Now, starting with Group A, each person has three minutes to report on your work achievements over the past year and your future plans.” The department heads went up one by one, trembling as they reported. Alexander was as sharp as the rumors said, accurately pointing out every loophole and glossed-over statistic intended to deceive him. “I don’t like listening to nonsense, and I don’t like being treated like a fool. I expect efficient communication with smart people. But if communication fails, I will consider changing the method.” He didn’t explicitly curse anyone out, but the backs of the several directors who were called out were soaked in sweat. When it was my turn, a thin layer of sweat broke out on my palms. Fortunately, I was well-prepared, and my performance over the past year was dazzling enough. Once I started speaking, I became increasingly fluent. My education and my career are my pride and my foundation; I never cut corners when it comes to work. Alexander didn’t interrupt me. Through his glasses, I saw a hint of appreciation in his eyes. A moment later, I stopped, signaling the end of my report. He nodded: “Chloe Hastings, is it? Not bad.” “From now on, everyone’s reports will be held to this standard.” Ever since Alexander arrived, the entire department plunged into hell. He drastically cut many redundant projects and personnel, and he also pulled in several top-tier resources that seemed entirely out of reach. Everyone was working longer and longer hours of overtime, but the estimated numbers for our year-end bonuses also doubled. The colleagues, especially the young female ones, were full of fantasies about Alexander. There were two new interns who perhaps read too many CEO romance novels. One openly contradicted him in a meeting, trying to catch his attention. The other deliberately spilled coffee on his custom suit and tried to wipe it off with her hands. The first one didn’t show up for work the next day. The second one packed her bags and was gone by that afternoon. The female colleagues fell into line. However, during breaks, everyone still gossiped in the pantry. “I heard he’s always been single, not even a rumored girlfriend. You don’t think his romantic history is just nonexistent, do you?” “Impossible! With a man of his caliber, so many women are eyeing him. His standards are probably just too high.” “Oh my god, did you guys see him in that three-piece suit today? That shoulder-to-waist ratio… If I could catch him, I’d willingly hand over my paycheck!” I listened, suddenly intrigued. Without Liam, this Alexander Vance seemed like an even better prey. This man, I wanted to try.

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After interrupting my husband and his mistress making love for the 108th time, he flew into a rage and sent me to a “Wife Obedience Academy.” The headmistress of the academy openly boasted: “Once they enter our academy, even if a husband keeps a whole flock of mistresses later, the wife will greet them with a smile!” My husband was thrilled and sent me there without a second thought. What he didn’t know was the reality of this so-called “Obedience Academy.” It involved finding countless men to sexually subjugate the women, using spiked leather whips to shatter their resistance. Many men came specifically because of my reputation, all wanting a taste of what the wife of Oliver Sterling, the crown prince of New York high society, was like. They vented their lust on me with wild abandon, refusing to stop until they forced me to say, “You’re better than Oliver Sterling.” It wasn’t until a year later that Oliver finally walked into the academy for the first time, saying he wanted to inspect the results of my “education.” …… At that moment, three men were climbing off me, their faces full of satiated lust. The headmistress frantically dressed me in a snow-white dress and pushed me in front of Oliver. He narrowed his eyes, examining me. Seeing my conservative attire, he smiled with satisfaction. “You taught her well. Chloe used to be so flamboyant, always wearing those eye-catching mini skirts. Who knows how many men were lusting after her.” “Now, looking so demure and proper—this is what a woman belonging to Oliver Sterling should look like.” I kept my eyes downcast and didn’t speak. You cannot look directly into a client’s eyes. You cannot interrupt a client when they are speaking. These rules had been beaten into me by the bruises and scars hidden beneath this white dress. “Mr. Sterling, as long as you’re satisfied. I put a lot of effort into this,” the headmistress chimed in, her face full of fawning flattery. Oliver casually pulled out a check and tossed it to her. “You’ll get your reward.” The headmistress took it with a wide, obsequious grin, nodding and bowing as she stepped aside. “Chloe, come here.” Oliver sat on the sofa and curled a finger at me. The moment I heard those three words, I dropped to my knees out of sheer conditioned reflex and crawled toward him like a dog. Oliver’s pupils shrank violently, his eyes filled with absolute, disbelief-fueled shock. His long fingers grabbed my chin, forcing my head up to meet his gaze. “Chloe, what are you doing? Is this what you learned over the past year?” The terror carved into my bones made me avert my eyes. Keeping my gaze lowered, my voice trembled: “Master, please don’t be angry. I will serve you and make you happy right away…” Seeing the situation turning sour, the headmistress chuckled awkwardly, stepping forward to pull me up. “Mr. Sterling, we teach women that their husband is their heaven, demanding unconditional obedience. Your wife’s subservience and obedience levels are extremely high; she views you as her master.” Hearing this, Oliver’s expression softened slightly, then he let out a sudden, cold laugh. “And here I thought you were so high and mighty. Turns out you’re just a cheap slut too.” I heard insulting words like these every single day. I had long since grown numb to them, merely keeping my head bowed and standing submissively to the side. He was very satisfied with my attitude and scoffed: “So obedient? If I’m affectionate with Mia in the future, are you still going to throw a massive tantrum?” My fingers trembled slightly. Remembering the days of being electrocuted, dragged across the floor, and brutalized over the past year, I quickly shook my head. “No, I won’t. Never again.” “And if I move Mia into the house, you can tolerate that too?” “I will. You are the master, you can do whatever you want.” Oliver’s brow furrowed slightly, an indescribable emotion suddenly welling up in his chest. This was clearly the answer he wanted to hear most, so why did he still feel so uncomfortable? “As long as you know your place.” Mia seemed to sense Oliver’s unease. She clenched her fists and suggested: “Oliver, Chloe has definitely learned her lesson. It seems this school is really effective. How about we sign her up for another year?” Chapter 2 Hearing those words, my heart plummeted straight down, as if falling into a bottomless abyss. The men who came here seeking me out all had some sort of grudge against Oliver. Whenever they suffered a setback because of him, they would viciously take it out on me, making me wish I were dead. Those scenes flashed vividly before my eyes. Terrified, I began kowtowing to Oliver over and over again. Thud, thud, thud. The sound of my forehead striking the floor was dull and grating. “Master, I’ll be good. I’ll never get in your way again. Please, don’t leave me here.” Oliver’s eyes filled with dark amusement. “Mia makes a good point. Another year of study, and you should be even more obedient.” My body shook violently; it felt like something was crushing my heart. Trembling, I rubbed my face against Oliver’s pant leg. “Master, I missed you so much this past year. Please take me with you…” A flash of sadistic pleasure crossed Oliver’s eyes, as if he were reveling in the thrill of controlling my fate. Seeing my face covered in tears, he finally laughed: “Alright, seeing how much you missed me, I’ll take you back this time.” “But if you act up again, I’ll send you right back.” Terrified that Oliver would change his mind, I nodded frantically. Before leaving, the headmistress pulled me aside, offering a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she warned: “Chloe, there are hidden cameras in the client rooms. If you say anything you shouldn’t, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.” Nightmarish scenarios constantly surged in my mind. Forcing down the bile rising in my stomach, I answered with a trembling voice, “I won’t.” On my first night home, the sounds of a woman’s euphoric moans drifted from the master bedroom. But I didn’t barge in and scream like I used to. I just lay quietly on my bed, as if I hadn’t heard a thing. Only when the sounds stopped did I pull a wallet from my pocket. It contained the money I had secretly saved up over the past year at the academy. I counted it and found it was barely enough to buy a cheap, budget-airline ticket out of the country in five days. I pulled out my phone and, with trembling fingers, clicked purchase. The moment the ticket was issued, I closed my eyes and let the tears slowly fall—a mix of relief and pure despair. After washing up, I lay in bed, forcing myself to close my eyes. Perhaps because I had returned to a familiar place today, in my hazy state, I found myself reminiscing about my past with Oliver—a rare occurrence. Oliver and I were childhood sweethearts. Since we were kids, he always shouted that he would marry me when he grew up. So, on my eighteenth birthday, he filled the entire city sky with fireworks for me. He used thousands of drones to create a portrait of the two of us in the sky. Back then, I thought I was the happiest person in the world. But beautiful beginnings don’t guarantee beautiful endings; karma runs deep. The sweet vows of the past had now become weapons meant to destroy me. I don’t know how much time passed, but I fell into a groggy sleep. Suddenly, I was jolted awake by a sharp, piercing pain. I snapped my eyes open. Chapter 3 I saw Mia standing in front of me with a triumphant look, holding a fruit knife. There was blood on the blade; clearly, she had just slashed me. In the past, whenever I caught her and Oliver in bed, I wanted to claw their faces off. But the torment I endured at the club over the past year had long accustomed me to utter submissiveness. Seeing my meek and submissive state, Mia seemed to find it even more amusing. She leaned in and lifted my chin with the blade. “Weren’t you always forcing Oliver to dump me? Do you still dare to do that now?” She pressed harder, and I frowned in pain, but still didn’t dare fight back. I just shook my head desperately. Mia giggled aloud. “The grand Mrs. Sterling, reduced to a whore ridden by thousands of men. How do you even have the face to stay by Oliver’s side?” I closed my eyes, my voice trembling: “Don’t worry. I will leave.” “Don’t worry?” Mia sneered. “I’m not worried at all. Because I’m going to make sure Oliver completely erases you from his heart.” With those words, she took the knife and slashed her own wrist. Before I could even react, she suddenly climbed onto the window sill and threw herself off. The massive thud alerted everyone in the house. When Oliver saw Mia lying on the ground covered in blood, his face contorted in horror. “Mia!” Mia coughed up several mouthfuls of blood and weakly opened her eyes. Those eyes were misty and pitiful: “Oliver, I thought Chloe had accepted me. I never thought she would push me out the window when I wasn’t looking… don’t blame her, she just…” Before she could finish, she completely passed out. Oliver snapped his head up, his eyes filled with suppressed rage: “Stubborn to the core! Chloe, what did you promise me at the academy?! What will it take for you to accept Mia?!” I frantically shook my head. “It wasn’t like that, I didn’t push her…” “Is there a single truth left in your mouth?! You just wait!” But Oliver refused to listen anymore. He scooped Mia up and rushed out the door. I was escorted to the hospital by the bodyguards. I heard Mia was hemorrhaging, and my blood type just happened to be the same as hers. So, ignoring the fact that I was anemic, Oliver ordered me to donate blood to Mia. He said, “This is what you owe her. Or would you rather go back to the Obedience Academy?” The words “Obedience Academy” made me tremble from the bottom of my soul. They also made me obediently walk into the blood donation room. The massive needle piercing my vein made me shudder involuntarily. As the blood slowly drained away, my body grew colder and colder. The world before my eyes began to blur. I didn’t know how many vials of blood they drew, but eventually, I couldn’t hold on anymore and passed out. When I woke up, a ray of sunlight was hitting my face. My first thought wasn’t, “The sunlight is beautiful today.” It was, “Today is the fourth day of the countdown to escaping the abyss.” Just as I was about to get out of bed, I suddenly noticed a box of my favorite mochi cakes on the bedside table. In the past, whenever I felt unwell, no matter where he was, Oliver would brave the wind and rain to buy these for me, just to make me smile. I picked up the mochi cake and mechanically stuffed it into my mouth, chewing and swallowing it bite by bite. It used to taste so sweet; now, it tasted incredibly bitter. Just then, Oliver stormed into the room holding my phone. “Chloe, why did you buy a plane ticket?” Chapter 4 I told the truth: “I want to go abroad to see my mom and dad.” Oliver’s expression instantly darkened. He pinned me down on the bed. “See your parents? You wouldn’t be trying to run and tattle on me, would you?” My parents and the Sterling family were old friends. Years ago, my father moved most of his company’s projects overseas and took my mother to settle there for her health. I was the only one who stayed in New York, solely so I could marry Oliver. If that wasn’t the case, he never would have dared to send me to that so-called “Obedience Academy.” Terrified that my parents wouldn’t be able to handle the blow if they found out what happened to me, I had decided not to tell them. “How could I? I just miss them too much.” Oliver roared, “Chloe, do you think I’m an idiot?!” “Put away those little schemes of yours! You are mine in life, and you’ll be my ghost in death!” With that, his massive hands ripped my clothes open, and he violently vented his lust on me. I didn’t resist. The countless men at the “Obedience Academy” had taught me that resistance was entirely futile. After he was done, Oliver locked me in the maid’s quarters for two days. He only let me out on the day of the Sterling Group’s annual gala. “Chloe, you are my lawfully wedded wife. It’s only right that you accompany me.” I numbly put on the evening gown he brought and let the makeup artist style my hair and face. But as soon as we arrived at the venue, a staff member informed Oliver there was an issue with the banquet. Oliver rushed off to deal with it, telling me and Mia to wait for him in the VIP lounge. Mia smiled and nodded, pulling me into the lounge. The second the door closed, her face changed instantly, her tone vicious: “Didn’t you say you were leaving?! Then why were you seducing Oliver into sleeping with you two days ago?!” I fought down the disgust welling up inside me and said coldly, “Oliver forced me…” Mia let out a cold laugh. “Do you think I’d believe that? Since you love sleeping with men so much, I’ll grant your wish.” With that, she clapped her hands. The door opened, and a large group of homeless men rushed in. Mia suddenly tore a massive rip in her own dress, messed up her hair, yanked open the door, and screamed at the top of her lungs. “Help! Oliver, help me!” Oliver had just finished handling the banquet issue and was coming to find us. Hearing the screams, he charged into the room. Mia threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably, looking absolutely terrified. “Oliver! Chloe got a bunch of homeless men to rape me! She hates me, she wants to destroy me!” Oliver looked at me in sheer disbelief, flying into a blinding rage. “Chloe, you are beyond saving!” I wanted to explain, but Oliver simply wouldn’t listen. He said coldly, “Since you love the feeling of being humiliated so much, then you can spend the night right here!” With that, he picked Mia up and turned to leave, not sparing me a single glance. My pupils dilated, the blood in my veins seeming to freeze instantly. Agonizing memories from the “Obedience Academy” flashed through my mind. The dark solitary confinement room, the freezing leather whips, the grotesque smiles of those men. My body began to shake uncontrollably. “Oliver! I’m begging you, please don’t leave me here!” I dropped to my knees and began kowtowing frantically, my forehead hitting the floor with heavy thuds. “I was wrong! Please, don’t leave me here! Oliver, save me…” “I can’t be alone with these men, I’ll go crazy!” I screamed in agonizing despair, tears mixing with the blood dripping from my forehead, staining the floor red. But he only left me with one sentence: “They’re the men you hired yourself, what could possibly happen to you?” Chapter 5 After Oliver left, the pack of homeless men swarmed over me, tearing at my clothes. My body was like a broken ragdoll, played with at their whim. My fingers gripped the bedsheets so tightly my knuckles turned white, but I didn’t make a single sound. I stared blankly at the ceiling, letting the countless filthy men do as they pleased. That night, I was brutalized for the entire night. My body felt like it was being ripped apart, my blood soaking the sheets. The next morning, the men finally pulled up their pants and climbed off me, leaving the room thoroughly satisfied. I lay splayed on the bed, looking as if I were dead. I don’t know how much time passed before I numbly stood up and stumbled out of the room. As soon as I stepped out, I heard gasps of shock and horror from the people around me. “What happened to her? Why isn’t she wearing any clothes?” “Oh my god! What happened?! She… are those her intestines…” But I just kept walking numbly, as if everything around me had nothing to do with me. Until my phone suddenly buzzed with a flight boarding reminder. Today was the day I had planned to escape the abyss. Just a little bit more. I was so close. I wanted to live so badly. Even during that year at the Obedience Academy, I never gave up hope. But now, my body and soul were utterly, irrevocably destroyed. Looking at that message, the tears finally fell. I couldn’t leave anymore. I would never be able to leave. The man I loved most, Oliver, had personally shoved me into hell, over and over again. Just then, Oliver called. As soon as the call connected, he started berating me: “Have you lost your damn mind?! You don’t come home all night, are you addicted to playing the victim?! You hired those guys, what could they possibly do to you?” I looked down at the wounds all over my body, my heart a barren wasteland. Oliver continued: “When you’re done throwing your tantrum, get back here. Today is my and Mia’s two-year anniversary. I want to see you accept us with my own eyes.” I finally spoke, my voice hoarse but calm: “Alright, Oliver. I’ll make sure you see me with your own eyes.” With that, I hung up and walked up to the hotel roof. After hanging up, Oliver suddenly felt a wave of inexplicable unease. Just as he was about to call Chloe back, his car pulled up to the entrance of the hotel. BANG! A massive explosion of sound— A figure plummeted from high above, smashing directly onto the hood of his car. Terrified screams erupted all around him. He slowly raised his eyes, his pupils shrinking violently— Through the shattered windshield, he saw Chloe’s face, bleeding from all seven orifices.

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When I was eight, our family was slaughtered by a rival syndicate. My parents died, and our family’s heirloom—an antique bone-carved bracelet—was lost. To save my brothers, I was brutally tortured by those monsters until I went blind. I also contracted a strange blood disease. Every ten days, I needed a blood transfusion just to stay alive. From then on, I became their absolute taboo, their untouchable treasure. Terrified of losing me, they locked me away in a secluded private estate, forbidding anyone from coming near me. Anyone who dared to look at me a second too long had their entire bloodline erased. They lived on the edge of a knife for years, eventually becoming the most feared, ruthless reapers of New York’s underworld. Only then did they finally track down our stolen heirloom. But because my blood type was incredibly rare, my brothers specifically sponsored a girl from a poverty-stricken background who shared my exact blood type. She was to be my walking blood bank. On the day they brought this sponsored girl, Chloe Snow, back to the estate, my eyesight happened to finally be restored. I wanted to give my brothers a surprise, but Chloe slapped me hard, knocking me to the ground. “Where did a gold-digging slut like you come from? You actually dared to scale the wall to get in?” “I am the only woman the Vance brothers have ever brought home! You dare compete with me for their favor? I’ll beat you to death!” She gouged out my eyes and crushed my hands. She took the bone-carved bracelet my brothers had spent over a decade searching for and ground it into powder. Finally, she stuffed me into a giant gift box. She presented me to my three brothers: “Boys, I saw that old bone bracelet was getting worn out, so I specially made you a new one out of unique materials as a greeting gift.” …… After my 99th surgery, I could finally see the light again. But the house was empty. My brothers were currently in Eastern Europe, training a private army of mercenaries exclusively to protect me. I returned to the standalone mansion they had custom-built for me. I took out the recovered family heirloom, the bone-carved bracelet, and carefully wiped and polished it. I figured once I finished, I would head over to another property to see a very special “new friend.” But right then, the sponsored ward, Chloe Snow, barged in with a group of lackeys. Her face was full of hostility. I was startled and quickly stood up. “This is my private residence. You can’t be in here. Hurry up and leave before my brothers get back, or it will be too late.” I knew better than anyone how obsessively my brothers treasured me. Their protectiveness had long reached a pathological level. Terrified that I would be tainted by the filth of the outside world, they practically locked me in this mansion. Once, a man secretly climbed the wall just to catch a glimpse of me. He was subsequently drained of his blood, hollowed out, and turned into a taxidermy specimen that still sits in their basement today. But Chloe didn’t listen. Instead, she raised her hand and slapped me viciously across the face. “I am the only woman the Vance brothers personally brought back! Where can’t I go?” “I knew this mansion was too secluded! I figured some sly fox might sneak in to try and climb into their beds, and here you are!” My cheek burned like fire. I frantically tried to explain. “You’re misunderstanding. I…” Before I could finish, her eyes locked onto the bone-carved bracelet in my hand. Her expression instantly turned murderous. “Where did you steal that bracelet?!” “That’s their family heirloom! Their absolute lifeline! I’ve only ever seen it on the news! What dirty tricks did you use to get your hands on it?!” The lackeys behind her immediately erupted in shock. “Wait, is that the legendary Vance family heirloom that’s never shown to the public?” “I heard a billionaire offered an astronomical sum just to look at it, and they gouged his eyes out!” “Even you, Chloe, only saw a silhouette of it in the old news archives… and she’s actually wearing it on her wrist?! How ridiculously spoiled must she be?” That last comment completely enraged Chloe. “Bullshit! How could she be?! This is definitely a fake! She bought some cheap knockoff from a flea market to put on airs and sneak into the Vance family!” Saying that, she lunged at me to snatch the bracelet. I shoved her away with all my might, clutching the bracelet tightly in my palm. “This is the real heirloom! You can’t touch it!” She sneered and signaled to her followers. “Grab it!” Several people swarmed me instantly, yanking and tearing at me from all sides. “It’s real!” I cried out, struggling desperately. “My brothers spent over a decade looking for it! It’s all we have left of our parents! They literally amputated the limbs off the men who stole it and kept them alive in jars!” My cries only earned a colder, more mocking laugh from her. “Out of tens of millions of scholarship applications, they chose me. Do you know what that means? It means I am special to them!” “They saw my photo, saw my background, and their hearts ached for me! They fell in love with me!” “I want to see what happens today when I catch a cheap slut trying to climb into their beds and confiscate her little fake trinket! We’ll see if they thank me or blame me!” With that, she snatched the bracelet from my grip, raised her foot, and stomped down hard. But her foot slipped slightly, and only the edge of the bracelet cracked. Thankfully, the restoration technique for this artifact was a family secret passed down to the daughters. I was the only one in the world who knew how to fix it. I used every ounce of my strength to break free, clutched the damaged bracelet in my hand, and desperately hid my arms under my body. Chloe narrowed her eyes. “Drag her arms out! Stomp them into a bloody pulp along with her hands!” At her command, countless hands began tearing at my arms. I thrashed like a madwoman, but it was useless. My fingers were pried open one by one. She raised her foot, aimed her sharp stiletto heel right at my finger joints, and stomped down with brutal force. The sickening crunch of shattering bone echoed in the room. That hand was essentially reduced to a mangled mess of flesh and bone. I let out a blood-curdling scream. She then took a heavy hammer and smashed the bone-carved bracelet. Shards of bone flew into the air; dust scattered across the floor. The last memory of my parents was utterly obliterated beneath her feet. I used my last breath to scream hoarsely. “I am their biological sister! Aria Vance! If you dare hurt me, my brothers will never let you live!” The words “biological sister” made Chloe pause. She stared at my face, examining it closely. For a split second, I thought she could finally see the resemblance between my features and my brothers’. But the next second, she grabbed me by the hair, pulling so hard she almost ripped my scalp off. “Biological sister?” “Everyone in New York knows the Vance family’s precious treasure is a blind girl! She was sent away to hide in Europe ages ago! What kind of sister are you supposed to be?!” She grinned, revealing a sickeningly malicious smile. “But you know, I’m a soft-hearted person. Since you want to be his sister so badly, I’ll reluctantly do you a favor.” “His sister is blind, right? Then you can be blind too.” I tried to scramble away in absolute terror, but several pairs of hands pinned me dead to the floor. The cold glint of a dagger flashed. The next second, it plunged into my eye socket. An explosive, blinding pain erupted in my skull. I shrieked in agony as the blood pouring out blinded my remaining left eye, turning my entire vision into a sea of crimson. Watching helplessly as my own eyeball rolled onto the floor, my hatred skyrocketed to its absolute peak. These eyes… they had just been healed. To fix them, my brothers had sought out the greatest doctors in the world, tried every experimental treatment, and never once gave up. I had wanted to surprise them. But now, they were ruined. Clutching my blood-soaked right eye, I glared at her with a death stare. “You gouged out my eye… My brothers will never sponsor you again!” Chloe’s face instantly darkened. She casually picked up a jagged, sharp rock from the garden floor and violently shoved it into my empty eye socket. “Fine, I’ll just ‘put it back’ for you.” The rough stone ground against my raw flesh. I convulsed from the unbearable agony. She just stood over me, looking down like a god, smiling with sheer delight. “You think just because you’re young and have a fresh body, you can seduce anyone?” “I want to see if you can still be so seductive in bed after today.” She ordered her bodyguards to stuff me into the trunk of a car and drove me all the way to a homeless encampment on the outskirts of the city. The area was packed with filthy, unwashed vagrants in tattered clothes. I instantly understood what she was planning to do. “No… no,” I shook my head frantically, my voice trembling. “Please… I’m pregnant… you can’t do this…” Chloe paused, her eyes turning terrifyingly sharp. “You’re pregnant with a Vance’s child?!” “No! Not my brothers’!” I denied it quickly, grasping at my final straw. “It’s Damon’s! Damon Cross!” Chloe froze for a second. “Damon? The youngest kingpin of the underground syndicate, Damon Cross?” I nodded desperately, tears mixing with the blood streaming down my face. “Yes… it’s his…” But she let out a derisive snort, her eyes full of mockery. “How could a piece of trash like you possibly know Damon Cross?” “Besides, everyone in the underworld knows Damon was born sterile. And the Vance family’s little sister had a panic disorder around men because she was abused as a child.” “The outside world doesn’t know these things. But before I came here, I used special channels to find out everything.” She leaned down and patted my bloody cheek. “If you’re going to lie, do your research first. Make your bullshit sound believable.” I lay paralyzed on the ground, my body turning ice cold. She was right. The public didn’t know these secrets. Even my brothers didn’t know what had happened between me and Damon. It was a rainy night. My surgery had failed again. I was still blind. I was hiding in the garden, drinking alone in depression. Then I heard a noise in the yard. Damon had scaled the wall. He was being hunted by rivals and had been drugged with a heavy aphrodisiac. I was heavily intoxicated too. I pulled him into the greenhouse to hide him. His mind was clouded, and I was drunk… It was a night of heated passion. When I sobered up, the sky was just turning light. Terrified that my brothers would kill him on sight, I hastily ordered my most trusted driver to sneak him out to a private hospital before he woke up. I pretended nothing happened. But he found me. He started sneaking into the estate, swearing he would take responsibility, keeping me company, bringing me little trinkets. Slowly, I realized… I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. He was born sterile, but my body had a uniquely rare constitution, making me highly fertile. From that single night, I got pregnant. When he found out, he cried, picking me up and spinning me around tightly. He said he was going to immediately formally ask my brothers for my hand in marriage. But I wanted to wait until my eyes were healed. I wanted to look at him clearly when I walked toward him. Not even my brothers knew this secret. The child in my womb was Damon’s hard-won miracle. He treasured it above all else. Once, a world-class specialist he secretly brought in to treat me accidentally bumped into my stomach, and Damon stabbed him to death on the spot. If he knew… My memories were shattered by a brutal yank. Chloe threw me onto the filthy ground like garbage and ripped off all my clothes in a few quick motions. My pale skin was exposed to the foul air, drawing a wave of whistles and jeers from the crowd of vagrants. Chloe’s voice carried a sick amusement: “I’m giving this little slut to you guys as a wife. Whoever gets her pregnant, I’ll pay for the wedding and buy you a house.” The beggars’ eyes lit up with predatory greed, and they lunged at me. I struggled with everything I had, screaming my curses: “If you do this to me… just wait! My brothers and Damon will slaughter every single one of you!!” Chloe dug her pinky into her ear, looking annoyed. She whispered something to a bald beggar next to her. The beggar nodded with a sycophantic grin, slammed his weight onto me, and violently bit my tongue clean off. “Mmm… the little beauty’s tongue is so soft and fragrant… so sweet.” His mouth covered in my blood, he sneered: “Shut up. You’re annoying the lady.” Under their savage brutality, a sudden, piercing cramp ripped through my abdomen. A warm, sticky liquid gushed from between my legs, rapidly staining the filthy ground beneath me crimson red. I wanted to scream like a madwoman, but with my mouth mutilated and bleeding, all I could produce were hollow gasps of air. My vision grew darker and darker. All that remained were endless hands moving in front of me, violating my already numb skin. Tears and blood covered my face. I don’t know how long it lasted before it all finally stopped. I lay paralyzed in a pool of my own blood, my breathing faint, wishing for nothing more than immediate death. Chloe let out a cold hmph. “Finally learned your place.” Her followers immediately chimed in to flatter her: “Chloe, you’re amazing! You really know how to deal with these gold-digging sluts trying to sleep their way to the top!” “Of course! Chloe was personally chosen by the Vance brothers. It’s only a matter of time before she becomes the lady of the Vance family!” “Chloe was born for greatness. Unlike some cheap trash who just pretend—garbage is still garbage.” Surrounded by praise, Chloe’s smile grew wider and wider, acting as if she were already the queen of the Vance empire. She grabbed me by the hair, looking down at my dying form. “Weren’t you talking tough? You think just because you got plastic surgery to look a little like the Vance brothers, you’re actually part of the family?” “Fine, I’ll take you to see them. I’ll let you see with your own eyes how well they treat me, how much they spoil me.” “I want you to hear them say I did the right thing.” She leaned in close, her voice dropping low, every word slicing into my heart: “When they execute you with their own hands… try not to cry too ugly.” I was hog-tied, stuffed into a massive gift box, and brought to the main mansion where my brothers lived. My brothers had returned. The gifts they brought back for me piled up taking half the living room. When Chloe walked in and saw the three breathtakingly handsome men standing in the hall, her heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks flushed. She assumed they were waiting for her. Seeing the room full of gifts, a shy anticipation blossomed in her chest. But my brothers were only gathered there because the time for my scheduled blood transfusion was approaching. They were just about to send someone to fetch her when she walked in on her own, dragging a large gift box behind her. Arthur, the eldest, furrowed his brow. “Chloe, what is this? Why is there such a heavy stench of blood?” Chloe purposefully softened her voice. “It’s a woman who didn’t know her place. She was trying to seduce you.” “Not only did she insult me and say I wasn’t worthy of the Vance family… but even more despicably, she dared to impersonate and insult your sister. Her words were absolutely filthy. Please, you must punish her severely!” Her lackeys hurriedly chimed in: “Yes! We’ve never seen such a shameless gold-digger! She even dared to sneak into the private mansion in the back!” “Thank goodness Chloe found her in time, otherwise who knows what she might have done…” The expressions of all three brothers changed drastically. They remembered that I lived in that back mansion. Assuming the box contained someone who wanted to harm me, their eyes instantly turned terrifyingly dark.

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For five years, my husband gave up his dream of becoming a researcher for my sake, struggling with my depression. And today, his childhood sweetheart won the Nobel Prize. The woman on the TV screen was radiant and spirited, while Arthur had dark circles under his eyes and looked utterly haggard. To take care of me, since I could be suicidal at any moment, he could only do night-shift package sorting after I fell asleep. Even when he came back, he couldn’t sleep well, terrified that I might do something drastic while he wasn’t watching. The trophy on the TV was glittering gold. I knew that was the very thing Arthur had dreamed of. He pressed his lips together tightly, saying nothing, as he padded the room with soft cushions to ensure there were no sharp edges. The ever-present guilt surged up again. Uncontrollably, I started feeling short of breath, my whole body aching. I unconsciously began looking for sharp objects. “It hurts, Arthur, I feel so terrible.” Arthur’s face, tense all night, finally showed anger. His usually gentle eyes were instantly dyed with an almost frantic agitation. He took out a knife hidden on a high shelf and handed it to me. “Terrible? If it’s terrible, then go die! You make a scene every day, but I haven’t seen you actually do it.” “Mia won the big prize, and you just have to ruin the mood, don’t you? Must you torture me like this?!” He pressed the sharp blade against my wildly pulsing carotid artery. “Didn’t you say you feel terrible? Come on, one slice and you’ll be free. Stop torturing people with just your words!” Looking at his bloodshot eyes, I froze entirely, unable to say a single word. Just then, a cheerful ringtone sounded. I knew that was Mia’s exclusive ringtone—joyful, bright, just like her. Arthur seemed to snap back to reality. He immediately put down the knife, answered her call, and the gentleness returned to his eyes. Suppressing the sourness in my heart, I picked up the knife he had tossed aside and returned to the room he had meticulously padded. I’ve dragged you down for five years. It’s been too long. Arthur, I wish you freedom. … From outside the door came the hearty laughter of Arthur and Mia chatting. I hadn’t heard that laugh from Arthur in a very long time. For five whole years, he gave up his research dreams, gave up his social life. He exhausted years of savings, guarding a burden, a dead weight like me. Once a golden boy, now he could only huddle in a rented apartment every day, ghostwriting papers for others. Looking at the room full of certificates and awards belonging to him that Mia had just brought from their old institute… I had never realized as clearly as I did at this moment… That I was the unshakable gloom in Arthur’s bright future. The only stain on his perfect life. My existence to him was nothing but pain and a mistake. He was right. Why did I have to lose control and have an episode again, knowing full well he was already suffering? I really deserved to die. My body unconsciously began to move. Like I had mentally rehearsed countless times over the past five years. First, line the bathtub with plastic film. That way, it would be easier for Arthur to clean up my blood. The carotid artery needed to be cut vertically. This way, the blood would flow fast, but it wouldn’t spray everywhere and scare people. And it wouldn’t result in what Arthur said—failing to die completely and just torturing others. As the sharp knife was about to pierce down… I felt an unprecedented sense of excitement. Over five years, Arthur had pulled me back from the brink of death countless times. He’d said: “Chloe, what more do you want me to do? Are you trying to drive me to my grave?” “Please, stop this. Stop torturing me, okay? If you leave me all alone, how am I supposed to live?” Arthur, after today, I really won’t torture you anymore. From outside the door came Mia’s gentle, melodious voice. “Arthur, are you really going to give up your dreams and guard her for the rest of your life?” After a long silence, Arthur’s exhausted voice sounded. “You know what? I’ve even thought about euthanasia for her. But Mia… I can’t do it. I really can’t.” I smiled genuinely, a smile of relief. Arthur, we really are a couple in sync. I can finally be free. I can finally stop being your burden. Arthur, you are free. The sharp knife pierced down, and bright red blood began to surge out. Everything was exactly as I had envisioned. Perfect. As the blood continuously flowed out, my body began to lose strength little by little, and I felt a coldness I had never known before. The metallic smell of blood filled my nose. So this is what death is like—damp, sticky. Like walking into a rusty, pitch-black, freezing little box. It was a bit scary, but I remained resolute. My parents wouldn’t have to feel guilty anymore for making Arthur marry me. My in-laws wouldn’t have to fight with Arthur anymore over whether we should divorce. And Arthur could finally embrace Mia without any reservations. That sunny, cheerful girl who was his perfect match. 2 I died. My soul floated in the air, looking at the pale-faced me in the bathtub. So ugly. It’s probably going to scare Arthur. The doorbell rang, followed by a burst of joyful laughter from outside. I floated out the door. It was Mia, bringing Arthur’s parents. Only then did I remember that tonight was New Year’s Eve. My mother-in-law was elated. “Today is such a happy day! Mia won the big prize, and our family can even celebrate New Year’s Eve together.” “Mia is so thoughtful. She figured Arthur would be lonely spending New Year’s Eve alone with Chloe, so she suggested we all come over.” Ever since I got sick, Arthur hadn’t spent New Year’s Eve with his family for four years. It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about bringing me home for New Year’s Eve. But every time, right when everyone was at their happiest, I would have an episode and ruin the mood. In the end, everyone left unhappy, and relatives and friends complained endlessly. “Life is so good now, and she’s still depressed? So many people have it worse than her and they aren’t depressed. I don’t know what she’s being so dramatic about.” “The most pitiful one is Arthur. Such an outstanding boy, completely dragged down. This is why you really have to keep your eyes open when choosing a wife.” “She’s selfish enough, too. Arthur is almost thirty-five and doesn’t even have a child, yet she still clings to him and won’t let go.” Arthur had heard them and had a huge fight with them. Since then, he had never taken me to a New Year’s Eve family gathering again. Mia noticed Arthur’s awkwardness and gently pulled his hand. “Alright, Auntie, let’s not talk about this. Hurry and have Arthur help me prep these vegetables, or we’ll miss New Year’s Eve dinner.” Mia always managed to easily diffuse the tension between Arthur and his mother. In the kitchen, Arthur looked at the two large bags Mia had brought, full of his favorite things, and his eyes grew red. “You know what, Mia? Only by your side can I take a brief breath.” Mia’s eyes also grew red as she gently hugged Arthur to comfort him. “Arthur, if no one else’s heart aches for you, mine does. No matter how hard or difficult the road is, I’ll walk it with you.” Watching this scene, I felt a little sourness in my heart, but I was genuinely happy for him. Arthur had suffered too much these past few years; he deserved someone to truly care for him. This is what a family should look like. This liveliness is the true atmosphere of the New Year. Not like when I was around, and everyone had to walk on eggshells. “Hey? Where’s Chloe?” My father-in-law suddenly asked. “I scolded her a bit this afternoon, so she’s throwing a tantrum in her room. I’ll go get her,” Arthur replied. The smiles on everyone’s faces cooled. My mother-in-law grabbed Arthur, saying irritably, “Why call her? Are you only happy if she ruins the mood on Mia’s big day?” “Making a scene about dying every single day. If you ask me, she’s living better than anyone, while she tortures us all half to death!” I looked at this contorted face, feeling somewhat helpless. “I didn’t mean to torture everyone on purpose. Plus, I really am dead.” But my voice dissipated in the wind; no one could hear it. My father-in-law sighed and chimed in: “What sins did our Sterling family commit to marry such a daughter-in-law? If she wants to throw a tantrum, let her. Don’t indulge her.” I felt a bit wronged. I remembered when I first married into the Sterling family, my father-in-law was the most proud of me. Mia and I both graduated from Columbia. In fact, my grades in school were much higher than Mia’s. I was considered to have a limitless future. It was only because I suddenly developed depression that my advisor gave the position at the research institute meant for me to Mia. Arthur looked toward the room where I was, wanting to say something else. But Mia pulled him back, her face clearly showing unwillingness. Arthur looked at her, struggled for a moment, and finally nodded in agreement. “Alright, Chloe really does need to rein in her temper.” My heart felt like it was being ruthlessly squeezed by an invisible hand. An indescribable pain. So in Arthur’s heart too, he thought I was just being unreasonable. I thought at least he was different. 3 The New Year’s Eve dinner table was filled with the aroma of delicious food, including my favorite strawberry cake. When I was doing well, I had mentioned a few times that I wanted to eat it. Because it wasn’t good for my recovery, Arthur had kept putting off buying it for me. I didn’t expect him to actually buy it today. And it was from my favorite place, the one that required a three-hour wait in line. I involuntarily walked over to the cream cake and sniffed it hard. But the next second, a slender, pale hand reached over and took the cake. It was Mia. She naturally prepared to start eating it. Arthur hesitated, and Mia put the cake down. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” Arthur swallowed the words that had reached his lips. “Was this cake meant for Chloe?” Mia asked awkwardly. Seeing Mia’s cautious demeanor, Arthur’s eyes filled with heartache. “No, she doesn’t like this stuff. I bought the cake for you.” Only then did Mia smile happily and eat the cake sweetly. Watching her happy expression as she ate, the corners of Arthur’s mouth also unconsciously turned up. “No, I love it too.” I wanted to reach out and grab the torn cake wrapper, but only grabbed a handful of air. So sad. I couldn’t even lick the cream off the edges anymore. Unlike my sadness, the atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve table grew increasingly lively. Mia was a little bundle of joy, always making everyone laugh until they leaned forward and backward. After the meal and drinks, Mia and Arthur brought out their New Year’s gifts for his parents. Arthur pulled out a pair of couple rings with a “Distant Mountains” theme. Mia gifted a pair of brooches with an “Ocean Waves” theme. Coincidentally, they formed the phrase “An Oath as Enduring as Mountains and Oceans.” The two exchanged a knowing glance. The look was so scorching it seemed to burn, pulling away as quickly as it touched. Mia fanned her flushed cheeks with her hand, saying somewhat shyly, “Arthur must have stolen my idea. But since Auntie likes it, I won’t argue with him.” Arthur rubbed his nose, his eyes smiling, silently accepting this explanation. His parents looked at the two of them, smiling from ear to ear. As she laughed, my mother-in-law suddenly grew somewhat sentimental: “I always thought Mia and Arthur were the best match. If an outsider hadn’t messed things up, you two might have a son and a daughter by now.” In the past, whenever this happened, Arthur would resolutely object. But today, he remained silent, just focusing on his food. My mother-in-law opportunely pulled out a divorce agreement that I had signed. I was a bit dazed, then remembered the document my mother had asked me to sign a few days ago. She said it was a property transfer agreement to avoid any accidents. I signed it without looking closely. So that document was a divorce agreement. My heart felt a little stuffy, not exactly sad. I just felt they really didn’t need to do it this way. If they had given it to me openly, I would have signed it. Arthur looked at the document for a long time before muttering, “Chloe would never agree to sign this. How did you get this?” My mother-in-law guiltily avoided his gaze. “Don’t worry about how we got it. In short, just sign your name, and you’ll be free.” “Look at yourself! In just five years, what have you let yourself become? You insist on getting her the best medicine. Not only have you spent all your savings, but you’re also deeply in debt. You used to be such a proud person, yet for her, you swallow your pride and go around begging for money. Do you know how much it hurts me as a mother to see this?” “Mia asked the leadership at the institute for you. As long as you’re willing, the institute welcomes you back anytime, and you can immediately join the latest research project. Isn’t this what you’re most interested in? You’re only thirty-five. Are you really going to ruin your whole life for this woman?” Mia saw Arthur’s inner conflict and comforted him: “Arthur, we aren’t asking you to completely abandon Chloe. I can use all the prize money I just won, and all my savings from over the years, to pay for Chloe’s treatment. We just hope you stop tying your life to hers. You’re too tired.” Arthur seemed surprised that Mia would say this, staring at her blankly. Mia pressed the pen into his hand, and my heart clenched along with it. My thoughts were incredibly contradictory. I hoped Arthur would forget our past and look forward, yet I was terrified he would truly forget me. Arthur seemed just as conflicted as I was. He lifted the pen several times, but the name was never signed. After that interlude, Arthur’s mind seemed to wander. Before 8 PM, he asked everyone to leave. He silently cleaned up everything by himself. Compared to four years ago, he was very proficient now. When he picked up the divorce agreement again, he didn’t throw it away. Instead, he silently locked it deep inside a drawer.

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