For five years, my husband Finn and I kept our finances completely separate. We split the mortgage evenly, divided every utility bill, and took turns buying condoms. Friends joked we acted more like roommates, but I’d always defend it: “Financial independence keeps our love pure.” Whenever I said this, my best friend Ivy would vent about her own husband being a lazy freeloader. On Christmas Eve, Finn’s old phone buzzed at home. I checked it and saw a notification: his company’s year-end bonus had arrived — a million dollars. Just as I was about to celebrate, Finn called. “Honey, no bonus this year. Could you cover the utilities for now?” My heart dropped. After hanging up, I rushed to check his bank records. Rows of transactions appeared, all labeled “Ivy.” As if drawn by a ghost, I opened Ivy’s social media. Her latest post was a screenshot of a million-dollar transfer, captioned: “Hubby’s bonus arrived! Starting a baby fund now!” The sender was Finn’s company. Under the post, our mutual friends were commenting. “Jenny,” one wrote, “How did you find such a successful man?” Ivy replied: “Oh, we’re just dating, nothing serious yet! He got promoted to director — it’s a special bonus.” … I remembered Finn being promoted to director last month. The comments section was full of envious remarks, including two that tagged me from our mutual friends. “@Autumn, look at her man! How much did your Finn get this year?” Ivy replied beneath that comment: “Autumn and Finn keep their finances separate, so it’s different.” Another friend commented: “AA to that extent is rare. Autumn, you’re just too independent.” Ivy sent a face-with-hand-over-mouth emoji: “Yes, Autumn likes it that way. She thinks it’s fair.” Someone else replied, “Can’t wait for the baby! When’s the celebration?” Ivy responded to all: “Thank you, everyone! We’ll definitely have a party once things are stable!” My hands trembling, I scrolled through Ivy’s photos of her “ex-boyfriend.” One back-of-head shot bore an eight-tenths resemblance to Finn. There was also a picture of a pregnant belly, with a hand visible that had a scar on it. Finn had the same scar in the same spot, a mark from a lab accident during an experiment. I had traced that scar countless times; there was no mistaking it. The caption beneath that photo read: “The baby’s dad is so happy, he can’t stop holding me.” My phone clattered to the floor. The screen displayed a photo of the three of us together, and for the first time, it felt like a searing burn. A month ago, Ivy had told me she was pregnant, and the father was her “worthless ex-boyfriend.” She said they’d long broken up, and she was preparing to be a single mother. I had even worriedly accompanied her to the hospital for a check-up, spotting her three thousand dollars for medical fees. “Autumn, you’re the best friend a girl could ask for,” she’d said, her eyes red-rimmed. Now, I realized that three thousand dollars was likely just a fraction of what I was contributing to someone else’s child. I turned off my phone, closed my eyes, but countless images flooded my mind. Last year, for Finn’s birthday, I gave him a two-hundred-dollar pen. He immediately reciprocated with an equally priced scarf. At the time, Ivy stood beside us, saying enviously, “You two are so good together; you don’t even have to worry about the cost when exchanging gifts.” Now, I imagine she was secretly laughing at my foolishness. The year before, my mother was hospitalized, needing eight thousand dollars for surgery. I was short on cash and asked Finn if he could lend it to me. He said, “Our principle is separate finances. This money would be a loan from me to you, accruing interest at the bank rate, to be repaid within three months.” I gritted my teeth and agreed. Later, it was Ivy who lent me five thousand dollars, interest-free. I was incredibly grateful, treating her to three dinners, five hundred dollars each, at a fancy Japanese restaurant. But now, I suspect that five thousand was just pocket change from what Finn had given her. I forced myself to walk home and cooked a Christmas Eve dinner, intending to confront him when he returned. Looking at the carefully prepared feast, all his favorite dishes, I felt a sliver of hope. Five years of marriage, Finn and I lived in respectful harmony; to outsiders, we were an enviable couple. I hoped he would tell me it was a coincidence, that he would offer an explanation. The clock chimed twelve times. Finn’s call came through. “Autumn, I have to work late tonight. I won’t be home for dinner.” In the background, I could faintly hear fireworks. “It might end late, so I’ll just stay at a hotel near the office. I have an early meeting tomorrow.” I gripped my phone, my fingers tightening. “The company is heartless, making you work on Christmas Eve. Which hotel are you at? Maybe I can bring you some dumplings.” Finn’s panic was almost palpable. “No!” Realizing his overly strong reaction, his tone instantly softened. “No need. It’s too cold outside; I couldn’t bear to let you go out in the cold.” “Alright, then don’t drink too much.” The moment the call ended, my heart turned utterly cold. Outside, scattered fireworks burst, and the array of dishes on the table lay untouched, now completely cold. I aimlessly scrolled through social media. My mother-in-law had posted a photo of her Christmas Eve dinner—a lavish spread of all my favorite dishes. The caption read: “Christmas Eve dinner for my daughter-in-law.” Someone commented: “What’s the point of making so much for a daughter-in-law? She’s not even family.” My mother-in-law immediately retorted: “Sons are never as thoughtful as daughters-in-law. In our family, we treat our daughter-in-law better than our son.” A warmth spread through my heart. Regardless of Finn, my mother-in-law was always on my side. I remembered the year Finn and I first got married; she held my hand, her eyes red, and said, “Autumn, Finn was a sickly child. I spoiled him, and he grew up stubborn and difficult. If he ever does anything wrong, tell me, and I’ll scold him.” On Christmas morning, I drove to Finn’s old family home. His parents lived in an older complex in the suburbs. Finn had bought the house two years ago, putting it in their names. He said it was for his mother’s retirement, and I even paid half the down payment. Before leaving, I brought a treasured limited-edition bourbon and picked up his father’s favorite Cuban cigars. For five years, his parents had treated me better than their own son. The first Christmas after we married, my mother-in-law quietly pulled me aside and slipped a thick envelope tied with a ribbon into my coat pocket. “Finn is too proud; he insists on keeping everything separate. Don’t take it to heart. Marriage isn’t always about keeping score.” Once, after an argument with Finn, I stubbornly skipped the holiday gathering at his parents’ house. His father called, not asking for explanations, just saying, “Autumn, Dad sent you some of that maple-glazed bacon you love from the old shop.” I cried when the package arrived that day. I carried the gifts upstairs and was about to knock when I heard a familiar voice from inside: “Mom, don’t bother. She’s not picky.” My hand, holding the gifts, paused. He said he was working late yesterday, didn’t he? But I still smiled softly, a little relieved, thinking, As long as he’s not with Ivy. Just as I reached to push the door open, the next sentence froze me to the spot. “Auntie, these cherries are so sweet,” Ivy’s voice cooed, sickly sweet. “Then eat more, dear. You’re expecting; you need to keep up your strength,” my mother-in-law said, her voice filled with loving tenderness. His father squatted by the coffee table, tidying up a pile of baby clothes and tiger-head shoes, beaming with joy. My stomach began to churn. The gifts in my hand clattered to the floor. Everyone in the living room turned simultaneously. Ivy saw me, immediately rose, then cried out in pain and clutched her stomach, sinking back onto the sofa. Finn, with practiced ease, set down his teacup and went to help her. Ivy put her arm around me intimately. “Autumn, I fell on the way here today. Finn just happened to be passing by and picked me up. Otherwise, I don’t know what I would have done.” I evaded Ivy and stared intently at Finn. “Honey, weren’t you supposed to be working late? Why are you here to see your parents?” He paused, then averted his gaze. “It was canceled at the last minute.” My mother-in-law quickly interjected. “Yes, yes, Finn just arrived. The boy is filial; he rushed over early this morning to see me. Little Ivy just fell on the way, and Finn happened to see her, so he brought her here to rest…” I looked at Ivy. She was wearing soft-soled wool slippers; there wasn’t a speck of dust on her legs. I struggled to control my emotions. “Mom and Dad, I just remembered I have something important to do, so I’ll be going.” No one followed me out. I slowly slid down the cold wall, tears streaming down my face. “Mom, don’t worry. With her brain, she’ll never figure out what I’ve done. Her father was smart, but she’s useless. She didn’t inherit any of his intelligence,” Finn said, a hint of triumph in his voice. I leaned against the icy wall, my heart pounding.

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In the third year of my marriage to Arthur Hayes, he died unexpectedly in a car accident. I was inconsolable. It took me five full years to recover, finding solace through the comforting presence of his best friend, Ben Carter. Over time, living in such close proximity, feelings developed between us, and we decided to get married. But at the registrar’s office, the clerk looked at me with a strange expression. “Ma’am, our records indicate you’re already married and your marriage is still active. If you proceed, it could constitute bigamy.” At first, I didn’t believe it. But when I saw “Arthur Hayes” listed in the spouse column, both Ben and I froze. How could my husband, who had passed away five years ago, still be legally married to me? “Excuse me, could there be a system error?” I glanced awkwardly at Ben. “My former husband was indeed Arthur Hayes, but he died five years ago. Legally, a marriage automatically terminates upon the death of a spouse. How could I still be married to him?” The clerk grew impatient, her eyes scrutinizing me. “I’ve checked three times. Your husband, Arthur Hayes, is currently alive, and your marriage is legal and valid. There’s no mistake.” She wasn’t particularly quiet, and hearing her, people nearby shot me disdainful glances. “That woman has some nerve, bringing her lover to get married while her husband is still alive.” “Is she crazy? Does she not know marrying two people is bigamy?” “Can these people stop treating government officials like part of their twisted games?” Seeing the increasingly hostile looks from those around us, Ben quickly pulled me out. Back in the car, I still hadn’t recovered from the shock. Before Ben could offer comfort, I immediately pulled out my phone and called Arthur’s mother. After two rings, her cold voice was piercing. “Why are you calling me? Didn’t I tell you not to contact me again?” “What, you’re marrying Arthur’s best friend now, and you want to invite your former mother-in-law to the wedding?” I ignored her sarcastic tone and immediately asked, “Mom, please tell me, was Arthur truly dead back then? Was he faking his death to deceive me?” On the other end of the line, Arthur’s mother exploded like a sputtering oil pan, roaring at me in anger. “Evelyn Lane, do you have any conscience? Arthur died because of you! If you hadn’t suddenly craved cake in the middle of the night, would he have driven while fatigued and gotten into that accident? You personally identified his body; how dare you ask me such a thing? You have no conscience!” The call was abruptly cut off, but I remained suspicious. After all, though I had rushed to the scene of Arthur’s accident immediately, his body was so mangled from the impact that even his face was unrecognizable. We had identified him by his clothes and car. I took a deep breath, then took Ben to the police station that had handled the accident to check the records. Seeing the 100% DNA match, I froze. The person who died was indeed Arthur Hayes. But a dead man… how could he maintain a five-year marriage with me? Back home, Ben received an urgent call for overtime work. Before leaving, he hugged my shoulders, reassuring me softly. “Don’t be scared.” “I helped with Arthur’s funeral arrangements; he truly was… it couldn’t have been faked.” “Maybe something went wrong when the paperwork was processed. We’ll check again tomorrow; it might be nothing.” “Sweetheart, it’s your birthday today. Be happy.” “When I get back, we’ll celebrate properly.” Looking at Ben’s gentle eyes, my unease lessened considerably, and I nodded at him. After Arthur’s death, I was overcome with grief, on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. If Ben hadn’t canceled so much work to be with me, even using his connections to find me the best psychologist, I doubt I would have recovered so quickly. Although our relationship later wasn’t approved by many, and there were even some unpleasant rumors, I didn’t care. After all, I was living my own life. Sighing, I poured myself a cup of hot water, just about to calm my nerves. The doorbell suddenly rang. I thought it was Ben, having forgotten something. But when I opened the door, it was a smiling delivery man holding a bouquet of flowers. He enthusiastically said, “Is this Ms. Evelyn Lane? These are from your husband.” I took the bouquet, seeing the vibrant red roses, and the gloom in my heart instantly lifted. Just as I was about to snap a photo to send to Ben, the delivery man suddenly smiled and said, “You know, Mr. Hayes is truly thoughtful.” “Our shop had run out of roses, but he specially had the owner air-freight these from a neighboring city.” “Because he said your first meeting was at our shop, he insisted the roses be delivered under our shop’s name. So romantic…” The delivery man continued to chatter, but my face had instantly changed. “Wait.” I gripped the doorframe, my heart feeling like it was trying to leap out of my throat. “My husband, you said. What’s his last name?” The smile on the delivery man’s face froze. He looked at me strangely. “Mr. Hayes, of course. He orders flowers from our shop every year; he’s a regular customer.” Thud. The bouquet in my hand instantly fell to the ground. But I didn’t even bother to pick it up, staring at his face in shock, enunciating each word. “The Mr. Hayes you’re talking about, does he have a red mole between his eyebrows?” Seeing the delivery man nod in surprise, I immediately pulled out my phone, found a photo of Arthur’s ID, and showed it to him. “Is the Mr. Hayes you’re talking about him?” Now the delivery man looked at me even more strangely. “Of course it’s him, Ms. Lane. Are you messing with me? Don’t you know what your own husband looks like?” He scratched his head, gave me a look as if I were an idiot, and walked away. I held onto the doorframe, staring at the blood-red flowers on the ground, and suddenly noticed a greeting card tucked in the bouquet. But in previous years, the bouquets never had one. I picked up the card, and after reading its contents, a chill instantly crawled up my spine. Because the card clearly read: “Dearest wife, happy wedding anniversary. Your loving husband, Arthur Hayes.” I didn’t dare stay home alone. I hailed a taxi and went straight to my office. On the way, I messaged Ben, telling him what had just happened. But the man who always replied instantly didn’t respond. It wasn’t until I entered the office. Just as I was about to call him directly to ask what was going on, Liam, a colleague I was always friendly with, chuckled and came over. “Didn’t you take today off for a romantic day with your husband? Why are you back so soon?” I forced a faint smile, replying evasively, “He’s a bit busy, and I need to catch up on work, so I wanted to come back and organize some project files.” Liam gave me a knowing smile, pointing at a lunch bag on my desk. “Got it, got it. Your husband stood you up today. But he did make you a fancy meal to apologize. You should be gracious and forgive him.” Instantly, the smile on my face froze.

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As the most talked-about socialite in Beverly Hills, on the eve of my wedding, I announced its cancellation, switched off my phone, and vanished into the Los Angeles night. Back in Los Angeles, I was pinned against a hotel door, kissed until I couldn’t breathe. Alex Holt’s eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing in his temple: “Aurora West, who gave you the guts?!” Jackson Mercer, his arm around my waist, chuckled softly, “I did. What about it?” 1 The club’s private room buzzed with noise. The grating music, acrid cigarette smoke mingled with strong perfume, made me feel completely out of place, like a fish out of water. I excused myself to the restroom. When I returned, I heard a man’s voice, laced with amusement, say, “Emily’s figure is absolutely divine.” Alex was on the dance floor, his arm wrapped around Emily Carter’s slender waist, their bodies entwined, inseparable as they moved to the beat. Someone nearby chimed in, “Any woman by Holt’s side is a goddess, aren’t they?” As the dance ended, Alex pulled Emily down beside him, a defiant smirk playing on his lips. “Tsk, I’m saying goodbye to bachelorhood tomorrow. No more days of wild freedom after this, huh?” Someone lit a cigarette for Alex. “What’s there to worry about, Holt? A good girl like Aurora will do whatever you say, won’t she?” Alex took a deep drag, nodding indifferently. “True.” “But Aurora, that woman, she’s utterly boring, like a cold stone. Always so prim and proper.” Someone joked, “How boring? Holt, spill the details?” Alex lifted his chin slightly, a hint of mockery in his voice. “Want to know? Why don’t you try it yourself?” The moment I pushed open the door, the chatter in the room ceased abruptly. The person who had been speaking tried to backtrack, “Mrs. Holt, that was just… a joke…” I stood rooted to the spot, my gaze fixed on Alex. Alex casually flicked his cigarette ash, his eyes calmly meeting mine. “Heard it all?” My hand, gripping the doorknob, tightened then loosened, over and over. It wasn’t until the manicure I’d gotten for the wedding bit into the skin of my palm, sending a sharp pang of pain deep into my brain, that I spoke softly, “Alex, if you don’t want to get married… you could just say so.” Our engagement had been arranged by our families long ago. Since childhood, people had whispered in my ear, “Aurora, wouldn’t you like to marry Alex when you grow up?” Back then, I would shyly lower my head. Later, it felt natural to fall in love with Alex; I’d liked him for many years. Little Alex used to be kind to me, but I don’t know when it started, his aversion to me became blatant, written all over his face. Alex scoffed, “Just say so?” “Then I’m telling you now, I don’t want to marry you. You go tell our families to cancel the wedding.” When he uttered those words without hesitation, an unprecedented weariness washed over me. A wave of sorrow surged within me, leaving me speechless… After a long silence. I slowly released the doorknob, nodding gently, refraining from an argument. “I understand.” I picked up my coat and bag, turning to leave. At the doorway of the private room, I paused, slightly turning to glance at Alex and Emily Carter in his arms. “Then as you wish. I’ll explain everything to our families.” “You two are a perfect match. I wish you both happiness.” Someone reached out to stop me, “Mrs. Holt, please calm down. Holt was just kidding with us…” “Yes, Mrs. Holt, tomorrow is your and Holt’s big day, don’t get upset.” Alex’s face darkened, he extinguished his cigarette, his jaw tight. “Let her go! I’d like to see how long she can keep up this attitude!” The person trying to stop me glanced at Alex’s face and reluctantly withdrew their hand. I curved my lips slightly, a bitter smile, and strode out. He spoke that way because it wasn’t the first time. But every previous time, within a few days, I would swallow my pride, buying Alex a gift. He wouldn’t be too outrageous, accepting the gift and letting the matter drop. As for our parents, they never bothered with our minor spats, as long as appearances were maintained. Perhaps everyone who knew us thought Aurora West would never truly give up on Alex Holt. After leaving the club, one of my close friends called, “Aurora, come back quickly, Alex took Emily to a hotel…” I sat in the car, watching the city lights stream past, and softly said, “Let him be.” With that, I hung up. For over twenty years, I had always been Aurora West, the proud eldest daughter of the West family, a renowned socialite in Los Angeles, never doing anything out of line. Alex had his fair share of scandals, and I always handled them with grace and discretion. Everyone said, Aurora West was not simple. But now, I suddenly wanted to let loose, just this once. At this moment, I just wanted to be myself, without a care in the world. After sending messages to both families, I posted an update on social media—【Wedding cancelled tomorrow, my apologies】—then switched off my phone. Returning to the home Alex and I were to share, I only took my identification and a change of clothes before leaving. At midnight, an hour after canceling the wedding, I sat in the airport waiting lounge. My childhood friend, Lily Mitchell, had settled in San Diego after getting married, and we hadn’t seen each other in ages. Plus, San Diego’s coastal scenery was nationally famous, and I had long wanted to visit. This time, I wanted to try and break free. The next morning, Lily drove me straight to her private ski resort. “Aurora, didn’t you always want to learn to ski? The slopes are huge here, you can really enjoy yourself!” “I’m telling you, skiing is truly exhilarating!” We geared up and walked out of the lounge, spotting two people approaching. Lily winked at me playfully, “Aurora, Alex, that playboy, he’s not good enough for you in any way. I’ve got a prime catch to recommend.” Jackson Mercer walked alongside Lily’s husband, his gaze falling on my face. Even from a distance, I felt the intensity of his stare. Lily whispered in my ear, “Jackson is really great, hundreds of times better than Alex. You’ve got to seize the opportunity!” In the short moment I was distracted, Jackson was already standing before me. Lily’s husband pulled her into his arms, “Wearing so little again? Didn’t you learn your lesson last time, huh?” Lily stuck out her tongue, then nudged me towards Jackson. “Jackson, Aurora hasn’t learned to ski yet, would you teach her?” Jackson’s eyes remained fixed on my face, his undisguised gaze making my cheeks flush. Then, I heard his voice, deep as a cello, “Mm, alright.” Even if I was slow to catch on, I understood their intention. I looked up and smiled politely at Jackson. Before Lily turned to leave, she hooked her arm through mine and whispered, “Aurora, I’m serious, I always thought it would be a shame if you married Alex.” “I fully support you running away from the wedding this time!” “Honey, trust my judgment! Let that scumbag Alex regret it.” The ski resort was high altitude, the temperature very low, but my face remained flushed. Jackson’s features were exquisitely carved, profound yet not harsh. Even dressed in a simple black ski suit, he exuded an extraordinary air. Lily, once pulled away by her husband, didn’t reappear. For the entire day, it was just Jackson and I on the private slopes. He stood behind me, our bodies pressed close. “Bend your knees, a little lower, maintain maximum stability.” “Look up, eyes straight ahead…” “Hands open, hold gently, loosen your grip, don’t hold too tight.” Jackson’s warm breath feathered my ear. “Open your legs a bit wider…” Even though Jackson was diligently teaching me to ski, a strangely romantic thought suddenly bloomed in my mind. Aurora West, what are you thinking?! I silently scolded myself, but lost my balance for a moment, and tumbled abruptly towards the ground. Jackson caught me swiftly, pulling me into his embrace. “Are you alright?” Meeting his anxious gaze, my heart suddenly skipped a beat… Jackson was truly handsome, with deep-set eyes. Perhaps the atmosphere was too intimate, or I was simply swept away. Or perhaps, I genuinely wanted to follow my heart, just this once. I lifted my head, clutching Jackson’s collar, and leaned in… It was meant to be a fleeting kiss, but Jackson’s eyes suddenly darkened. Before I could react, I was scooped up into his arms… 2 Inside the suite. Jackson pressed me against the door, one hand cradling my head, the other around my waist, deepening the kiss… His breath was hot, powerful, making my heart tremble. I felt unsteady, my hands instinctively gripping his shoulders for support. This movement only fueled Jackson further; he lifted me straight into his arms… At the peak of our passion, Jackson suddenly pulled back. I could feel his heavy breathing, but he was restraining himself, looking down at me intently. “Aurora West, have you thought this through?” “You must have heard about our Mercer family rules.” The Mercer family in San Diego, a top-tier dynasty. No breakups, no divorces. Once you commit, it’s for life. As if it were an unconscious illusion, deep, tender affection flickered in Jackson’s eyes, like a burning flame. “Jackson…” I gripped his shirt tightly, calling his name. Jackson gazed at me blankly for a long moment, then a faint smile spread across his lips. I stared at his smile, utterly lost in it. The next moment, the hem of my clothes was lifted, and Jackson lowered his head to kiss me again. His fingertips were cool, making my heart flutter with an exquisite ache… I was dizzy from his kisses, my mind hazy. I didn’t know when the snow started falling outside the window, as Jackson firmly intertwined our fingers. Our heartbeats were like notes, falling and rising in unison. In the end, I didn’t even know when I drifted off to sleep. And so, I missed Jackson’s whispered words, “I’ve waited all these years, and finally, my wish has come true. It wasn’t in vain.” The snow in San Diego fell for an entire half-month. The West family had already rushed to San Diego, determined to drag me back for the wedding. But I was living in Jackson’s mountain estate, and no one could find me. The people from Los Angeles called me countless times, but I had blocked all their numbers. At three in the morning, a text message popped up on my phone: “Mrs. Holt, where are you in San Diego? Mr. Holt has been looking for you this whole time.” Jackson glanced at me, sleeping soundly, and without hesitation, deleted the message, then pulled me closer. At the Holt family estate in Los Angeles. Alex Holt sat on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the phone on the coffee table. Again and again, my calls never went through. No matter whose phone he used, the only thing that came through was a mechanical voice, “The number you have dialed is currently busy…” After a long while, Alex suddenly looked up, grabbed the phone, and hurled it away. The phone struck the television, shattering the screen, and the phone itself broke into several pieces. Michael and Tom, standing nearby, exchanged glances, then carefully spoke, “Holt, Mrs. Holt is just throwing a tantrum.” “She’ll get over it. Don’t all women have their little moods?” Tom nodded in agreement, “That’s right, Holt. Women are like that, just need a little coaxing.” Alex, however, sneered, “Coax her? What is Aurora West, that I should have to coax her?” “If she wants to come back, fine. If not, she can die out there.” With that, Alex turned and stormed upstairs. Back in his bedroom, looking at the things he had acquired for Aurora, his anger intensified. Alex smashed everything in the room. Looking at the utter chaos, Alex still felt a knot of anger in his chest… That woman, Aurora, wouldn’t take the easy way out. She shouldn’t blame him for making things impossible. He’d wait for her to come back and beg him!

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After my third miscarriage, I spiraled into severe depression. After a few attempts at consoling me, Alex Holt grew impatient. He outright sent me photos of him kissing his first love, Scarlett Thorne, to provoke me. “Aurora Hayes, if you keep being so melodramatic, I don’t mind getting a new wife!” Under the double blow, I chose to jump from a bridge. At that moment, Alex Holt was driving by with Scarlett. Seeing my figure plunge from the bridge, Scarlett gasped, “Oh my God, someone just jumped!” Alex merely cast a fleeting glance, coldly stating, “Someone so fragile is better off not living.” Then the car sped away. At dinner, Scarlett happily shared anecdotes from her day. But Alex seemed distracted, repeatedly opening and closing our chat window. Seeing no response from me, he suppressed his anger and sent two more messages. “Since you’re like this, sign the divorce papers tomorrow.” “Scarlett is more suited to be Mrs. Holt than you.” But Alex Holt, this “Mrs. Holt,” I had stopped wanting to be long ago. … After I died by jumping into the river, my soul detached and was bound to Alex Holt. Looking at the two messages he had just sent me at the dinner table, I gave a self-deprecating smile. He would probably never know that the figure by the bridge, whom he so casually dismissed as “better off not living,” was me. The screen dimmed then lit up again, Alex Holt’s fingertips hovering over the chat box. A flicker of impatience creased his brow; he eventually shut off his phone and tilted his head back, downing the strong liquor in his glass. He looked at Scarlett beside him, his voice tinged with a subtle irritation. “Scarlett, interested in being the new Mrs. Holt?” Scarlett’s eyes instantly reddened at his words. “Alex, don’t be impulsive… What about Aurora?” Alex curled his lips into a cold sneer. “Her current psychological state isn’t suitable for standing by my side anymore.” “It’s just three miscarriages, and she’s become so fragile.” …Just three miscarriages. My soul trembled violently, and a sharp, suffocating pain shot through my chest. Those years, dismissed by his casual words, were my life’s hopes, repeatedly stripped away. After marrying him, my greatest wish was to have a child of our own. But in the early years, helping him build his business, enduring hardships and meager meals, My body was already overtaxed; doctors said conception would be difficult. I drank countless bitter medicines, received countless injections, and finally, in the third year of our marriage, conceived our first child. But in less than two months, the child left me without warning. Alex held me then, saying he was heartbroken. A year later, I became pregnant again. I was cautious, walking on eggshells, but his business rivals found me. They cornered me in the garage, raining down punches and kicks… I curled up, protecting my belly, but all I could feel was life slowly draining away. I lay in the hospital for a month, my mind on the verge of collapse. Alex’s eyes were bloodshot, holding my hand, saying, “Aurora, I just want you safe.” “The baby doesn’t matter, we have each other, and that’s enough.” It wasn’t until the fifth year that I miraculously became pregnant again. The doctor warned me that another miscarriage might mean losing the chance to be a mother forever. I quit my job, dedicating all my energy to protecting this child. Until I wanted to buy a prenatal book, and as soon as I left the apartment complex, a car sped out of control towards me… When I woke up, I had lost my baby, and I saw Scarlett, tear-eyed, sitting in my hospital room. The driver was Alex’s first love, who had just returned from overseas. Alex stood by the bed, ignoring my despair, his eyes filled with unbearable pity for Scarlett. He held my hand, his voice gentle but cruel. “Aurora, Scarlett didn’t mean it. Her life can’t have a blemish.” “Sign the waiver, even without a child, you’ll always be Mrs. Holt.” I refused, screaming wildly for Scarlett to pay the price. But Alex threatened me with my parents: “Aurora, you wouldn’t want to see them lose everything at their age, would you?” Eventually, I signed the document, watching Scarlett leave safely. But something inside me had shattered completely. I was diagnosed with severe depression, locking myself in my room all day, weeping while clutching a baby’s toy. Alex summarized my five years of hell as “just three miscarriages” and “a fragile psychological state.” The position of Mrs. Holt, I had stopped wanting it long ago. He could finally have his wish, a suitable, healthy replacement. As if to completely sever the last shred of hesitation, Alex directly called his lawyer. “Mr. King, draft a divorce agreement.” “Asset division… give her fifty million, as compensation for her five years of hard work.” Five years, fifty million. My youth, my love, my three lost children. My shattered body and mind, clearly priced. The call ended, and Scarlett immediately embraced him emotionally, her voice choked. “Alex, I knew it. You still care about me.” “All these years, alone overseas, I thought of you every single day…” Alex stiffly endured the hug, his arm hesitating for a moment before finally returning the embrace. His gaze drifted over Scarlett’s shoulder, revealing an unfathomable emptiness within. After dinner, Scarlett naturally followed him back to our home. Pushing open the door, a heavy darkness and chilling emptiness greeted them. Alex irritably flicked on the main lights. He loosened his tie, his voice filled with impatience. “Aurora, how long are you going to keep this up? Making the house look like a haunted mansion!” He strode towards the bedroom, ready to unleash a night’s worth of accumulated anger on me. The door was flung open abruptly, revealing an empty room. His surge of reprimands choked in his throat, and he stood stunned for several seconds. Then he quickly pulled out his phone, his fingers rapidly tapping the screen. 【Where are you?】 After a pause, he added another line. 【The divorce agreement is being drafted. Don’t try to back out now.】 He stared at the screen, his brows tightly furrowed, seemingly waiting for a reassuring response. Scarlett walked into the bedroom, surveying the room filled with memories of Alex and me, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes. She pressed close to Alex, her fingertips lightly tracing his chest, her breath like a soft whisper. “Alex… these past five years, did you miss me?” Alex’s eyes darkened, and he lowered his head, kissing Scarlett fiercely, roughly pressing her onto the large bed behind them. My soul was confined to a corner, forced to witness this passionate encounter. Listening to Scarlett’s seductive gasps and his low moans, it tortured my already dead senses. Just as passion reached its peak, Alex suddenly froze. His gaze shot towards where my soul lingered, a momentary clarity in his eyes, as if he truly saw something. He immediately propped himself up, carefully looking into that empty space. His brows furrowed, holding his breath. “What’s wrong, Alex?” Scarlett discontentedly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back. Alex pulled his gaze away, rubbing his temples. The passion faded from his face, leaving only deep weariness. “Nothing,” he pushed Scarlett away, his voice somewhat hoarse, “I’m a little tired tonight. Let’s get some rest.” Scarlett’s face flashed with surprise and reluctance. But seeing his expression, she ultimately didn’t press further. Alex leaned against the headboard alone, not touching Scarlett again. He lit a cigarette, the crimson glow flickering in the darkness, illuminating his dim, indistinct profile. His gaze, once again, involuntarily drifted to that empty corner. Only my cold stare was there. The next morning, Alex Holt woke to the sound of a door opening. He seemed to have been sleeping lightly, as he abruptly sat up in bed upon hearing the noise. Alex let out a sigh of relief, muttering under his breath, “Finally came home…” However, the person who walked in was not the figure he expected. It was my mother. She carried a thermos in her hand, looking dishevelled from travel. The moment I saw my mother, a warmth spread through my heart. These past five years, if not for my mother’s patient companionship and comfort, I might have plunged into endless darkness after the first miscarriage. My mother smiled upon seeing Alex, asking with concern: “Has Aurora not woken up yet?” “I stewed some chicken soup to help her recover. Her complexion has been so poor lately.” Alex’s expression was cold; he directly interrupted my mother: “Aurora threw a tantrum and left home yesterday. She’s thirty years old, so immature.” “Left home?” My mother froze, nearly dropping the thermos she was holding. “Impossible! Aurora wouldn’t leave without a word!” My mother’s face instantly paled, her voice tinged with panic. She quickly put down the thermos and walked towards the bedroom. “Aurora? Aurora, are you in there?” She called out, pushing open the slightly ajar bedroom door. I wanted to stop her, wanted to scream “Mother, don’t go in,” but it was no use. Mother still walked in and immediately saw Scarlett, disheveled, on the bed. The air instantly solidified. She pointed at Scarlett, her voice trembling uncontrollably: “Who… who is she? Why is she here?!” Alex followed, and seeing the situation, he decided to just let it all out. “As you can see, I plan to divorce Aurora.” “Scarlett will be my future wife.” My mother seemed to have been struck by a heavy blow. She staggered, then erupted with long-suppressed fury. “Alex Holt! Are you even human?!” “Aurora is this way because of you!” “How much has she sacrificed for you, and now you bring another woman home and want to divorce her?!” Alex looked as if a nerve had been struck, his eyes sharpening. “I gave Aurora the status of Mrs. Holt, and a life of luxury!” “She herself wasn’t content, dwelling on those undeveloped babies day in and day out, turning herself into a wreck!” My mother trembled with rage, tears streaming down her face. “When she was with you, what were you? Nothing but ambition!” “Did she care about your money? It was because she loved you, Alex Holt!” At the word “love,” Alex froze for a moment. An emotion flickered in his eyes, quickly overtaken by deeper irritation. “What good is love?” Scarlett softly interjected. “Alex needs someone who can stand by his side and support him. Aunt, I love Alex too. If my parents hadn’t forced me to go abroad…” She choked up at just the right moment, shifting the blame to fate. These incendiary words completely ignited my mother’s last shred of sanity. “Shut up! You fake vixen!” My mother roared, grabbed the still-warm chicken soup from the table, and splashed it towards Scarlett. Scarlett screamed. Alex’s face changed dramatically, and he forcefully pushed my mother away. My mother, being older, couldn’t keep her balance from his shove and fell heavily to the floor. I cried out in anguish, lunging to embrace my mother, but my spirit merely passed through her body. Seeing her tormented expression, I had never so deeply resented the man I once loved. Alex froze for a moment, looking at my mother on the floor. A sudden, inexplicable chill ran down his spine. He shivered involuntarily, his heart giving an unbidden, heavy thump. Ultimately, Alex forcefully escorted my mother out the door. “If you cause any more trouble, I won’t hesitate to leave Aurora with nothing.” My mother trembled with fury. “Bah! Alex Holt, our Aurora never cared for your dirty money!” I wanted to leave with my mother, but that invisible force still held me tightly. I could only watch helplessly as my mother’s frail figure disappeared into the elevator, my heart aching as if pierced by a knife. Inside the door, the scene instantly changed. Alex returned to Scarlett’s side, the aggression on his face receding. He found a first-aid kit and gently treated her scalded skin. Scarlett’s eyes, glistening with tears, gazed at him piteously. “Alex, do you believe me? If only my parents hadn’t forced me to go abroad, threatening to die…” “I would be the one standing by your side now, bearing your children.” Alex’s hand, applying the ointment, paused slightly. After a few seconds of silence, he said in a low voice, “I believe you.” Those three flimsy words crushed the last vestige of hope within me. He believed this woman who had unhesitatingly left him when he was at his lowest, and now returned adorned in riches, speaking of longing. He had forgotten who had picked him up time and again when he was abandoned and drunk on the streets. Who had stayed with him in his early entrepreneurial days, eating instant noodles, running until her legs ached, and sacrificing her health. At our wedding, he had sworn a solemn oath by the sea. “Aurora Hayes, if I, Alex Holt, ever betray you in this life, I shall perish at the bottom of the ocean, never to rest in peace.” His words still echoed, but the solemn vows had become the most bitter irony. Perhaps, as soon as he reunited with Scarlett, This oath, along with all his affection for me, was cast into the deepest depths of the ocean. After applying the medicine, the lawyer called. He informed Alex that the divorce agreement was ready but that I could not be reached to sign it. Alex hung up the phone, his face grim, and took out his cell phone, repeatedly scrolling through our chat history. The last message was his: “Scarlett is more suited to be Mrs. Holt than you.”

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I rushed back from out of town to attend my nephew’s parent-teacher conference, only to be mistaken for a kept man by my future brother-in-law. He brought a group of his buddies, smashing classroom furniture, and repeatedly declared that I would pay the price. The moment I stepped through the door, he struck me with a stick, sending me sprawling to my knees. “You lowlife, daring to seduce my wife and trying to mess with my son? If I don’t teach you a lesson today, I’ve lived for nothing!” “Once I cripple you and you’re bedridden for the rest of your life, let’s see how you leech off rich women then!” He, in front of numerous parents, repeatedly struck me with a toilet mop handle. I covered my head, scrambling away like a stray dog, while his laughter grew increasingly maniacal. A second before I lost consciousness, my sister finally burst into the classroom. 1 When I received a call from my nephew’s teacher saying someone claiming to be the child’s father was causing trouble, I floored the gas pedal and sped to the school. My brother-in-law had passed away five years ago, and the more I thought about it, the more frightened I became. I called my sister several times on the way, but all calls went unanswered. Then I remembered, she hadn’t paid much attention to my nephew’s school affairs these past few years, probably didn’t even know which way the classroom door opened. So I headed upstairs myself, phone clutched in hand, ready to call the police at any moment. Before I even reached the classroom, the tumultuous noise already threatened to shake the building apart. A man’s vulgar curses pierced my ears. “Don’t blame me for interrupting the parent-teacher conference. This kept man outside is practically riding over my head!” “He sends my wife harassing messages all day, hotel receipts, expense statements—he’s spent all her dowry money!” “And today, he brazenly wants to attend my son’s parent-teacher conference? How am I supposed to tolerate that?” “Any decent person would be furious!” “I’m a fitness influencer, half a public figure, at least. Today, I’m making him pay for his actions!” Hearing this, I hurriedly quickened my pace. The moment I reached the classroom door, a group of parents were stirred into righteous indignation by his words. “Go ahead, buddy! We’ll pretend we didn’t see anything! The parent-teacher conference can wait; we absolutely can’t let a kept man like that off the hook!” “I despise scum who break up families, born of a mother but raised by no one!” The man, encouraged by the cheers, rolled up his sleeves, eager for a fight. “Thanks for the support, everyone. You don’t mind if I livestream this, do you? Let the whole internet recognize that kept man!” The more I listened, the more something felt wrong. Standing at the door, I craned my neck to look inside, only to lock eyes with a familiar face. Wasn’t that Liam Ellis, my sister’s soon-to-be new husband? I’d been living on my own these past few years after my family kicked me out for not marrying, so I’d only seen his photos on my sister’s social media. My sister had mentioned he was a fitness influencer, and I’d even thought about asking him for some pointers. But my sister said there’d be plenty of opportunities after they got married, and the matter was dropped. Now, looking at his face, red with rage, I quickly pulled out my phone to call my sister. I called three times, still no answer. I sent her a message. 【Did you do something to upset Liam? He’s causing a scene in our nephew’s classroom!】 【Now that your career’s taking off, you can’t be fickle. If there’s a misunderstanding, clear it up with him quickly! Mom and Dad are already angry enough about my situation; if your wedding has any problems, it’ll kill them!】 Just as I sent the second message, a pair of clean athletic shoes suddenly appeared before me. Before I could even look up, my short hair was violently yanked. A powerful force dragged my entire body into the classroom. Then a kick landed squarely on my lower back, sending me sprawling to the ground, out of control. When I looked up, a phone was practically shoved into my mouth. Liam snarled, “Everyone, take a good look! This is the kept man I was talking about!” “He was just hiding by the door, probably heard me talking and didn’t dare come in!” “What, you do something so disgusting, and you’re still afraid to admit it? If I were you, I’d hide my face in my pants when I went out!” With that, he tightened his grip, and the camera directly smacked my lip. A professional fitness enthusiast’s blow was not light; my lip quickly swelled up into a large lump. Seeing my miserable state, not a single person around stepped forward to defend me. Instead, they pointed fingers and cursed at me. My lips were numb for about ten seconds before I recovered, then I looked up at Liam and urgently began: “You’ve misunderstood, I’m not a kept man, I—” Before I could finish, he swung his sports bag, forcefully hitting me in the face. Blood immediately gushed from my nose, and my phone fell to the side, its screen cracking. He snatched it up, clutching it in his hand, and said coldly, “Still saying it’s not you! This is the phone my wife bought! I even screenshotted the payment bill! You just wait for the lawsuit and pay back the money!” 2 I wanted to explain that it was my sister’s birthday gift to me last year, a way for her to encourage me to go home and apologize to Mom and Dad. But the words caught in my throat, replaced by a gush of metallic-tasting liquid. It choked me, and I clutched my chest, coughing. Liam looked up at the surrounding parents, roaring, “See that? I just lightly tapped him, and a grown man can be this weak? What an act!” “No wonder my wife spent her dowry money on him! A man like this is utterly despicable!” My face flushed crimson, my eyes streaked with blood. The parents in the classroom looked at me with venomous, hateful stares. I furrowed my brow, suppressing the indignation, and spoke sternly, “Liam, I told you I’m not a kept man. How exactly did you come to that conclusion?” After all, he was my future brother-in-law, and I wanted to avoid a nasty public spectacle later on. I wanted him to show proof; business dealings often required social graces. If it truly was my sister who had wronged him, I was prepared to apologize on her behalf. But hearing my words, his anger surged. He shoved the camera closer to my face. “See that, everyone? On the verge of death and still won’t admit it!” “If I don’t make you understand what you’re dying for today, I’ve wasted my time coming here!” With that, he put a lit cigarette in his mouth, then pulled out another phone and opened it in front of me. Soon, several photos of me and my nephew at an amusement park appeared. Liam snorted coldly, “What do you have to say now?” “These were found on my wife’s phone! You really hid it well, reaching out to my son to climb up the ladder! I’m warning you today, if you touch a single hair on my son’s head again, I’ll use you as a barbell!” My brows knitted tightly; all my words instantly became powerless. That was just for my nephew’s birthday. My sister didn’t have time to accompany him, so I took him to the amusement park to take photos for her to see, never imagining it would lead to such a misunderstanding. Seeing my silence, he said coldly, “Nothing to say, huh? Brothers, hit him! Just leave him enough breath to speak!” “Ruin his face, let’s see how he leeches off rich women then!” As a group of muscular men rolled up their sleeves, ready to surround me, I quickly propped myself up to explain, but opening my mouth tore at the blood scab on my lip, making me gasp in pain. “You’ve misunderstood, I’m his uncle! Eleanor Carter is my sister, we’re siblings!” Liam glanced at me, scoffing disdainfully. “Siblings? Her own mother doesn’t even know she has a son!” “I’m about to marry my wife, and I’ve never once heard her mention having a brother!” “What kind of brother are you? A lover? Are you trying to fool me like I’m an idiot? If I don’t teach you a lesson today, you really won’t know what kind of trash you are!” His curses stunned me. I never imagined my mother would be so angry as to disown me! Sweating profusely, I frantically asked the surrounding parents to call the police for me. But no one bothered to respond. Everyone merely looked on, enjoying the show. Someone even picked up a pencil from a desk and threw it at my head. The pencil lead lodged in my scalp, and the shaft snapped on impact. My face contorted in pain. Liam’s expression grew even more ominous. Anger burned in his eyes; he was about to step forward and attack me. I quickly spoke, “I’ll call my mom, alright? I’ll put it on speaker, and you listen!” A flicker of suspicion crossed Liam’s eyes, and he tossed my phone back in front of me. “You try to trick me, and you’re dead!” While I was dialing, Liam’s crew of brothers were already flexing their muscles, eyeing me menacingly. The phone rang, and my heart leaped into my throat. The next second, my mom abruptly hung up, then added me to her blacklist. My phone hit the ground, and my face instantly turned ashen. Liam sneered. “My mother-in-law probably thinks you’re making harassing calls. You’re still putting on an act!” Thinking of my nephew, my eyes lit up again. “Wait, where’s my nephew? He can vouch for me. I’m here to attend his parent-teacher conference today!” At that, Liam quickly stepped forward and delivered a hard punch to my face. A wisdom tooth instantly fell from my mouth to the ground, faintly stained with blood. “Enough! I told you you don’t deserve to mention my son! Stay away from him from now on!” 3 From the whispers of the surrounding parents, I gathered that all the students in the class had been taken to the office by the teacher. No wonder the teacher hadn’t shown up yet. She was already overwhelmed just managing those kids. Now, truly, no one could vouch for me. I was sweating profusely in a panic, but Liam gave me no time to think. With a single glance, his group of brothers immediately began trashing the classroom. Their wild, uncontrolled actions forced even the watching parents to retreat from the classroom. This became the muscular men’s personal domain for revenge. Liam aimed his livestream camera at the classroom, panning around. Desks and chairs lay shattered, white paint flaked off the walls. In just five minutes, the perfectly fine classroom was reduced to utter wreckage. The front and back blackboards were splashed with red paint, a terrifying and unsettling sight. He saw this and laughed even more wildly and uncontrollably. Speaking to the camera: “This kept man said he wanted to attend my son’s parent-teacher conference. Today, I’ll give him a memorable one!” “Working out and lifting weights every day, wasn’t it all for this?” Seeing this, I couldn’t help but interject, “If my sister finds out what you’ve done, you’ll regret it!” “Do you know what you’re doing? When my identity is revealed, you’ll be truly finished!” He curled one side of his lip, his face full of mockery. “Folks, this kept man is threatening me! I’m so scared! Stealing my woman and then trying to dominate me!” With that, he stepped forward and raised his bag, striking my head again. After several heavy blows, my head reeled, and I lost the ability to think. He furiously stormed out the door. More and more parents gathered outside; people from adjacent classrooms were drawn in. Now, many had their phones pointed at my face, recording. My weak pleas for help were drowned out by the insults. I couldn’t even manage to crawl to get my phone back and call the police. I forced myself to prop up my upper body, but just as my hand brushed the edge of my phone, a heavy blow landed on my back. Liam stood before me, mop in hand, his face etched with fury. A faint, disgusting yellow stain still clung to it. “Run? Where do you think you’re going to run!” “Today, the only person walking out of here standing is me!” “If I don’t teach you a lesson, my one hundred and fifty pounds were lifted in vain!” I was beaten to the ground, my gaze falling on the onlookers outside the window. Everyone was cheering for Liam. I was the sole culprit. The vast classroom had no clear space left to stand. A moment later, one of his brothers stepped forward and kicked me hard. My body felt weak and limp, like a piece of rotting flesh. My suit was drenched in blood and covered in dust, making me look utterly pathetic. “This is too easy for him! Doesn’t he want to attend a parent-teacher conference? We’ll give him a chance!” In Liam’s bloodthirsty, excited gaze, he said, “Drag him to the broadcast room and make him confess to the whole school that he’s a kept man!” Hearing this, I widened my eyes in terror, shaking my head desperately. Two muscular men grabbed me by my armpits, one on each side, hoisting me up. My lower body dragged on the ground; I was as helpless as a chick. As I struggled, my car keys fell from my pocket. Liam’s eyes instantly turned bloodshot. He angrily picked them up and violently smashed them into my face. The keyring grazed my temple, leaving a fresh red mark. “You kept man! You even had my wife buy you a car! She never even agreed to buy one for me! How dare you!” With that, he glanced at the car model, his gaze growing increasingly vicious. A parent, kindly watching the show, quickly spoke up. “Is it that one downstairs? I think I saw him get out of it just now! He drove it right in, not even worried about hitting a child. That kind of person has no conscience!” The moment the words left his mouth, Liam’s eyes blazed with fury. He immediately leaned over the railing and looked down.

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After my family went bankrupt, my mother’s best friend took me in, bringing me to the Sterling residence. That’s how I ended up entangled with the two Sterling brothers for twenty years. Their relentless pursuit and undeniable favoritism made everyone green with envy. But when I wanted to settle down and start a family, they both turned me down. My older brother, Sterling, said, “My career comes first; I have no time for marriage.” My younger brother, Lance, quipped, “I’m still young, I want to have fun for a few more years. Besides, fleeting romances aren’t meant to be taken seriously.” The very next day, at my birthday party, they both proposed to the housekeeper’s daughter. To cheer her up, they even forced me, despite my stomach condition, to down a high-proof liquor. As I was rushed to the hospital with a stomach hemorrhage, they simultaneously covered her eyes, mocking my dramatics. My heart shattered beyond repair. The day I was discharged, I dialed my mother’s number. “I’ll marry Tim Maxwell.” 1. Stepping out of the hospital, my body hadn’t yet adjusted to the biting autumn chill. My older brother, Sterling, called. His tone was sharp, laced with accusation. “Willow, where have you run off to? Do you think running away will absolve you of responsibility? Get back here and apologize to Melanie Ross.” Lance’s voice chimed in from the background. “It’s all your fault for faking illness and upsetting Melanie. She’s delicate, and you’ve made her lose her appetite these past few days!” I looked at my reflection in the glass. Gaunt and frail, as if a gust of wind could sweep me away. I’d always had a sensitive stomach and a weak constitution. In the past, those two brothers had fussed over me endlessly. I remembered one night, I fell ill in the middle of the night, and Sterling carried me up twenty flights of stairs. Lance scoured the entire city to buy my favorite yam cake to cheer me up. After that, they meticulously monitored my every meal and drink, always hands-on. Sadly, once Melanie appeared, all those memories were tossed aside. I silently hung up the phone and dialed my mother’s number. “Mom, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll marry Tim Maxwell.” My mother paused. “Willow, this is your life. Are you absolutely sure?” When Dad passed, and our family business collapsed, Mom sent me to Havenport, bravely propping up our struggling family on her own. She spent twenty years building connections with the Maxwell family, securing a chance for our family to rise again. But more than our family’s prosperity, she cared about my happiness. Even when Mrs. Maxwell instantly took a liking to me as a potential daughter-in-law, she still left the choice to me. I used to believe in finding true love, torn between the Sterling brothers. Now, I understood I was nothing more than a passing amusement for them. It was time to leave gracefully. I opened my phone to book a flight, only to see Melanie’s latest social media post: “True love needs no grand gestures. Only pathetic old women cling to desperate attempts to climb the social ladder.” She brazenly flaunted two different diamond rings on her hand. She was lying in my room, wearing the couture suit and crystal shoes the Sterling brothers had custom-made for my birthday six months ago. I quietly blocked Melanie. “Mom, I’m serious. I want to have my own child soon.” During my hospital stay, the doctor told me the incident had severely weakened my body. If I didn’t get pregnant and have a child while I was still young, I might never have one of my own. I couldn’t afford to wait any longer. “Alright, darling, I respect your decision.” “Mrs. Maxwell had your horoscopes read. Next Sunday is an auspicious day for registering your marriage. As long as you come back, I’ll handle everything.” My mother must have understood. She only added before hanging up, “Remember to say goodbye to Mrs. Sterling.” I looked up at the grey, overcast sky. The doctor said recovery would take about a week. I’d use this week to say goodbye to everything. 2. I hailed a taxi back to the villa. The moment I stepped through the door, a sudden splash of cold water drenched me to the bone. “Willow, I’m so sorry! I was watering the flowers and didn’t see you.” Melanie stood with the hose, only putting it down once I was soaked through. I struggled to open my eyes. My cherished lily of the valley, which I’d nurtured for years, had been completely dug up. In its place, vibrant roses bloomed in vast swathes. The cold wind bit, and my recently operated body immediately felt awful. I swayed, nearly collapsing. But Sterling and Lance exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring disdain. They seemed to be mocking me for putting on an act the moment I returned. “Willow, I thought you were truly that stubborn, that you’d never come back.” Lance scoffed, “Her mom doesn’t even want her; where else would she go?” My heart clenched painfully. I suddenly remembered the day I first arrived at the Sterling home. Lance, holding my hand, tried every trick to cheer me up. He even said, “Willow, don’t be scared. This is your home now.” Sterling, on his own initiative, cleaned out the largest, best room in the old mansion for me. Later, the three of us moved to this villa for work. Sterling remembered my preferences and meticulously decorated the master bedroom. He announced to everyone that, now and always, I was the irreplaceable mistress of this villa. Until that day, when Melanie came to the villa, ostensibly to help Mrs. Ross. Every day, besides clinging to the brothers, she would “accidentally” break my belongings. At first, I sympathized with her hard life and didn’t make a fuss. But she grew bolder, deliberately smashing my father’s keepsake right in front of me. My patience snapped. I stepped forward to confront her, only to be pushed away by Sterling. He frowned, “Melanie’s life is hard enough. Why do you, a pampered princess, have to pick on a naive young girl?” Lance added, “Melanie is even younger than I am. Can’t you, at your age, be a little more accommodating?” I clutched the broken jade pendant, feeling lost and helpless for the first time. After that, everything changed. I was no longer the most important person in the brothers’ hearts. The housekeeper’s daughter gradually replaced me, becoming the new mistress of this villa, pushing me out. Since that was the case, there was nothing for me to cling to. I just wanted to pack my things and leave quickly. Walking inside, I saw all my belongings haphazardly piled in the hallway. Sterling, with Melanie’s arm around him, looked down at me. “Willow, know your place. You’re just a parasite leeching off the Sterling family, you have no right to look down on Melanie, and certainly no right to throw a princess tantrum at her!” “From now on, you’ll move to the maid’s room. Company matters will also be handled by Melanie. I’ll transfer you to logistics for odd jobs until you understand what it means to be a decent person.” Lance tore up the teddy bear my mother had given me to make Melanie happy. “Willow, if you ever upset Melanie with your tantrums again, I won’t go easy on you.” Willow, Willow dear. A single word difference, yet a world apart. The old me would have been heartbroken and sleepless after hearing such words. But now I was leaving, and I had no time to bother with them. I just said flatly, “You’re both right.” “I’ll move out as soon as possible.” “And you don’t need to trouble yourself, Mr. Sterling, to transfer me to another department. I quit.” Sterling sneered. “You’re truly determined to cling to the Sterling family, to be a useless freeloader.” “Fine, for Mom’s sake, I won’t hold it against you this time.” “Just remember your place from now on.” I walked past Sterling, softly saying, “There won’t be a ‘from now on.’” This place certainly held many beautiful memories for me. But ultimately, this wasn’t my home. 3. I thought packing my luggage would take a long time. But looking closely, there wasn’t much left. My clothes were almost all chosen by Sterling. Back then, he used to say, “Our Willow is the most beautiful princess, of course, she has to dress beautifully every day.” Now, those clothes were soaked in dirty water, giving off an unpleasant stench. And I, from his princess, had become a parasite with a princess complex. Moving the clothes aside, I saw photos scattered across the floor. Lance used to love taking pictures of me, saying he wanted to capture all my different looks. Every time we took a group photo, these two brothers would compete to be closer to me. Now, in our group photos, my face was crossed out with a red marker. I couldn’t bear to look further. I simply threw everything into the trash. Sterling and Melanie came downstairs just as I was doing this. A flicker of shock crossed his eyes. After all, I had always treasured these things. But then, he let out a cold laugh. “You’re certainly wasteful with Sterling family money.” Sterling once showered me with expensive gifts to make me happy. Now that Melanie was by his side, everything I did was wrong. I had lost the right to be willful, and the desire to argue. I simply said, earnestly, “I’ll pay it back.” “The Sterling family isn’t short on a bit of money. Just remember, don’t ever make trouble for Melanie again!” Melanie tugged at Sterling’s sleeve, pouting. “Sterling dear, don’t waste time on unnecessary people. I still want to go to our secret stargazing spot. Let’s go.” I froze, stopping in my tracks. The ‘secret spot’ Melanie spoke of was something Sterling had created for me when I first came to the Sterling household. Mrs. Sterling was often busy with work back then, so she entrusted the responsibility of caring for me to Sterling, who was six years my senior. Sterling gave me almost everything good in the world. He said I was his muse. So, he personally designed a patch of eternal, shimmering stars for me. That day, beneath the starry sky, he looked at me with deep affection. “Willow, remember, this is your sky, and it’s a symbol of my love, just for you.” We spent twenty years, little by little, perfecting that starry sky, building a dreamy secret hideaway. From then on, my heart leaned towards Sterling. But every time I was close to making a choice, Lance would pop up, throwing a fit, and the decision would be indefinitely postponed. As for now… They had their new ‘red rose’ and had long forgotten me, their ‘fading moon.’ But it didn’t matter. I took a deep breath and walked away. I didn’t want either of them anymore. 4. Melanie suddenly grabbed my wrist. Her long, manicured nail left a scratch on my arm. “Willow, why won’t you let me finish? Do you despise me?” I winced in pain and yanked my hand away from Melanie. She stumbled backward, collapsing. “Sterling dear, save me!” Sterling cried out in alarm, scooping Melanie into his arms. Before I could even react, he slapped me across the face. Lance, alerted by the commotion, rushed over and bellowed at me. “Willow, why are you always making trouble for Melanie?” “Don’t you forget, if the Sterling family hadn’t taken you in, you, a lonely orphan, would probably be scavenging for scraps somewhere! Not only are you ungrateful, but you’re also biting the hand that fed you!” A ringing echoed in my ears. This was the first time I had ever been hit. My entire world seemed to shatter in that instant. Sterling looked at me, stunned, as if he realized the impropriety of his actions. “Are you okay? I…” “I’m fine. I don’t blame you.” I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth. I didn’t blame him; I considered that slap payment for his past kindness. From now on, all debts were settled, all scores even. But Lance wouldn’t let it go, blocking my path. “Don’t leave yet. Apologize to Melanie!” His fierce gaze was a stark contrast to the boy who used to cling to me, calling me “big sister Willow.” I knew his methods. Once, in school, a boy harassed me. Lance secretly dealt with him, and Sterling cleaned up the mess. The two brothers worked in perfect sync, forcing the boy’s entire family to flee Havenport. I never imagined then that one day, they would turn those ruthless tactics on me. I glanced at the triumphant Melanie, collecting my scattered thoughts. “I will never apologize. I’ve done nothing wrong.” I had nothing to fear. Even without their intervention, I would be leaving anyway. 5. Lance was still fuming. Sterling, feeling a pang of guilt, restrained him, lowering his voice slightly. “Forget it, I was impulsive just now. Don’t take it to heart. I’ll bring you your favorite chestnut cake when I get back.” “But you have to promise me one thing: don’t ever bother Melanie again.” A slap, followed by a piece of chestnut cake. But he forgot. I had a stomach condition and couldn’t eat chestnut cake. Back then, Sterling changed countless chefs, never satisfied, until he stayed up late researching and personally creating medicinal meal plans for me. Lance, too, tirelessly ensured I stuck to the regimen. Now, they had both forgotten. A gust of wind swept by, and a chill spread from my heart, enveloping my entire body. I shivered, remembering I hadn’t changed out of my wet clothes yet; I was probably developing a fever. Just as I felt my worst, Lance strode past me, deliberately bumping into me. “Still faking it.” I couldn’t stand any longer and fell directly into a puddle. Sterling looked back, a flicker of indecision in his eyes. But in the end, he and Lance, one on each side, shielded Melanie and walked away. After struggling for a long time, I painstakingly crawled out and called an ambulance for myself. The doctor, seeing my miserable state, berated me. “Just discharged, and you’ve already done this to yourself? Don’t you know what condition your body is in? I think you’re asking for trouble!” I dared not speak much, obediently staying in the hospital for a few days for observation. Only after my fever completely broke was I discharged. So much time had been lost; I had to speed up my plans. I went back to the company to handle my resignation, intending to say goodbye to the colleagues I was close to. But I learned they had all been fired by Melanie. The remaining staff treated me like a plague. I was left waiting at the company entrance for half a day before being informed that Sterling had gone on a business trip with Melanie. The three of them had gone to the beach I loved most as a child and to places I’d always wanted to visit but never had the chance. I forced a bitter smile and tossed my resignation letter aside. I had been wrestling with how to explain my departure, only to realize no one cared about my existence anyway. Now, I just needed to say goodbye to Mrs. Sterling. Then I could leave, truly unburdened.

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After spending a fortune to get the social media contacts of the Head Cheerleader and the Campus Queen Bee, others might dream of dating them. I was different. I wanted to set them up. Through my relentless efforts… The Campus Queen Bee and the Head Cheerleader started dating. I was there, popcorn in hand, ready for the big reveal. But it turned out to be a disaster, and they both turned on me, dragging me into the spotlight. The Head Cheerleader screamed, “Is this the adorable campus sweetheart you found for me?!” The Campus Queen Bee burst into tears, “You owe me a six-foot-tall, aloof boyfriend!” 01 Beside the club recruitment booth, a guy was mysteriously hawking… “Get the Campus Queen Bee and Head Cheerleader’s contacts! Fifty bucks for both!” No one believed him. Only I stepped forward and asked, “For real?” The guy pulled out his phone and scanned the QR codes for me on the spot. “Guaranteed, bro!” Without thinking twice, I added both accounts. “Added!” “Sweet, bro!” The guy grabbed the money and sprinted off. I stared at the two new contacts on my phone. Had I just been scammed? Head Cheerleader Blair Thompson’s profile picture was an abstract smiley face, and Campus Queen Bee Riley Vance’s was a goofy husky. Was this… legit? 02 Back in my dorm, I told my roommates about it. They didn’t believe me. “You totally got scammed.” “I’ve got Blair’s contact on my phone, and her profile picture is clearly an ice-queen goddess.” “Exactly! Riley’s profile picture is an anime character, no way she’d use some funny dog pic!” “Feeling sorry for you for a second there, how could you fall for that and lose fifty bucks!” I sighed, staring at the two profile pictures. “Seriously, I’m done.” My allowance was already tight, and now I’d been fleeced for fifty bucks. What a total chump! Just as I spiraled into endless regret, the husky profile picture sent me a message: Who’s this? I hesitated for a few moments before replying. Classmate. Well, I’d added them. I might as well just imagine this person as the Campus Queen Bee and picture her beautiful face. Husky: Oh. So aloof? I fidgeted, racking my brain until I finally squeezed out a question: Are you from Alistair University too? Husky: Yeah, you too? Yep. After that, another silence. I really sucked at chatting. If only there was an AI auto-reply. 03 The day after I added them, those two contacts lay dormant in my chat list, as silent as the grave. During a boring lecture, I clicked into Blair’s chatbox and poked her. Smiley: ? Hello. Smiley: Something up? So direct? How was I supposed to respond to that? Are you Blair Thompson? Smiley: Yeah, something up? Quite bold, actually. She admitted it. Alright, I’ll tease her. Looking for a relationship? Smiley: Not considering it at the moment. Got someone you like? Smiley: A little interested, but not exactly “like.” Oh, she has someone she’s interested in. I immediately typed: Who? There was a moment of hesitation. Smiley: Who are you? “…” Why did everyone ask who I was? What should I say? Got it! I typed a string of words and, closing my eyes, hit send: I’m setting people up. Interested? Smiley: Setting up what? You know, a boyfriend. No reply for a long time. What was it with her and the husky profile pic? Did they just love disappearing acts? I just sent over the Campus Queen Bee’s contact. With a caption: A cute campus sweetheart, great at gaming, super handsome, and a killer voice! These two were meant to be. I turned off my phone and focused on the lecture. 04 Smiley: ? To ensure Smiley didn’t sit around, I sent the Head Cheerleader’s contact to the Campus Queen Bee. With a caption: A six-foot-tall, aloof hunk, great at gaming, and a straight-A student! Husky: ? What did those question marks mean? Not interested? I messaged Husky: The guy I set you up with. If he’s not good, return him to me. Husky: Guaranteed? Watching Husky gradually fall into the trap, I couldn’t hide my excitement any longer. Absolutely guaranteed! Turns out, people never get tired when they’re up to no good. I then messaged Smiley: A cute campus sweetheart, return if not pure. Smiley: What kind of scheme is this? A path that leads you to both a successful career and a flourishing love life! … Ah, this should seal the deal. 05 Two days later, rumors spread across campus: the Head Cheerleader was in love. She’d spend lectures staring at her phone, giggling like an idiot. In my dorm, everyone except me was crying their eyes out. “I’m heartbroken!” “Who did the Head Cheerleader fall for?” “No news on the forums at all! I’m dying to know! Are they actually dating or not?” “Her roommates said she is, so she must be!” They chattered on, completely absorbed. I listened quietly from the side until someone noticed me. “Alex, why aren’t you sad?” “Yeah, weren’t you Blair’s biggest fan?” Turns out, one lie requires a thousand more to cover it. When I first moved into this dorm, to get along with them, I’d claimed to be a fan of Blair. That’s how I found common ground with them. I forced out two fake tears. “I’m heartbroken inside. I’m going to lie down.” “We know you’re hit the hardest. Go rest.” Only after I got into bed did I let out a sigh of relief. My phone suddenly exploded with notifications. Smiley: Thanks for setting me up. Here’s a little token of my appreciation. Followed by a digital red envelope. Husky: This aloof hunk is truly amazing! Here’s a little token of my appreciation! Followed by a digital red envelope. I shot up, wide-eyed. Holy smokes! This actually worked! I was a matchmaker now? 06 “Alex, are you okay?” My sudden movement was too loud, and my roommate asked with concern. I coughed, feigning composure. “I’m fine.” Then I quietly accepted both red envelopes. Smiley sent a generous $388, and Husky sent $1000. I’d made back the fifty bucks I’d been scammed out of and then some! This was awesome! I truly had the potential to be a matchmaker! I sent both of them a message: Wishing you two the best! When I logged into my game, I saw both their accounts were online. Just as I was about to start a match, they simultaneously pulled me into a private room. Smiley: You join too. We need a support. Wait. What was happening? Before I could decline, the game instantly started. A social media message popped up. Husky: He’s too good! I’m playing a bit poorly, and it’s awkward with him around! Was I just part of their game? What do you mean? Husky: You’re worse than me. Distract him. My blood pressure spiked, but remembering that thousand bucks, I forced it down. Okay. Smiley: He’s playing really cute, but he seems shy. He might not open up as much if you’re there. Me: … $388 is still money. I had to endure. 07 The game started. Smiley was jungle, Husky was mid-lane. And I, because I was replying to their messages, was forced to pick a healer! Early game, Husky: Go support the carry lane. Mid-game, Smiley: Go protect mid-lane. Late game, Husky: Go protect the jungler. By the end of the game, my in-game shoes were practically falling apart. After we finished, I immediately left the private room. I was just about to start my own game to relax. Husky: Are you his friend? What does he like? I want to get him a gift. Smiley: He’s your friend, right? I want to know what he likes, I want to get him a gift. Dude! Are you two really playing this Campus Queen Bee and Head Cheerleader dating game? Again, money’s hard to earn, and some things are just tough to stomach. What else could I do? I had an idea. I asked Husky: Is there anything you particularly like? I sent the same question to Smiley. Husky: I like collecting sneakers. I’m pretty athletic. Smiley: Nothing specific, just cute things. Isn’t this perfect? What were they so shy about? Did they really have to act so convincingly? I copied and pasted their exact words to each other. Not long after, Husky sent two pictures: Which one should I choose, do you think? They both looked the same, damn it. I just casually picked one. The second one. Husky: Exactly what I thought. Heh. At midnight, just as I was getting ready to sleep, Smiley: Are you asleep? Not asleep, but I’m about to break. What’s up, honey? Smiley: I want to ask him his shoe size. I sent the question to Husky. Husky: Nine. I replied to Smiley: Nine. Smiley: That… that small? I was so tired I typed with my eyes closed. Why don’t you ask him yourself? …No need. Seriously, this was annoying! 08 In the morning, I opened social media and nearly fainted. Messages: 99+. Had I committed some divine offense? These two lunatics! If they wanted to date, they should do it privately! I scrolled through and gathered they’d had a fight. Smiley thought Husky wasn’t ambitious enough, and Husky thought Smiley was too serious. They’d debated right and wrong all night, even creating a special group chat for it. The group kept tagging me, asking who was right and who was wrong. I swear, if it weren’t for the post-sales service, I’d block them both right now. “Alex, are you up?” “Yeah, what’s up?” “Nothing, we just didn’t want our crying to bother you.” My mouth twitched. “What happened now?” “You don’t know? Blair posted on the campus forum, basically making it official!” “I still don’t know who the guy is! Who could have landed the ice-queen Head Cheerleader?!” “Holy sh*t! I can’t live anymore!” I looked at my roommate, who had just sprung out of bed. “What’s wrong with you?” “The Campus Queen Bee is dating too! I’m crying my eyes out!” Damn, I almost forgot, this dorm also had a Campus Queen Bee fanboy. “What’s going on? Are all the pretty girls suddenly dating?” “They’re all taken. What pretty girls am I supposed to look at now?” “My emotional support isn’t working!” The dorm echoed with wails and lamentations before everyone finally headed to their 8 AM class. 09 During class, as I dozed off, my phone suddenly vibrated. Husky: Forgot to ask, what’s your name? I typed with my eyes half-closed and sent: Alex Quinn. Two minutes later, I shot my eyes open and grabbed my phone. Damn it, undo! Undo! Crap, why did I just give away my name? I’m screwed, totally screwed! My roommate asked, “What’s wrong with you?” “I’m kind of dying.” “Well, hurry up, class is almost over.” Husky: That’s a nice name. I’ll call you Alex from now on. I—was—DOOMED. 10. After playing dead for two days, I saw both of them post on social media simultaneously. The real Blair Thompson, the Head Cheerleader, posted a selfie. In her hand, she held a doll that Riley Vance had given her. Blair: See this, see me. And the real Riley Vance, the Campus Queen Bee, posted a mirror selfie wearing shoes Blair had given her. Riley: Never thought my first online romance would be true love. You gotta be kidding me! These are real people?! I’m truly in trouble now! My head spun. I felt like the rest of my life was going to be a disaster. Right, right, I need to break them up first. I messaged Husky: Forgot to tell you, I introduced you to the wrong person. I don’t even know that person. In my panic, I accidentally forwarded the same message directly to Smiley. Smiley: ? Smiley: What do you mean? Trying to stir trouble? Damn it! How could a person make the same mistake twice in a row?! I’m being framed! I also forgot to tell you, I introduced you to the wrong person. I don’t know anyone named him. Smiley: It’s fine, we get along, and we’re about to meet in person. Meet… meet in person?! Holy crap, are two girls dating in fast-forward? Meeting so quickly! No, no, if I get exposed, Riley Vance, the Campus Queen Bee, won’t let me off the hook. I might not get into Harvard, but I definitely don’t want to get beaten up! 11. So, I harassed them both morning, noon, and night. I became the person I once hated most. Even an outsider like me can see you two aren’t a good match! If you stay together for long, you’ll definitely argue all the time! Blair: It’s fine, I’ll be accommodating. You’ll accommodate my foot! During the debate competition, I was pushed in as a last-minute replacement for my club and Blair absolutely shredded me. I couldn’t get a single word in. Blair’s mouth was like it was coated in poison. One lick and I’d poison myself. Riley: I have a good temper. You have a good temper my butt! I still remember when Riley got into a conflict on the basketball court freshman year and, in a fit of pique, threw the ball, hitting me. I’ve had a fear of basketball courts ever since. Seeing I couldn’t argue with them, I could only say: Log on! Let’s play a game! They say gaming can make feelings fade. I didn’t believe it. I was going to mess things up so badly they’d have to break up! Blair: What are we playing? Me: Ranked! Okay. As soon as the game started, I deliberately sabotaged Riley. She immediately typed a furious message to me: What’s wrong with you?! Why didn’t you block that skill for me?! Me: I didn’t buy boots, I couldn’t move fast enough. Wasn’t it because you’re bad that you died? Riley: You were clearly standing still! All the enemy damage went straight to me! Me: Say whatever you want. I think I played pretty well. I went to follow Blair. After a few kills, Blair typed: He’s playing pretty well. Riley: Why are you defending him? Blair: I watched his plays, they really were fine. Riley: So it’s my fault then?! Blair: No, no, it has nothing to do with you. Riley: Right, right, it has nothing to do with me! Blair: I didn’t… mean it like that. My mouth was practically splitting from smiling. Argue, argue, more fiercely! I refuse to believe they won’t break up after this! 12. Just one game, and these two were already arguing offline. As I was happily drifting off to sleep, Riley messaged: Oh right, we’re meeting up in two days. You should come too. I shot up, wide awake. No way… What did you say? Meeting up? Riley: Yeah, we’re in the same school anyway, it’s not hard to meet. No way! You don’t even know who they are, and you’re just going to meet them? What if it’s… Riley: Well, you’ll be there, right? You were the matchmaker, you have to help me vet them carefully. Was it too late to give the money back? I’m not going. I have plans in two days. Riley: What plans are more important than us meeting? Oh, and I got you a gift. She sent a photo. Cartier!? Holy smokes! I’m there! I’m there! You shouldn’t have bothered with a gift. I’ll treat you all to dinner depending on how things go. I wondered if they’d even have dinner after they met. Anyway, it felt like I could save some money. At most, I’d just get beaten up, and I’ve been tough since childhood. I’ll be fine!

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The day the real heiress returned to the Harrington family, I was in a car accident. My spine suffered permanent damage, leaving me motionless, like a vegetable, in bed. I cried, wanting to end my life, but my adoptive mother insisted I live. She cared for me meticulously for a year. Until the real heiress was diagnosed with leukemia, needing umbilical cord blood to survive. My adoptive mother allowed a procession of strangers into my bedroom, and soon, I was pregnant. Looking at my swollen belly, the real heiress gloated, “Thank you for your child. The umbilical cord blood for my beauty treatments works wonders.” It took me three days to slowly disconnect my oxygen tube. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day the real heiress returned. … “Lisa, it seems the car broke down. Could you go out and check?” Holly’s voice, like that of a demon, startled me awake. Looking out at the pitch-black night, I realized I had been reborn. “Lisa, it’s too dark outside, and I’m scared. Uncle Jack, the driver, says he’ll stay in the car with me. Could you go see what happened?” Holly’s icy hand clutched mine. I instinctively recoiled, almost crying out. How long had it been since I’d felt control over my own body? Holly was the true heiress of the Harrington family, found after being lost for over twenty years. To welcome her, the Harringtons held a lavish banquet. She didn’t travel with my adoptive parents, insisting on coming with me, claiming she wanted to share girl talk. I believed her. After the car broke down on the highway, she feigned fear, crying and begging me to get out and push. But the moment I stepped out, I was hit by an oncoming sedan. As I lay bleeding and dying, Holly, who had just been crying about being scared, walked up to me and crouched down. Her face showed clear dissatisfaction. “Why didn’t you die?” “Miss, a living person who isn’t dead yet is more valuable. They can be used for anything.” The driver who had hit me whispered a few words in her ear. Holly’s gaze upon me slowly changed. She called my adoptive mother in front of me, sobbing uncontrollably. When my adoptive parents arrived at the hospital, she had already bruised her own face. “It’s all my fault for coming back. If I hadn’t, there wouldn’t have been a banquet, and Lisa wouldn’t have been hurt.” “Why wasn’t it me who got hurt? Am I bad luck, causing Lisa’s injury? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come back…” My adoptive mother was moved by her performance and believed every word. To compensate me, my adoptive mother specifically renovated a critical care room for me in the villa, with round-the-clock care. Later, Holly suddenly developed leukemia, needing umbilical cord blood to survive. My adoptive mother, influenced by Holly, wanted me to get pregnant. Countless strangers entered and exited my bedroom, getting on and off me… I couldn’t remember how many, only that I was soon pregnant. One child couldn’t save her, so I’d bear two, three… As my dignity was trampled, Holly would sit nearby, watching. “Who told you to take my place for twenty years? This is what you deserve!” She glared at me fiercely. “I want you to suffer for twenty years before you die, otherwise I can’t let this go!” Before her was my fifth newborn child. Watching the child’s neck being twisted, I bit through the artery in my wrist. My body grew cold. “Holly, may you die a terrible death…” She tossed the child aside. “Thanks for your child, I can extract umbilical cord blood for my beauty treatments now.” Her demonic smile from that time now danced before my eyes. Seeing my inaction, she urged again. “Lisa, hurry down, or we’ll be late.” I checked my phone; the time was eight o’clock, just like in my previous life. And in the distance, I could already hear the roaring engine of a speeding car. “Alright.” I looked into her eyes and obediently stepped out of the car. Ordinarily, stepping out of the car would place me on the side away from traffic, making it impossible to be hit. But in my previous life, the moment I stepped out, the driver drove off. The next second, a speeding car crashed directly into me. I had no chance to escape. The car door clicked open, and I stepped out. A malicious glint flickered in Holly’s eyes, and she signaled the driver. Just as the car door was about to close, I grabbed her hand. “I smell gasoline. The car isn’t safe; you should get out too.” I pulled her out with force. The blinding headlights from the opposite lane illuminated her terrified expression. At that critical moment, the driver was the first to react. He floored the gas pedal, using the car to shield us. Amidst the massive crash, Holly’s face turned ashen, and she collapsed directly to her knees. I ignored her and immediately called for emergency services. “Hello, a vehicle in the opposite lane illegally swerved, driving against traffic, suspected of attempted murder, please…” Holly stood up and hung up the phone. “Lisa, aren’t we fine? Mom and Dad are waiting for us at the hotel. Let’s not make a fuss, okay?” “But you’ve just returned and encountered something like this. I suspect someone is targeting you.” I feigned concern for her. “I’ll call Mom and Dad too, and have them come pick you up first.” Holly refused. “Uncle Jack, can the car still be driven? Otherwise, should we leave here first?” The driver gave me a subtle glance. “Minor issue, won’t affect driving.” “Miss Harrington, Miss Thorne, Mrs. Harrington just called to rush you. She said most of the guests have arrived, and as the guests of honor, you shouldn’t be late. We should head off quickly.” Looking at the driver, I had already drawn my conclusion. Holly had bribed the family staff from her first day back, clearly intending to kill me. I didn’t know why she hated me, because from the day she returned, I had already decided to leave. She had found her birth parents, and I wanted to find mine too. But she never gave me the chance. The moment she returned, she put on an act in front of our adoptive parents, pretending to be afraid of upsetting me. Whatever was brought to her, she always insisted I choose first. “Whatever Lisa doesn’t like, just give it to me. I like everything.” “As long as Lisa is happy, I don’t mind.” In just a few days, she had won over everyone in the villa. This led to everyone despising me after I became a vegetable. Half an hour later, we arrived at the hotel. My adoptive mother immediately noticed the scrapes on Holly’s body, and her face instantly changed. “Lisa, what did you do to Holly?” Holly’s eyes were misty with tears. “Lisa didn’t mean it, she only meant well… Mom, please don’t be angry.” Then, she walked up to me and cautiously tugged at my sleeve. “Lisa, I’m not trying to break you apart, I’m just joining you. Please don’t be angry. Next time, I’ll make sure Uncle Jack checks the car thoroughly before we leave. If we encounter problems, I’ll still be there, just like today, to keep you safe.” My adoptive parents only learned what happened after questioning the driver. My adoptive mother shot me a dark glare. “Lisa, genes truly determine everything. A bad seed is a bad seed. How could you make your sister get out to check the car?” “You know she’s afraid of the dark! Why didn’t you go down yourself? Would getting out of the car kill you?” Her gentle expression towards Holly vanished the moment she turned to me, replaced only by disgust. My already torn heart still ached. Before Holly, I was my adoptive mother’s darling; she gave me all her love, making me believe I was the happiest princess. So, when she allowed Holly’s people to restrain me, I was shocked and utterly confused. I didn’t even know what resistance was anymore, letting her caress my face, smiling as she personally tied me up. “Darling, just bear with it. Holly and I have finally reunited, and I can’t lose her. As soon as you have a child, Mom will let you go, okay?” I shook my head repeatedly, but she slapped me hard. Afterward, she tenderly applied ointment to my face. “I’m sorry, Mom was just too anxious. You and Holly are both my darlings, and I don’t want to lose either of you.” “It’s just having a child, don’t be so resistant.” I didn’t retort now, simply bowing my head in apology, afraid that if I looked up, she would see the hatred in my eyes. “If ‘sorry’ worked, what would we need the police for?” My adoptive father snorted. “Get out. I don’t want to see you tonight.” His words suited me perfectly. I hid in an empty lounge, preparing to review the entire situation. But before I could even close the door, several men burst in. My face instantly changed. They were Holly’s bodyguards, and in my previous life, they were the first to torment me! In fact, the first children I had, the ones who were killed, were theirs. “What do you want?” Several men approached, their intentions clear. The one in front had already untied his necktie, wrapping it around his hand. “Miss Thorne, we’re just following orders. Don’t blame us if anything happens…” I kept backing away until I hit the sofa. “Did Holly send you? Why would she do this?” “Miss Thorne, we don’t understand what you’re saying.” The men were cautious; no matter how I tried to trick them, they wouldn’t say Holly’s name. “We just really like Miss Thorne and want to… converse.” The leader suddenly raised his hand, and I saw the small bottle in his grip. My eyes widened. A familiar scent assaulted me—in my previous life, they used to say I was a living corpse, uninteresting. Each time before touching me, they’d make me smell something to excite them. Over time, my tolerance increased. They went from spraying it to pouring it into my mouth, even injecting it directly. This made me highly sensitive to the drug; I couldn’t forget its smell in either life. I covered my nose, afraid to breathe, but still caught a faint whiff. A familiar heat began to sweep through my body, and I trembled uncontrollably. My fingers dug into my thigh, terrified of showing any weakness. But the men had already noticed, and their laughter grew more uninhibited. “Miss Thorne, your neck is flushed. It looks quite pretty.” “I wonder if such a red neck is sweet? I can barely control myself, look at my trousers, they’re bulging…” “You’re so uncultured, just looking at her neck? I think further down is where the real beauty lies.” Their laughter was grating, and their movements sent shivers down my spine. As their clothes came off, memories from the past began to flood me. After the car accident, I was a quadriplegic. I could only lie in a hospital bed, needing round-the-clock care. Holly, who had always been healthy, fell ill shortly after I was brought home from the hospital. Acute leukemia, needing umbilical cord blood to save her life. “Mom, I’m sorry, I’m so useless.” Holly lay on the hospital bed, her face utterly pale. “If only I could get pregnant. I heard the doctor say that umbilical cord blood is the most effective. Mom, please find someone for me to marry.” “I want to stay with you and Dad forever. Even if I have to sacrifice my virtue, it doesn’t matter. I only ask to be with my family.” My adoptive parents struggled internally, unwilling for her to endure such suffering. They even considered buying what they needed. But Holly stopped them. “Mom and Dad, that’s illegal. I don’t want you to risk yourselves for me. I want our family to be together.” Her deliberate emphasis on ‘family’ made my parents turn their gaze to my bedroom. That night, my bedroom door was opened. The lights in my room stayed on all night, and my hoarse screams echoed through the entire villa. Yet, no one came to save me. The next day, the nurse, as if oblivious to the marks on my body, changed my dressings and massaged me as usual. That night, another sleepless night. It wasn’t until the nurse confirmed my pregnancy that I found a brief respite. On the day I gave birth, Holly, who had been bedridden, uncharacteristically came to see me. I watched, wide-eyed, as the blood was drained from the child in their hands. Holly looked at the blood and the child’s corpse and smiled. “Lisa, you stole twenty years of my life. Now you’ll bear children for me for twenty years.” She subtly curled her lips. “I hear umbilical cord blood is excellent for beauty. I should thank you properly for making me younger.” Because of her thanks, more men entered my room. The hellish torment lasted for years. I couldn’t even commit suicide. Until that time, I finally managed to raise my weak hand to my mouth and ended my own life. Reborn, Holly, unable to kill me outright, had prepared a backup plan! I moved around behind the sofa, throwing everything I could get my hands on. The loud noise attracted the attention of those outside. I finally found an opportunity to rush to the door and open it. “Help me!” A waiter nearby turned, and a flicker of hope crossed my face. The next second, I was dragged back by my hair. When my scalp was pulled and I was thrown to the ground, my hair also fell out. I clutched my blood-soaked hair, looking at them in terror. “What you’re doing is illegal.” “How much did Holly give you? I can double it, just let me go.” “Pfft!” The leader spat at me. “Miss Thorne is the true heiress. You’re just a bastard no one wants. You think you can buy us off? Do you even have the money?” “Be a good girl, crawl over here and satisfy me. Then maybe I’ll tell my boys to be nice to you. Otherwise…” The cold glint in his eyes cut through my skin like a knife, making every inch of me sting. Two men walked over and pinned me to the ground, tearing my clothes with one hand. The white skin on my chest further excited them. “As expected of someone pampered. This color, so good!” “Let me touch… Ah!” I bit down hard on his arm, tearing off a piece of flesh. The foul, metallic taste in my mouth made me gag all over him. But remembering what he had done to me in my previous life, I lunged at him again, biting down hard on his other hand. My hair was pulled back forcefully; I could even hear the tearing sound of my scalp. But I dared not let go—this was my only chance. Soon, the man couldn’t bear the pain and threw me aside. I seized the opportunity to shove the other man, then head-butted the last man directly between his legs. Amidst his cries of pain, I burst through the door. “Help!” I grabbed a passing waiter. “Call the police for me!” The waiter looked at me in shock, covered in blood, with a tear at the corner of my mouth. Terrified, she gasped. She quickly pulled out her phone to call. I stared intently at her actions, my heart pounding. “911…” Just as she was about to press the last digit, Holly walked around the corner. She gave a signal to the people behind her. “Lisa, are you ill again? It’s alright, I’ll have someone take you to the hospital immediately. I’ll handle the assault.” She patiently explained to the waiter that I was just sick and there was no need to call the police. My attempts to explain were completely shut down. Watching the waiter about to leave, I frantically shook off the men and rushed forward. “I’m not sick! They were trying to assault me! Please…” But the waiter had already believed Holly and wouldn’t listen to me. Despair slowly consumed my mind. Holly smiled. “No one will believe you. I’ve already spread the word that you have a mental illness.” “Mom and Dad think you’re an embarrassment. They’ve already removed you from the family tree, Lisa…” She whispered in my ear. “Two lifetimes, and you’ll never defeat me. Give up.” I stared at her, stunned, my eyes filled with disbelief. “You’ve been reborn too?” She didn’t answer me, motioning for the bodyguards to lock me up.

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At the Carter family’s charity gala, my husband’s childhood friend, Eleanor, burst in, her dress disheveled: “Grandpa Carter, you must uphold justice for me! Luke Smith’s brother forced himself on me, I can’t live like this!” “My innocence is ruined, and I have no face left to marry the Carter family’s young master!” Guests around murmured, cursing my brother as a horny dog, blaming me for his lack of upbringing. My husband, James Howard, looked heartbroken, shielding Eleanor with his body: “Lily, you know how important Eleanor is to the Carter family, yet you indulged your brother in such a despicable act.” “We can’t cross the Carters. If your brother is a man, he should come forward and take responsibility. Even if Mr. Carter cripples him, I’ll take care of him for life.” Watching Mr. Carter glare at me with murderous intent, I just smiled. Because my brother, he really wasn’t a man. 1 Mr. Carter looked at me and spoke in a deep voice: “Miss Smith, I need an explanation.” I remained completely unfazed: “Mr. Carter, actually, my brother…” Before I could finish, James shoved me aside: “Lily, any excuses are useless now. Hand over your brother, Luke, immediately!” “Let him confess his sins by severing his own hands in front of Mr. Carter, otherwise, don’t blame me for abandoning our marriage!” Everyone attending the gala today was a prominent figure in Boston. Now they looked at me, full of disdain. “The Smiths are a reputable family, both parents are university professors. How could they raise such a shameless beast?” “Young Master Carter has a cognitive disability and is only attached to Eleanor, his caregiver. Mr. Carter just announced Eleanor would marry into the family, and this happens.” “I think the Smith family is doomed. With her brother involved in such a scandal, how could the Carters let him off?” Eleanor cried even harder, trembling in James’s arms: “James, my innocence is gone. How can I ever face Young Master Oliver now…” She cried while glancing at Mr. Carter. Mr. Carter’s face immediately darkened: “Miss Smith, your brother committed such an outrageous act in my home, you must give me an explanation!” James, with an air of righteous indignation, quickly interjected on my behalf: “Sir, rest assured, I, James Howard, will never cover up for him!” “Though Luke is my brother-in-law, for committing such an unforgivable crime, I will have his hands broken and that vile thing that caused the harm chopped off as atonement!” I raised an eyebrow, looking at Eleanor: “Eleanor, are you sure it was my brother who forced you?” Eleanor’s body stiffened, her voice suddenly rising: “Lily, what do you mean? Would I really use my own innocence to frame him?” “He was so strong, I couldn’t escape no matter how hard I struggled. This was my first time, it was meant for Young Master Oliver!” Saying this, she yanked open her collar. Ambiguous red marks on her neck, and purple bruises, were shockingly visible. “I’m sorry for the Carter family’s kindness, but Luke is worse than an animal!” James immediately took off his jacket and wrapped it around her: “Lily, that’s enough! Eleanor has already been ruined by your brother, what more are you doubting?” “I’ll say it one last time, hand Luke over! Otherwise, we’re done!” The crowd also began to murmur: “What does she mean? Would Eleanor really frame her own brother?” “I think she’s just trying to deny it! Quickly, bring that beast out! Such scum deserves to be torn to pieces!” But I actually smiled, under everyone’s gaze. I called my brother directly and put it on speaker. “Since you’re so certain, let my brother come here in person. We’ll confront each other face to face.” “I’d like to see how he was such a beast to you.” 2 But the phone rang for a long time without connecting, which puzzled me. With all this commotion, everyone was in the main hall. Where had that kid gone? James immediately spoke up: “Did your brother know about his atrocious acts and run away in fear of punishment?” “Lily, do you and your brother have no shame!” Watching James’s desperate attempt to distance himself, my heart turned to ice. Married for three years, he always harbored feelings for Eleanor, his childhood friend. I wasn’t unaware. But Eleanor was the Carter family’s chosen one, and my marriage to James was also supposed to be a love match. If he was unwilling, he should have said so earlier. Why would he try to ruin my brother’s life? “James, you seem even more eager to condemn my brother than a judge.” “He’s a grown man, where could he possibly run off to on Carter family property?” I paused, then changed my tone, my voice turning cold: “Or, are you hoping my brother ran away?” James was momentarily stunned by my words, then his veins bulged: “Lily! You’re still talking tough even at death’s door! This is the Carter family estate, not a place for you to make a scene!” “Since you can’t reach that beast, don’t blame me for being unmerciful!” He turned to Mr. Carter and knelt down directly: “Sir, it is my Howard family’s misfortune to have married such an ignorant woman, and to have such a scandal occur.” “To give Eleanor justice, and to provide the Carter family an explanation, I request to use the Carter family’s security team to search the entire city for Luke!” “Once he’s caught, break his limbs and throw him into the sea to feed the fish!” Eleanor, hearing this, cried even more frantically: “James, but Luke had a knife, he threatened me with it!” Bruises on her wrist were exposed, along with bloodstains from a knife cut. Immediately, a chorus of accusations erupted: “He even used a knife? The Smiths look respectable, but secretly they’ve raised a psychopath with antisocial tendencies.” “Mr. Howard is unlucky to have such a brother-in-law, but disowning a relative for justice, that’s a true man!” Mr. Carter immediately waved to the security guards at the door: “Lock down the ballroom, gather all personnel, and find that animal Luke for me!” Dozens of guards immediately acknowledged the order. James stood up from the floor, looking at me with triumph: “Lily, when your beast of a brother is caught, I will personally cripple him, and make him pay for touching Eleanor!” I watched James’s distorted face and slowly walked to a sofa, sitting down. I picked up a glass of red wine, swirling it gently: “Alright, then I’ll wait here.” “But James, how about we make a bet?” James frowned: “What new trick are you trying to pull now?” I took a sip of wine: “If my brother is innocent, I want you to kneel and kowtow 100 times in front of everyone, and then leave our home with nothing!” James immediately scoffed: “How could your brother be innocent? Are Eleanor’s injuries fake? Is her humiliation fake?” Eleanor also sniffled and chimed in: “Lily, I know you care for your brother, but the facts are right in front of us, you can’t deny them.” “Or are you just jealous that I’m marrying into the Carter family, and purposely sent your brother to ruin my purity?” James’s eyes grew colder after hearing Eleanor’s words: “Fine! I’ll take that bet!” “If Luke is innocent, I, James Howard, will leave with nothing and kowtow in apology!” “But if Luke indeed forced Eleanor, I want your brother to break his own limbs and get out of Boston!” I put down my wine glass and clapped my hands: “It’s a deal.” “I hope, Mr. Howard, your knees will be as tough as your mouth later.” Just then, a lazy voice came from the doorway: “Whoa, quite a party, huh? Heard someone wants to cripple me?” 3 Everyone’s eyes snapped towards the doorway. A silver-haired handsome guy walked in. James’s eyes immediately flared with rage upon seeing him: “Luke, you beast, you dare show your face again! Get him!” Several security guards immediately moved to pounce. “Wait!” I shouted, standing up: “Now that he’s here, and the matter isn’t clear, who dares lay a hand on him?” Mr. Carter also raised a hand, signaling the guards to pause. My brother casually tossed his hair. Many socialites in the room stared, discussing amongst themselves: “Lily’s brother is that handsome? Eleanor got lucky, if it were me, I’d have volunteered…” “Bah! He’s a rapist, what good is looks! Worse than an animal!” My brother ignored James’s murderous gaze and walked to my side: “Sis, I just went to get you that cheesecake you love, the line was a bit long.” “And now I’m back, why does everyone look like they want to eat someone?” My heart warmed, and I looked at Eleanor: “Eleanor, look closely again, was the person who forced you really my brother?” Eleanor immediately pointed at my brother and shrieked: “It was him! He dragged me into the lounge, tore my clothes, and said even if he killed me no one would dare do anything to him!” “Grandpa Carter, you must stand up for me! Look at Luke, how arrogant he is, he shows no remorse at all!” My brother blinked, looking innocently at me: “Sis, what is she saying? I don’t understand.” Just then, a man was pushed in by the butler. It was Oliver, the Carter family’s young master with a cognitive disability. “Eleanor, baby… in tummy…” His words were slurred and unclear. Everyone was confused, wanting to ask questions, and Mr. Carter also stepped forward anxiously. But upon seeing Young Master Oliver, Eleanor’s face immediately hardened with determination: “Luke, you ruined my innocence! My belly might even be carrying your illegitimate child because of this!” “I have no face to see Young Master Oliver anymore! I won’t live!” Eleanor finished speaking and slammed her head into a nearby pillar. With a dull thud, blood streamed down. The entire ballroom erupted into chaos. “First ruining someone’s purity, now forcing Eleanor to her death, these Smith siblings are too cruel!” Mr. Carter gave a command, and the security guards immediately pinned my brother to the ground. James, spurred by Eleanor’s blood, had bloodshot eyes. He abruptly stood up, grabbing a baseball bat, and rushed over: “Luke, you’ve done this to Eleanor, today I’ll make you pay with your life!” He raised the baseball bat. Aiming directly for my brother’s groin, he swung it down! 4 In that critical moment, I lunged forward without hesitation. The baseball bat struck my back, and I uncontrollably coughed up a mouthful of blood. James’s voice was vicious: “Lily, what are you doing! Originally, if this beast broke his own hands to atone to the Carters, I would have taken care of him for life out of respect for you!” “But now you’re as stubborn as him, so don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Eleanor, supported by others, clutched her head and stood up: “James, forget it. It’s my fault for being impure and unworthy of Young Master Oliver, it’s me who should die…” The surrounding crowd began to criticize: “Still protecting her brother, Lily is hopeless!” “Mr. Howard has been more than generous, I say just kill that beast!” My brother broke free, supporting me, his voice trembling: “Sis, are you okay? Don’t scare me!” I wiped my mouth, straightening up: “James, you’re so eager to silence him, could it be that you were the one messing around with Eleanor?” James immediately panicked: “Lily, what nonsense are you spewing!” “To clear your brother, you dare to throw dirt on me!” Saying this, he raised a hand to slap my face! My brother stepped in front of me, kicking him. “Brother-in-law, are you implying I forced Eleanor?” “Even if I were blind, I wouldn’t go for someone like that.” Eleanor’s face turned ashen, and she shrieked, her voice trembling: “Grandpa Carter, he not only ruined my purity, but he publicly humiliated me! How can I live like this!” James, ignoring the pain, hugged Eleanor tightly: “Eleanor, don’t do anything foolish again! It’s not worth it for scum like him!” “Mr. Carter, please preside over justice! I want him to pay with his life right now!” Young Master Oliver nearby trembled incessantly, clearly frightened. Mr. Carter’s face also darkened: “Miss Smith, facts are facts. You’ve broken my Carter family’s rules, and you should know the consequences.” “Guards, break Luke’s limbs and throw him to the dogs!” As the security guards surrounded us again. I looked at Eleanor: “You keep saying my brother forced you, right?” Eleanor’s face was filled with indignation: “Yes! He’s an animal, a pervert! He tortured me for a whole hour in that room!” “My injuries are proof! Lily, don’t even think about denying it!” I nodded, looking at everyone present: “Did everyone hear that? Eleanor admitted herself that my brother forced her.” People exchanged glances, confused: “Isn’t that obvious? What does Lily mean, is she scared senseless?” I smiled, then turned and walked over to my brother. He looked at me in horror, shaking his head and backing away frantically. But I ignored him, and ripped open his shirt. Everyone looked over, puzzled, and then froze.

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The Halloween season was approaching, and my two childhood sweethearts, who had cherished me for twenty years, abandoned my grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, at a busy intersection. She never got to see me one last time, dying in a horrific car accident. At the same time, the internet exploded with trending news: “The Two Lexington Brothers Race for Love: Who Will Win Her Heart?” It turned out they had abandoned Grandma to compete for the right to spend Halloween with my stepsister. Liam Lexington, who lost the competition, vented his frustration at me: “It’s all your fault for constantly calling me, otherwise, I would be the one spending Halloween with Mandy!” Jerry Lexington, who won, sternly warned me: “You’re an adult; act your age. Don’t dare call me on Halloween!” After Grandma’s funeral, I looked at an email in my inbox: “Ms. Phoebe Smith, please reply to confirm your participation in the Lunar Exploration Project! If confirmed, your identity will be concealed, and you will not be permitted to contact the outside world for five years.” I calmly replied to the email: “Confirm!” 1 I was at the hospital, processing a refund for a deposit, when a familiar voice rang out. “I just coughed, and you two overreacted, insisting on bringing me in for a check-up!” The two Lexington brothers, one on each side, carefully helped my stepsister, Mandy Perry. In the past, they were the two people who cared about me the most. When I was young, my mother had just passed away and hadn’t even been buried, yet my father eagerly brought Mandy and her mother into our home. Through their deliberate machinations, my father grew increasingly disappointed in me, eventually just sending me back to my grandmother’s house. From then on, I met the two Lexington brothers next door to Grandma. They pitied me, a young girl who had lost her mother and was bullied, and they guarded me like knights, showering me with all their affection and care. They promised to be good to me forever, but when Mandy returned, they broke all their promises. They knew Grandma was my only family, they knew she suffered from Alzheimer’s, yet they still carelessly abandoned her at a busy intersection. Mandy saw me first, flashing me a triumphant smile. “Phoebe, what are you doing at the hospital? Are you stalking us? Are you keeping too tight a leash on Liam and Jerry?” I clutched the settlement statement tighter, glaring hatefully at the three people before me. Jerry stepped forward, blocking Mandy. “Phoebe Smith, what are you doing here at the hospital? You told us you were busy with work and needed us to take your grandmother for a check-up, but now you have time to stalk us.” Liam looked at me with disappointment, shaking his head: “I can’t believe you’ve resorted to lying just to get attention! Phoebe Smith, how did you become so disgusting?” Hearing them mention Grandma, my heart twisted in pain again, and I lunged forward, hitting Jerry like a madwoman. “Shut up! How dare you mention my grandmother?” “You knew she was sick, yet you abandoned her alone on the road!” Jerry gripped my hands tightly, his face dark. “Phoebe Smith, can you stop being so unreasonable?” “We kindly took your grandmother for a check-up, we just left her at the intersection, it was only a short walk home. She’s not legless, why are you being so dramatic?” Even now, they were self-righteous. Grandma treated them like her own children; for over a decade, their favorite thing was to linger at Grandma’s house, eating her homemade meals. They had even promised to take good care of her. But now, they had carelessly abandoned Grandma just to compete for Mandy’s company. I couldn’t bear to imagine how helpless Grandma must have felt, facing so many people and so many cars, all while suffering from her illness. “I truly wish I had never known you!” Then there would be no hope, then I could still have Grandma! A look of shock and a hint of panic flashed across Liam’s face. “It was thoughtless of us not to take Grandma all the way home, but do you have to overreact and erase our twenty years together so casually?” Mandy’s eyes flickered, and she spoke in a saccharine voice. “Phoebe, it’s my fault for causing unpleasantness between you three! I’ll just stop contacting the Lexington brothers, please don’t be angry with them!” With that, she covered her face and ran towards the door. Liam and Jerry glared at me hatefully, “Are you satisfied now?” Then they both chased after her. Soon after, Mandy updated her social media. “It’s easy to cheer up an upset princess; all it takes is two knights and a Ferris wheel ride!” As a child living with Grandma, my greatest desire was to ride a Ferris wheel. Liam and Jerry promised they would fulfill my wish before I turned twenty-five. But due to busy schedules, it never happened. Now, they took Mandy to the place I had longed for. Watching them so intimately, with no room for a fourth person, I forced an ugly smile. I calculated that there were six days left until my departure. The day before I left was also my mother’s death anniversary. After seeing her, I could leave with a clear conscience. From now on, I would no longer bother the three of them. 2 Countdown, day five. When Grandma was occasionally lucid before she passed, she always talked about wanting to see her old house in the countryside. Now Grandma could never return, and I was about to embark on a long journey. I thought I’d go back and see her house one last time before I left. As soon as I reached the village entrance, I saw a large bulldozer mercilessly tearing down a corner of the old house. I rushed forward, wanting to stop it, but tripped over some loose stones and fell. My arm stung with a burning pain, a large patch of skin was scraped raw, and blood mixed with dirt made it particularly messy. I struggled to my feet, limping to the bulldozer and blocking its path. “This is my house! By what right are you demolishing it without my consent?” Mandy walked out from behind a large tree near the house, pinching her nose and fanning her hand. “This old, dilapidated house is an eyesore here; turning it into a rose garden would be much nicer for everyone to enjoy! Old things should just be destroyed!” Her words carried a double meaning, and her cruel face increasingly resembled the one from over a decade ago. Back then, after my mother’s death, I was helpless and could only fall asleep hugging her photograph every night. But Mandy, when I wasn’t looking, snatched my mother’s photo, forced me to crawl on the ground like a dog, made me eat slop, and in the end, she still broke her promise and threw my mother’s photo into a cesspit! At that time, she stood before me like a demon, laughing wildly. “If you want it, jump in and get it! Dead people’s things are bad luck, and your unlucky mother belongs with the cesspit!” I ran to my father for help, but was met with his merciless condemnation. After that, Mandy and her mother became even more abusive. They would punch and kick me at the slightest displeasure. My arms and back were covered with scars from their curling irons, and going hungry was a regular occurrence. Even now, seeing her still makes me instinctively afraid and wanting to hide. The two Lexington brothers walked out from behind Mandy. I remembered once, when I accidentally bumped into a lamppost, Liam and Jerry were so worried they took me to the hospital for a full check-up, terrified I might have even a minor injury. But now, they just stood by the doorway with their hands in their pockets, watching coldly. My thoughts returned, and the fresh pain mixed with old grievances made me tremble with anger. Just as I raised my hand to push Mandy away, she let out a delicate cry and collapsed to the ground. Liam and Jerry rushed forward almost simultaneously, scooping Mandy into their arms, tenderly checking her arms and ankles. When they saw the red marks from the pebbles on her hand, Jerry’s eyes turned red. Jerry, who was usually straightforward, kicked me to the ground, looking at me coldly. “Mandy is your sister, how can you be so malicious?” “Mandy, as a Perry family member, has a say in this old house. Do you intend to monopolize it?” “Just a few dilapidated rooms, even you are not worth one of Mandy’s fingers! Go apologize to Mandy, or don’t blame me for being rough!” The usually composed Liam, holding Mandy in his arms, did not stop Jerry’s actions, and his gaze at me was filled with disappointment. “Phoebe Smith, have we spoiled you too much, making you so audacious?” An indescribable sadness filled my heart. Years ago, they too had lived in this old house for a long time. Fishing in the river, picking fruit from trees – those were the most beautiful memories of our childhood. They once said they would preserve the old house forever, and one day bring their own children back to experience our childhood. Their “forever” turned out to be so fleeting. Inside the old house were still old photos of me and Grandma; I wanted to get them back. But Jerry blocked my path. “You must apologize to Mandy first, otherwise I won’t let you in!” Grandma was gone, the old house was being torn down. I just wanted to retrieve some photos of Grandma as mementos. Jerry kicked me in the back of the knee, making me fall to my knees with a thud. Mandy flashed me a triumphant look, then turned, putting on a delicate, pitiable expression. “Liam, it’s too noisy and dirty here, let’s go back, okay?” The indifference on Liam’s face faded, replaced by a gentle expression. “Okay, does your hand still hurt? Do you want to go to the hospital for a check-up?” Jerry also rushed after her, “Mandy, once this area is cleared, I’ll gather every variety of rose in the world for you, okay?” Coddled like a precious gem by the two men, Mandy raised an eyebrow at me, silently saying: “Sister, you’ve lost again!” 3 Against her, I seemed to have never won. She always effortlessly stole my things; once it was my father’s love, now it was the Lexington brothers’ affection. Countdown, day four. Returning to the apartment I rented for Grandma, her border collie, Buddy, was nowhere to be seen. The doors and windows were intact. Buddy was a very smart dog; he would never follow a stranger. I quickly checked the surveillance footage and saw Liam and Jerry had visited before I came back. They had always been good to Buddy, so I should have felt at ease, but for some reason, I felt a pang of panic. I quickly got dressed and took a taxi to the Lexington brothers’ villa. Before Grandma fell ill, I sometimes stayed at the Lexington villa. The brothers had specifically designed a room and walk-in closet for me. I pressed my fingerprint, only to realize that my print had been deleted from the villa door at some point, and even the password had been changed. It had started raining, drenching me instantly, but the unease in my heart grew stronger. Finally, just as I was about to call the police, the villa door opened, and Liam walked out, holding an umbrella. “What are you doing here? You’re drenched, are you trying to stage a drama?” I ignored him and walked straight in. But he grabbed my arm, “Mandy’s having a party, don’t go in and spoil the fun!” Stepping into the villa, I found a crowd of men and women, snacks and empty shells strewn everywhere, and even my bedroom and walk-in closet were ransacked. Seeing me enter, a guy with dyed yellow hair walked up and put his arm around my shoulder. “Whoa, is this a wet T-shirt contest? Come here, let me feel you up!” Jerry leaned casually on the sofa, carefully peeling an orange for Mandy, not even glancing at me. I remembered once, when I was out, a man merely whistled at me, and the two Lexington brothers ruined that man’s family. Now, this yellow-haired guy openly provoked me in front of him, yet he remained indifferent. It was terrifying how heartless men could be. I slapped away the yellow-haired guy’s hand and walked up to Jerry. “Where’s Buddy? Where have you hidden Buddy?” Jerry ignored me. Mandy walked over with a drink from the bar. “Phoebe, if you drink this, I’ll tell you, how about it?” I’ve been allergic to alcohol since childhood. When I was little, I unknowingly ate some liquor-filled candies and broke out in a full-body rash, which terrified the two Lexington brothers. Liam returned, carrying a box of liquor. “Tell me, where is Buddy?” Mandy poured a table full of drinks, then challenged me with her gaze. “Phoebe, you might have thought one drink was too little. Now I’ve personally poured you a table full of drinks.” “As soon as you drink them all, I’ll tell you Buddy’s whereabouts.” Drinking this much would be fatal for me. I looked up at Liam and Jerry. “Is this also what you want?” Jerry, with a casual swagger, his legs crossed, replied, “Mandy’s wish is what my brother and I wish!” Fearing something terrible had happened to Buddy, I stepped forward and picked up a glass from the table. One after another, the pungent liquid flowed down my throat, making me cough violently. My consciousness gradually blurred, but I still forced myself to finish the last glass. “Can you tell me now?” Liam and Jerry didn’t look happy; their faces were frighteningly dark. “Mandy is going to volunteer at an animal shelter, so she took Buddy home to practice.” “But that beast bit Mandy, so I beat him and sold him!” My body swayed, filled with resentment, “Jerry, are you even human?” “That was Buddy, Buddy who was with us for over ten years, how could you do that to him?” Jerry, publicly accused by me, looked annoyed and frustrated. “Just an old dog, how much is it worth? Here’s ten thousand dollars, isn’t that enough for you to buy another one?” He pulled out a wad of cash and threw it in my face. I couldn’t stand it any longer. Swaying unsteadily, my head heavy, I stumbled out. I had to find Buddy. He was my last bond in this world, the family member who would never betray me. 4 My head grew heavier and heavier, and finally, I collapsed. In a daze, I saw Liam rush over quickly. Countdown, day three. I woke up in the hospital, my whole body itching and aching from the rash. “You know you’re allergic, yet you drank so much alcohol. Do you have a death wish?” Listening to the nurse’s incessant chatter, I looked at Liam, who was guarding the bed. “Where’s Buddy?” He looked at me as if I were an unreasonable child. “It’s just a dog, why are you so obsessed?” My emotions suddenly crumbled, and I burst into tears: “No, Buddy isn’t just a dog, he’s my family. I’ve already lost Grandma, I can’t lose him too.” Liam, who had never let me shed a single tear since childhood, stared blankly at my tear-streaked face. “Phoebe Smith, can you stop always talking about Grandma? She’s so old, why do you always curse her to die?” My vision blurred with tears, “Didn’t you two kill Grandma?” Liam finally lost his patience, “Are you mentally ill? Do you have paranoid delusions?” “You truly have a malicious heart, even bringing up your own grandmother, with whom you’ve depended on your whole life, to curse her to death and gain sympathy!” I looked at Liam and gave a bitter smile. “I wish I were lying; then Grandma would still be alive and well…” “Enough. I’m too idle to sit here listening to your nonsense! Buddy was sold to the North End Farmers Market. Go ahead and be as crazy as you want!” I pulled out the IV needle from my hand, ignoring everything, and rushed out. Liam, for whatever reason, followed me. I searched stall after stall but couldn’t find Buddy. In my disappointment, I saw Buddy’s bell hanging on the door of a shop at the very end of an alley. But I was afraid, my feet incredibly heavy. Pushing open the door, I saw several people gathered around a stove inside. “Where did you get this old dog? The meat is too tough…” In the corner, a pile of fur was stacked, a color I knew all too well. “Ah…” I shrieked, violently vomiting blood, and fainted. Countdown, day two. I woke up in the hospital again, this time with a full house: the two Lexington brothers and Mandy were all there. Seeing me awake, Jerry scratched his head, looking guilty. “I just wanted to teach him a lesson; I didn’t know the person who bought him would… eat him.” Liam sighed, “This was indeed our mistake. When you’re better, we’ll go buy you another one.” How could they speak so lightly? That was the dog that had been with me for ten years, the dog Grandma and I considered family. Even if they bought a million more, none would ever be Buddy. I couldn’t shed another tear, turning my face away from them. “Alright, alright, you can’t blame the Lexington brothers. Who told that old dog to bite people so randomly!” I picked up the water glass from the table and threw it at Mandy. “My dog was fine in his own home; you’re the ones who came to steal him! Get out, all of you, get out!” They left, sheepishly. Countdown, final day. It was my mother’s death anniversary. I placed Buddy’s fur into a box, preparing to see my mother before I left. Early that morning, perhaps out of guilt, Liam, Jerry, and Mandy waited at the hospital entrance, surrounded by various offerings. In previous years, on my mother’s death anniversary, the two brothers would always accompany me, rain or shine. “Phoebe, today’s your mom’s anniversary, let us take you!” I ignored them, simply hailed a taxi, and headed to my mother’s cemetery. They followed closely, trailing behind me to my mother’s tombstone. Liam and Jerry, seeing the tombstone next to my mother’s, immediately teared up. Mandy’s eyes darted away, and she scoffed coldly. “Phoebe Smith, it’s a pity you’re not an actress. I can’t believe you even erected a tombstone here just to make us believe your grandmother died!” Liam frowned, “Today I’m going to tell Grandma that you, this unfilial granddaughter, curse her to die every day!” He pulled out his phone and dialed Grandma’s number, but it showed as off. Then he impatiently called his assistant: “Go to Phoebe Smith’s grandmother’s house now and have her call me back!” “Mr. Lexington, Mrs. Perry has passed away.” Liam and Jerry looked disbelievingly, huddling together to listen to the phone. “What did you say? We just took her for a check-up a few days ago, how could she suddenly pass away?” “Mr. Lexington, I heard she was hit by a car on the way home after her check-up. Her injuries were too severe, and she died the same day.”

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