Great Stories, Perfectly Sized.

Obey Until I Die

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:58:54 +0800

After my family joined hands to send me to prison for three years, I start learning how to behave myself. I do whatever everyone else tells me to do.

The day I'm released from prison, my wife, Regina Johnson, sits in the car and says coldly, If you ever lay those hands of yours on Ty again, I'll

Before she can say anything else, I jump out of the car, pick up a brick from the side of the road, and smash my hand into a pulp with it.

Regina stares at the bone sticking out and goes pale.

When we get back home, Tyler Lowe, my adopted younger brother, ambushes me in the bathroom and scoffs. "So what if you're the biological son of the Lowe family? I can just as easily have you kicked out of the family!"

Then, he uses a blade to make a small cut on one of his fingers before crying out in alarm, "If you really hate me, Cal, I'll leave right away! Please don't kill me!"

Regina and my older sister, Calista Lowe, enter just in time to witness his display. Shaking with anger, they stomp on my wound with their high heels.

"You haven't changed one bit! If anything happens to Ty, I'll make you pay for it with your life!"

I nod obediently and march straight to the kitchen, where I jump into the massive meat grinder before turning it on.

The blood and bits of flesh spray all over Mom and Dad, who end up walking in right then.

Mom lets out a shrill shriek before fainting, while Dad forces himself to remain composed as he turns off the power.

At this point, even Regina, my sharp-tongued wife, can't find the words to say anything. She stands frozen, her body trembling.

When we're inside the ambulance, Tyler clings to Regina, quivering as he says, "This has nothing to do with me! He jumped into the machine himself. You have to believe me!"

It's almost impossible for me to stay conscious through the unbearable pain, but I muster the strength to nod along with him.

After failing to win over my family, I'd spent three years in prison. Later on, the system told me that if I showed absolute obedience until the day I died, I would receive massive financial compensation and be transported back to my original world.

Chapter 1

My flesh had been shredded almost beyond recognition. It took the doctors at the hospital three days to wrestle me from the clutches of death.

As my wife, Regina Johnson, stared at my heavily bandaged body, pain flashed through her eyes.

She turned to Tyler Lowe and asked slowly, "What exactly happened between you and Calvin in the bathroom that day? He used to value his life so much. Why would he jump into a meat grinder just because someone stepped on him?"

Tyler's eyes darted around evasively as he replied in a wounded tone, "I have no idea. Cal went crazy out of nowhere that day. He called me a phony, saying that I was stealing his place. He said he wanted to kill me"

My older sister, Calista Lowe, shielded Tyler behind her and shot me a vicious glare before saying, "Regina, Ty has always treated you like a sister. How can you suspect him like that?"

She turned back to me, her eyes filled with disgust. "Do you have no shame, Calvin? Ty has been nothing but good to you, yet you're resorting to a nasty trick like this to set him up!

"If you wanted to die so badly, why didn't you just smash your head into a wall or jump off a building? You obviously made this huge scene on purpose to gain sympathy!"

Recalling what the system told me, I swiftly nodded.

There were safety bars installed over the windows, so I couldn't jump from here. But if I smashed my head hard enough into the wall, I could finally be free.

I threw off the blanket and forced myself upright with sheer willpower. The bandages all over my body were soaked through with blood, yet it was as if I couldn't feel the pain anymore.

After taking a deep breath, I hurled myself at the wall with every ounce of strength I had left. The deafening bang echoed in the hospital room.

My skull split open instantly. Blood streamed down my face and blurred my vision. Collapsed on the floor, I touched the dent in my head, feeling wistful. What a shame I didn't die from that.

Just as I gathered my strength to charge at the wall again, Regina grabbed me and yanked me backward. For the first time in a long while, I heard panic and worry in her voice.

"Calvin! What are you doing?"

I opened my mouth and coughed up a huge mouthful of blood.

The next second, my parents rushed over and pulled me into their arms.

"Cal, w-what's wrong with you? You're breaking my heart!" Mom cried out.

With great effort, I forced my heavy eyelids to open and mustered a smile that looked worse than a grimace. "I'm fine, Mom."

Having recovered from the shock, Calista scoffed icily. "How long are you going to keep this act up, Calvin? You might fool Mom and Dad with your pathetic tricks, but you can't fool me! I bet you're just scared you'll get punished for hurting Ty, so you"

Before she could finish, Dad cut her off with an enraged shout. "That's enough, Calista! What kind of a sister are you? Calvin is covered in blood, and his skull is shattered, yet you're still claiming he's just pretending?"

This was the first time Dad had ever yelled at Calista, his precious daughter, because of me. Her chest heaved violently as she stared at him in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Dad's gaze landed on Tyler next. "Explain the situation properly, Ty. What happened that day?"

Looking rather frightened, Tyler said sheepishly, "I already told you what happened, Dad. Even you don't believe me now?"

His eyes reddened as he deliberately exposed the wound on his hand and wiped away his tears. His gaze flickered, and he suddenly crumpled to the floor, bursting into anguished sobs.

"Don't be mad at Callie, Dad. It's all my fault I framed Cal I was jealous of him, so I falsely accused him of hurting me. I'm responsible for everything. I'll apologize to Cal. Just punish me instead"

He cried so hard his voice turned hoarse, as though he had suffered the greatest injustice in the world. Alas, in their eyes, it made him look even more like someone so wronged he couldn't defend himself.

Everyone's expressions turned uneasy. Their gazes kept shifting between Tyler and me.

Regina's grip around me loosened slightly. She now had a conflicted look in her eyes. In the end, she pulled her hand away.

"Calvin, it doesn't matter who's right or wrong anymore. Everything started because of you. All you have to do is apologize to Ty, and this matter is settled"

She hadn't even finished speaking when my parents also looked at me expectantly. They'd set up the stage for me and were now waiting for me to accept the "compromise" they'd laid out for me.

I remembered what Regina had said to me the day I got out of prison.

"If you ever lay a hand on Ty again, I'll"

She hadn't finished the sentence, but I understood what she meant. She would cripple my hands.

Since they all insisted I had bullied Tyler, I should show some sincerity in my apology. I painfully crawled toward the fruit platter beside the bed and grabbed the fruit knife from it.

Before anyone could react, the blade had already plunged into my flesh. My wrist was sliced open, and blood splattered everywhere.

Using all the strength in my body, I viciously twisted the knife further into my flesh. A sickening crunch followed, and I could see my tendons being sawn apart.

The agony swept through my body like a tidal wave. My body shuddered violently before crashing heavily onto the floor.

Blood splattered across Calista's limited-edition high heels, and she screamed as she fell on her butt.

Tyler hid behind Mom, shaking.

Once my parents finally realized what had just happened, one fainted from fright while the other frantically shouted for a doctor.

The sound of their crying mixed with the shrill ringing of medical equipment, throwing the entire hospital room into chaos.

At that very moment, Regina was suddenly nowhere to be found.

Chapter 2

When I woke up again, Regina had returned to the hospital with the surveillance footage from the villa.

She had intended to cement my guilt for deliberately framing Tyler. Instead, she accidentally presented the truth right in front of everyone.

After seeing the footage, everyone fell silent.

Mom was the first to finally reactby giving Tyler a hard slap.

"I'm so disappointed in you, Ty! Cal is your brother. How could you do something like this?"

Dad turned away without saying a word, his eyes red. Even Regina had a flicker of remorse in her eyes.

Tyler trembled in fear, tears instantly spilling out. Looking at me, he said in a shaky voice, "Cal went to prison because of me. I was scared that he'd take revenge on me now that he's out!

"After all, I'm just an adopted son Mom, Dad, you have to believe me. I only did it out of a foolish desire to protect myself If you're upset with me, then I'll just make it up to Cal by ending my life"

After saying that, he acted like he was about to jump out the window, only for Calista to yank him back immediately.

Seeing this, the disappointment on my parents' faces was instantly replaced with heartache.

Calista looked even more devastated, as if someone had ripped her beating heart out.

"Mom, Dad, will you only be satisfied if Ty's dead? It's perfectly understandable for him to feel that way. Who wouldn't be afraid of having a ticking time bomb right beside them?"

My parents and Regina seemed persuaded. They exchanged glances and nodded.

Snorting coldly, Calista grabbed my wrist, mangled flesh and all, and snapped, "Calvin, do you still resent us for sending you to prison? Is that why you staged all this on purpose, looking for a chance to get revenge on Ty?"

The pain dimmed my vision.

"No. I've already learned my lesson over those three years. I'll do whatever you guys tell me to do. Even if Tyler wants me dead, I'll do it."

Calista didn't believe me, and neither did Tyler.

They started testing me.

Calista ripped the locket off my neck. It contained our family portrait and was the thing I treasured most. Normally, I wouldn't even allow anyone to touch it. But now, even after it was thrown to the floor and shattered into pieces, I didn't even blink.

For some reason, that aggravated her. "You really don't care at all?"

I calmly shook my head, replying, "Since you don't want me to care, Callie, I won't."

She froze.

"Mom, Dad, Callie, I'd really like to see whether Cal is telling the truth," Tyler said.

He slowly walked over to Regina and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Cal, I want to make Gina my woman right here, right now."

Regina's body stiffened slightly. She turned to glance at me, but she didn't push him away. They stood right in front of my hospital bed and started kissing.

Chapter 3

It was a taunting, possessive kissa blatantly shameless act.

When Tyler saw that I didn't react, he became even bolder and started tugging off Regina's clothes. Her face turned bright red, but after a feeble attempt to stop him, she completely gave in to him.

The sound of their gasps and heavy breathing drew sideways glances from the people outside the door.

In the past, I would've fought Tyler to the death even if he merely touched Regina's hand. But now, I remained motionless like a statue.

When the two of them finally got up from the floor, Regina's eyes were filled with disbelief. "Calvin, you watched me get intimate with another man, and you don't feel anything at all?"

I slowly lowered my head and replied, "Tyler said he wanted to make you his woman, and you didn't reject him, so of course I went along with it without protesting."

Both Tyler's and Regina's expressions cracked. My parents and Calista came back in, exchanging stunned looks as well.

At that very moment, Tyler flashed a sinister smile and said, "Mom, Dad, maybe Cal had toughened up and learned how to mask his emotions during his time in prison. Why don't we let a professional handle things?"

Calista hurriedly nodded. "That's right. I know a few instructors from an etiquette school. They specialize in dealing with defiant and rebellious people. If he can endure the instructors' punishments, then we can feel at ease bringing him home with us."

My parents hesitated, a trace of reluctance flashing through their eyes.

"Cal, it's only a small test. Just bear with it," Mom said.

I obediently nodded, my gaze still.

Soon, two men dressed in black came in. One of them pointed the tip of an electroshock baton at my throat.

I didn't dodge. I even leaned forward obligingly.

Crackling sounds filled the air as the electricity shot through my veins like poisoned needles. It felt like I had something gnawing on my bones. My entire body convulsed. My senses went numb, but I clenched my teeth and refused to let out a single scream.

This pain was nothing compared to the hellish torment I'd been put through during my time in prison.

Three years ago, I had caught Regina and Tyler kissing in the study. As I trembled with rage, I marched right up to them and punched Tyler.

"You bastard! You're just a thief who stole someone else's family, and you're even setting your sights on your own sister-in-law!"

They decided I was mentally unstablea dangerous lunatic who might kill themso they sent me to prison for rehabilitation.

Thanks to the special care Tyler arranged for me, I was locked in the darkest cell and subjected to constant beatings and humiliation by a group of hardened criminals.

I resisted desperately, clinging to life in the hopes of one day avenging myself.

Then one day, the system told me that if I remained obedient until the day I died, I would be allowed to return to my original world at once and even receive a huge fortune.

So I learned to submit. No matter how they bullied me or abused me, I never resisted again.

When the electroshock baton was finally pulled away, smoke rose from my throat as I collapsed limply onto the bed.

Tyler stared at me in disbelief before demanding, "Don't stop! I don't believe he's actually learned to be this obedient!"

The men, who were actually thugs, exchanged a look before handing me a bottle of sulfuric acid to drink.

Everyone was convinced I would finally tear off my "facade of obedience" and start raging about the injustice like I used to. However, I simply flashed an eerie smile and parted my lips.

The sulfuric acid slowly slid down my throat, scorching me from the inside. My tongue instantly disintegrated. My throat was burned through, and every time I swallowed, it felt like my flesh was being boiled.

As sizzling sounds rang out, massive amounts of blood poured out of my mouth. The unbearable agony made my expression twist grotesquely. My entire face was burning, melting into a bloody mess.

My consciousness started to slip, and I blacked out.

Chapter 4

At last, when my parents saw me lying there with smoke rising from my body and my entire face burned beyond recognition, they let out strangled sobs.

Mom covered her mouth. Huge droplets of tears rolled down her face. "Cal why aren't you fighting back at all?"

She staggered to the bedside, trembling as she stared at the charred wound on my throat.

"Did did you suffer so much in prison that it scared the courage out of you? Tell me what happened. I'll stand up for you"

She was going to stand up for me, huh? Why didn't she offer to do that when they sent me to prison three years ago?

Regina came over as well. As she looked at my facenow corroded beyond recognition by the sulfuric acida pained look came into her eyes, one that I hadn't seen in forever.

"I'm sorry, Cal" Her voice choked with emotion. "Why did you behave so foolishly? From now on, I'll protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you again"

I slowly turned my eyes toward her.

Then, I weakly shook my head and started to speak. My voice slurred and barely coherent.

"You won't. Y-You guys were the ones who sent me to prison Why would you protect me?"

For Regina and my parents, those words felt like a slap to the face.

Calista was standing to the side, her face pale, but she stubbornly declared, "Mom, Dad, Regina, don't let him fool you! He's just having a pity party! He deliberately let those people do this to him so that you'll feel guilty and take pity on him!"

Regina whipped around, her eyes red as she shouted, "Shut up, Calista! Can't you see the state he's in? They poured sulfuric acid down his throat! They used an electroshock baton on him! He almost died!"

"He should've just died then!" Calista screamed right back as she wagged her finger at me. "Look at him! He's completely insane! He'll only cause trouble for the family if we keep him around. I don't think he has learned a thinghe's just acting!"

But the moment her gaze met Tyler's frightened expression, her eyes softened immediately.

"Don't be scared, Ty. As your sister, I will never let you suffer any injustice."

Tyler looked at me and abruptly spoke up in a timid voice. "Mom, Dad, Callie I think there's really something wrong with Cal."

After a pause, he added with a terrified expression, "Do you think he has some kind of mental disorder? What if his show of obedience now is just an act? Once we let our guard down, he might suddenly"

"A mental disorder?" Calista's eyes lit up, seemingly having thought of something. "That's right. I bet he's mentally ill right now. He probably has some kind of personality disorder!

"People like him, who are good at pretending, are the most dangerous. If he can be this ruthless to himself, who knows how he'll hurt Ty once he gets the chance!"

Calista's words made everyone hesitate.

"Cal, your behavior does seem rather abnormal. It's best if we let a doctor check on you," Dad said.

A short while later, two psychiatrists hurried into the room.

Calista was the first to step forward, pointing at me as she declared, "Doctors, he's an extremely dangerous patient with some kind of mental disorder. He also has a violent streak and self-harm tendencies!"

Meanwhile, standing from afar, Tyler shot the two psychiatrists a look, his eyes blazing venomously.

An hour later, the results came out. I was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia.

The doctor handed the report to my parents and suggested that I be isolated for everyone's safety.

After looking at the report, Calista screamed sharply, "Quick! Have him taken away right this minute! Put him in a psychiatric hospitalor better yet, send him back to prison! I'll apply for mandatory confinement!"

She stared at me coldly, as if I weren't her younger brother but her mortal enemy. "A troublemaker like you will only bring disaster to the family. You should just die!"

The word "die" was all my mind grabbed onto. Instinctively, I obeyed the command.

I'd noticed earlier that one of the windows didn't have any safety bars. While Regina and Calista were busy arguing, I climbed onto the windowsill and jumped.

My body fell through the air. The wind roared in my ears.

The ground kept getting closer with every passing second. Above, I saw their horrified faces pressed against the windows.

With a deafening crash, I hit the ground like a watermelon smashed against concrete.

My skull split open. Blood gushed out, forming a pool all around me.

My Best Friend Marriage Scheme

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:28:22 +0800

My best friend asked me to conduct a blood test on her before she got married to the richest man in the city. That was how I found out that she had AIDS.

Due to patient confidentiality and her claim that her fiance would not mind, I did not tell him about her diagnosis.

Later on, he contracted AIDS as well. When this happened, my best friend went online and pointed the finger at me.

Maya Sullivan intentionally kept the results of my blood test a secret. Thats why my husband got AIDS. Its all her fault!

Even my boyfriend added fuel to the fire.

This isnt the first time Maya has set Pearl up. She only got AIDS because Maya used an infected needle to take her blood sample!

No matter how much I insisted otherwise, everyone kept hounding me about it. To avoid the fallout, I was forced to move myself and my parents to another city to start fresh.

However, in a fit of rage, Pearls husband crashed into our car and killed all of us.

He was later sentenced to death, so Pearl inherited all of his assets. She then lived in luxury with my boyfriend.

When I opened my eyes again, I discovered that I had gone back in time. It was the day that Pearl had undergone her health checkup.

Chapter 1

Maya, hurry up and take my blood. Benjamin and I still have to get our marriage certificate!

I froze for a second when I saw Pearl Hutton extend her arm. Once I snapped out of it, I realized that I had gone back in time.

Maya Sullivan, youd better do the blood test properly. If it wasnt for the fact that Pearl only trusts you, I wouldnt have brought her all the way here.

The man who spoke was Pearls boyfriend and the richest man in the city, Benjamin Leandros.

Benjamins family assets nearly reached the billions. As such, he was very demanding when it came to his partner. He refused to accept a girlfriend who had slept with another man before.

However, Pearl had spent over half a year pretending to be a pure and innocent virgin. That was how she convinced Benjamin to marry her.

In the previous timeline, I was ecstatic to hear that Benjamin was going to marry her.

I thought that Pearl really saw me as a sister. I never imagined that she would make me take the blame for her giving Benjamin AIDS.

Thinking of this, I rejected her request immediately.

You both just ate, right? I need to take blood samples while youre fasting. You should proceed with other tests first.

My boyfriend, Wyatt Lowry, jogged over after that.

Theres no such rule. Arent Pearl and Benjamin in a rush to reach the city hall? Stop being such a stickler, Maya. The quicker you get their blood test done, the quicker theyll get their results, right?

When I saw Wyatts face, the hatred I felt reached a boiling point.

I could still remember how he had walked over and stomped on my head before I breathed my last.

Maya, he had said, dont you regret not telling Benjamin about the blood test results before his wedding? But theres no point regretting it now. Even if you had told him about Pearls AIDS and prevented her from marrying him, we could still sue you for breaking patient confidentiality. You wouldnt have ended up any better! Rest in peace!

Since I had gone back in time, I was determined to make them pay for what they had done to me in the previous timeline.

I suppressed the hatred in my heart and looked over at Benjamin. If we do the blood test now, the results might not be accurate. Mr. Leandros, youve come all this way. You wouldnt want the results to be inconclusive, right? I asked.

When Benjamin heard this, he nodded solemnly. Pearl, Maya is right. Lets proceed with the other tests first.

Once they were far away enough, I immediately sent a text to the hospital director to say that I was quitting.

I breathed a sigh of relief after that was done. However, I frowned when I looked at Wyatt, who had been watching me all this time.

What are you staring at me for? Dont you need to get to work?

Wyatt grinned, but I only felt cold inside.

I took the day off so that I could spend it with you.

Although he claimed that he wanted to spend time with me, he acted more like a jailer. He even almost followed me into the bathroom.

He was obviously worried that I would run off and ruin his devious scheme with Pearl.

After making it to the afternoon, Pearl finally rushed over with Benjamin in a panic.

Maya, hurry up and take my blood. Im starving to death!

Chapter 2

Faking lightheadedness, I said, Im sorry, Pearl. I still havent managed to get a bite to eat. My blood sugar is low, so I cant take your blood now. Let me get someone else to do it for you, alright?

You cant! Two voices rang out at the same time.

I looked at Pearl and Wyatt in confusion. Huh?

Wyatt quickly threw an arm around me and said, Maya, Pearl came all this way to see you specifically, only because she trusts you. Can you bear to disappoint her?

Trust? I scoffed to myself. It was because of trust that I died so horribly in the previous timeline.

It was exactly because I trusted Pearl that I did not tell Benjamin about her AIDS diagnosis after I learned about it.

What had she done in return?

After she infected Benjamin with AIDS, she insisted that I had set her up.

If Maya had told us the results when we were doing our pre-wedding health check, I would definitely have broken up with Benjamin! I love him so much. I could never bear to infect him with AIDS! This is all Mayas fault! She wanted to ruin us all!

Even more devastating was how my boyfriend of many years had sided with her instead of me.

This isnt the first time Maya has done something to hurt Pearl. Pearl only got AIDS because she used a tainted needle on Pearl when she took her blood!

With Wyatts testimony, all my attempts at explaining myself became useless.

No one believed me. The hospital fired me, and someone even set my house on fire.

For survival, I was forced to uproot my family and move to another city.

However, with Pearl whispering in his ear, Benjamin intentionally crashed into us in a gigantic truck and killed my whole family.

After my death, I saw Pearl move into Benjamins villa with Wyatt.

It was then that I knew that they had been sneaking around behind my back for a long time.

Shaking myself out of my reverie, I pushed Wyatt away. Since Pearl trusts me so much, I should do my best. But Im not in the best condition right now. Since its lunchtime, Ill have my meal first.

I have some bread here. Terrified that I was running off, Pearl took some bread out of her bag.

I did not accept it, and Pearls expression turned awkward.

How about this? Since Im getting married today, Ill treat you both to a meal.

I was waiting for Benjamin to say this.

Due to my insistence, Benjamin drove us to a fancy restaurant.

When the waitress saw Pearl, she came over and greeted her enthusiastically, Welcome, Miss Hutton. Why arent you here with your boyfriend today?

Benjamin looked at Pearl in puzzlement.

Panicking, Pearl berated the waitress angrily, Whats wrong with you? Cant you see my boyfriend standing right here next to me?

But

The waitress had more to say, but Pearl shoved her and said, But nothing! This is my first time in this restaurant. Get it through your skull. Youve mistaken me for someone else!

At this point, the waitress could only apologize and agree with her.

Meanwhile, I was on the verge of bursting into laughter.

I only chose this restaurant because I knew that Pearl and her ex-boyfriend had always gone on dates here.

However, this was not enough for me.

I immediately took out my phone and sent an anonymous text to Pearls ex-boyfriend.

I was sure he still did not know that she had given him AIDS.

Once all our food was served, Pearl noticed Timothy Hodgeson at the entrance of the restaurant. As he scanned the place, her face instantly turned pale.

Pearl, are you okay? Benjamin looked over at her with concern.

Pearl ducked her head and nearly buried her face in her arm. She then faked a stomach upset and said, Darling, I think its my time of the month. Can you get me some pain medication from the drugstore?

I brought out the ibuprofen that I took with me everywhere and gave it to her.

I have some. Here, take these.

Pearl glared at me, and her gaze was filled with hatred. Still, she managed to force a smile. Thank you, Maya, but I cant take ibuprofen. I need naproxen.

Then, she resumed her coy act with Benjamin. Darling, please? Didnt you say youd care for me all my life?

Alright, Ill go right now!

Benjamin grabbed his keys and immediately left the restaurant.

Right then, Timothy finally spotted Pearl.

He rushed over with a knife and yelled, Pearl Hutton, you wretched woman! You gave me AIDS!

Chapter 3

Frightened, Pearl hid behind Wyatt. Nevertheless, she was insistent on denying Timothys claims.

What nonsense are you spouting? I dont have AIDS, so how could I have given it to you? If you dont believe me, ask Wyatt! He works at a hospital!

When Wyatts name was mentioned, he earnestly swore, Thats right. I can attest that Pearl definitely doesnt have AIDS.

If youre not at fault, what are you hiding for?

Timothy was well known for being a ruthless bully. He would always torment others, and no one had put him in his place before.

Even when Pearl dumped him, he managed to swindle tens of thousands from her as a break-up fee before he let her go.

After I texted him, Timothy immediately underwent a test to check for AIDS.

The moment he got the results, he rushed over with a knife.

Pearl did not want to die, so she quickly tried to explain, Youve slept with so many women. How can you be sure that Im the one who infected you? Besides, if I had AIDS, why would the richest man in the city be willing to marry me? Am I right?

However, Timothy had lost his rationality in his need for vengeance. He raised his knife and swung it downward.

As a result, the knife sank right into Wyatts shoulder.

Blood instantly splattered everywhere, including Pearls face.

Timothy realized that he had stabbed the wrong person and saw the fresh blood all around. He was so shocked that he tossed the knife aside and rushed out of the restaurant.

By then, the waiters had already called emergency services.

Looking at the weak but very much breathing Wyatt, I could not help but find it a shame.

Wyatt sure was lucky. Why could he not have been killed?

When Benjamin received news of what happened, he rushed to the hospital.

Sobbing violently, Pearl threw herself into his arms.

Its all my fault, darling! If Wyatt hadnt tried to save me, he wouldnt have been stabbed by that hooligan!

What in the world happened? Benjamin asked.

A waiter who had tagged along to the hospital swiftly replied, That hooligan claimed that Miss Hutton gave him AIDS! Thats why he was waving a knife around and threatening violence.

When Benjamin heard the word AIDS, his eyes visibly widened.

He shoved Pearl away, and his expression turned grim. You have AIDS? Didnt you say you were a virgin?

Pearl cried even harder.

Darling, how could I possibly have AIDS? That man was falsely accusing me. Hes pursued me many times, but Ive always rejected him. He must have learned that I was getting married, so he tried to kill me and use that horrible story as an excuse!

Besides, wont you find out if I have AIDS after Maya does my blood test?

With tears staining her face, Pearl looked incredibly pitiful. So, Benjamin slowly relaxed.

Youre right. If you really had AIDS, you would have tried to infect me much earlier on.

The both looked at each other soulfully while it occurred to me how much of an idiot Benjamin was.

However, Pearls lies would soon be discovered.

I checked with the doctor on Wyatts condition and learned that he was still in surgery. Anguished, I grabbed Pearls hand and begged, Pearl, you have to save Wyatt! Hes lost too much blood, and the hospital doesnt have enough B+ blood in the blood bank. Youre the only one among us who has B+ blood. Only you can save him!

A nurse came up at that very moment too. Miss Hutton, to ensure that your blood is safe and to ensure the patients health, please come with me for a blood test.

No. I cant, Pearl nearly shouted with a horrified look on her face.

We instantly looked at her in confusion. Even Benjamin was frowning.

I pushed down the delight I felt and asked her in a perplexed tone, Pearl, why wont you do a blood test? Do you actually have AIDS?

He Snitched on Himself

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:25:56 +0800

At three in the morning, my husband, Nolan Thomson, started talking in his sleep.

My baby, be good. Daddy's getting you and Mommy a new house tomorrow.

I shot awake. We'd always used protection. What baby?

I shoved his shoulder. What did you just say?

He rolled over, eyes still shut. Just a nightmare. Dreamed some client was chasing me over money.

I didn't push it. In the dark, I grabbed his phone and unlocked it.

Three months ago, there was a $50,000 transfer.

[Down payment.]

[Recipient: Kelsey Ward.]

I searched her name.

The first thing on her feed was an ultrasound photo.

[Our little angel has been on the way. Daddy says we'll be living in a big house by the time you're here.]

Posted the day after Nolan sent the money.

I screenshotted everything and sent it straight to my dad.

[Dad, your perfect son-in-law didn't just cheat. He got another woman pregnant. I want him walking away with nothing.]

Chapter 1

Dad replied almost immediately:

[That scum! Sweetheart, don't panic. I'm getting the best lawyer right now. He's about to learn he messed with the wrong family.]

I swallowed back the nausea and kept scrolling through Kelsey's posts.

One month ago:

[We finally picked out our little home today. The area is amazing! Thanks to my hubby for giving me and our baby such a cozy place.]

The photo showed her clinging to Nolan Thomson's arm at a sales office. Her dress showed off her bump, and she was smiling brightly.

Nolan had an arm around her waist.

I'd never seen him look at me that gently.

Two months ago:

[My hubby says our baby and I are his whole world. He's giving us the best life. This steak smells sooo good!]

The picture was from some fancy restaurant. On the table sat the expensive steak I could never bring myself to order.

I remembered that night.

I'd wanted to celebrate my promotion there.

Nolan said it was too expensive.

So we got takeout.

Three months ago:

[Two lines! Baby, you came at the perfect time. Your daddy and I can't wait for you!]

The picture showed her fingers laced with Nolan's over her stomach.

Every photo felt like a knife to the chest.

I cried into my pillow in the dark.

Next to me, Nolan slept peacefully, a tiny smile on his face.

Probably off dreaming about his perfect little secret family.

I stared at his face. Whatever love I had left died right there.

'Nolan, did you really think I'd never find out? I'm not someone you get to walk all over.'

I slipped out of bed, headed to the study, and turned on my laptop.

As the Jourdain family heiress, I had plenty of ways to make him regret this.

First, I needed to know exactly who Kelsey was.

I hired a private investigator and got her background fast.

Kelsey Ward. Twenty-three. Fresh out of a pretty average college. Receptionist at Nolan's company.

Middle-class family. Both parents worked in factories.

Just another girl trying to climb her way up.

What pissed me off even more?

She joined Nolan's company six months after we got married.

Meaning she'd been after a married man from day one.

Shameless.

The next morning, Nolan woke me the same way he always did.

"Babe, breakfast's ready." He kissed my forehead. "I've got an important client meeting today. Might be home late."

I forced a smile. "Okay. Work comes first."

Chapter 2

A flash of surprise crossed his face. Guess he wasn't expecting me to go along with it so easily.

"I'll probably be busy the next few days. Don't overthink it."

"I know."

I nodded like the perfect wife, while laughing inside.

Busy taking your side chick to doctor appointments?

After Nolan left, I drove straight to Horizon Tech.

As a business partner, I had every right to show up.

The receptionist at the front desk was young.

Kelsey.

She looked even younger and prettier in person. Long hair. Clear eyes. An innocent face.

You'd never guess she was sleeping with a married man.

"Hi, who are you here to see?" she asked sweetly.

"I'm here for Nolan Thomson."

I looked her over.

She had on a loose business suit, but I still caught it.

The slight curve of her stomach.

She was already showing.

"Mr. Thomson is in a meeting. Can I get your name?"

"Johanna Jourdain."

Her face changed instantly.

She knew exactly who I was.

Nolan's wife.

"Ms. Jourdain! One second. I'll let Mr. Thomson know right away."

She grabbed the phone so fast she almost fumbled it.

I heard her lower her voice.

"Mr. Thomson... your wife's here."

A minute later, Nolan rushed out with a tight smile. "Babe, what are you doing here?"

His eyes flicked to Kelsey.

"I wanted to see your office. Maybe grab lunch with you." I slipped my arm through his.

"Sure. Let's eat at the restaurant upstairs."

Way too quick.

He was already trying to get me out of there.

In the elevator, I asked casually, "That receptionist is pretty cute. How old is she?"

"Not sure. She's a new intern."

Too fast.

"I don't really pay attention."

"Oh."

I nodded, already filing that under bullshit.

During lunch, I asked if he'd been stressed lately, if he wasn't feeling well.

I kept putting food on his plate.

He looked touched. "You care about me the most. I'm so lucky to have you."

I almost lost my appetite listening to him.

"By the way," I said like I just remembered, "a friend told me about this new neighborhood. Should we start looking at houses too?"

His fork froze.

"Looking at houses? Isn't our place fine?"

"It's kind of small. If we have kids someday, we might need more space."

His face shifted.

"No rush on kids. Things are tight right now."

Tight?

Funny. Money didn't seem tight when he bought his side chick a house.

"You're right. We can wait."

I smiled and played along.

But now I saw him for exactly who he was.

That afternoon, I used the bathroom as an excuse and walked past the front desk on purpose.

Kelsey was chatting with a coworker.

"The doctor said the baby's healthy. Due date's at the end of the year."

"Kelsey, you're seriously so lucky. Your boyfriend spoils you. He bought you a house and treats you like a princess."

"Yeah. He said he'll marry me after the baby's born."

She looked like she was glowing.

Marry her?

I almost laughed.

He hadn't even divorced me yet.

Kelsey looked up and saw me.

The color drained from her face.

"M-Ms. Jourdain."

I walked over and smiled sweetly.

"You're Kelsey, right? You're pregnant? Congrats."

Chapter 3

She instinctively covered her stomach.

"Thank you, Ms. Jourdain."

"The baby's father treats you well, right?"

"Yeah."

She wouldn't look at me.

"Good. People should appreciate what they have. And stay away from scumbags."

I held her gaze for a second, then walked away.

Outside the building, I took a slow breath.

'Kelsey, do you really think staying in the background keeps you safe? I'll show you exactly what a wife can do.'

That night, Nolan came home late, smelling like women's perfume.

"Client dinner. Had a few drinks."

He let out a small burp. "I'm gonna shower."

The second he walked into the bathroom, I grabbed his phone.

Kelsey: [Honey, the appointment went great! The doctor said we could find out the gender. It's a boy!]

Nolan: [That's amazing! My son! I'll take you shopping for baby stuff tomorrow.]

[You're the best. I love you!]

[I love you and our baby too. Once he's here, we'll finally be a real family.]

I felt sick reading it.

They already had it all planned out.

Just waiting for me, the wife, to disappear.

Keep dreaming.

I put his phone back and pasted on a sweet smile.

When Nolan came out of the shower, I walked over and started rubbing his shoulders.

"You've been working hard. So many client dinners lately."

He leaned back and enjoyed it, looking way too pleased with himself.

"It's all for our future."

"Oh, right." I kept my voice casual. "I saw your receptionist today. She looks pregnant. Pretty young to be having a baby."

His body went stiff. "Really? I didn't notice."

"She looks at least three or four months along."

"Young people these days don't know how to be careful."

He let out a fake laugh.

I laughed inside but kept smiling.

"I hope her boyfriend's doing the right thing. Otherwise it'd be pretty messed up."

"I'm sure he is."

He was already sweating.

The next day, I had the PI keep following them.

No surprise there.

Nolan took Kelsey to some upscale baby store. The pictures showed them acting like a happy little family.

His arm around her waist. His hand on her stomach.

The way he looked at her

It was the same look he used to give me when we first got married.

Then it got worse.

They stopped at a jewelry store.

He bought her a twenty-thousand-dollar diamond ring.

Back when we got married, I'd told him I didn't need anything expensive.

He'd looked so touched he almost cried.

Now he could drop twenty grand on his side chick?

I saved every photo.

Future divorce evidence.

That afternoon, I went to the shopping district Kelsey always hung around and pretended to shop.

Didn't take long to find her.

She was sitting in a caf with a friend.

I grabbed a seat nearby and listened.

"Kelsey, are you sure about this? He's married."

"So what?" Kelsey looked completely unbothered. "He doesn't even love his wife. He's only still with her because her family's rich.

"He said once I give him a son, he'll find some excuse to divorce her."

Chapter 4

"But what if he's lying to you?"

"He's not."

Kelsey lifted her hand and flashed the ring.

"This ring cost twenty grand. He bought me a house too. If he wasn't serious, would he spend that kind of money?"

Her friend still looked unsure. "But what if his wife finds out"

"So what if she does?" Kelsey rubbed her stomach with a smug smile. "I'm carrying his son. That's my biggest advantage. Guys always want kids with their blood. He's not walking away from us."

She snorted.

"And that old lady? Three years of marriage and no baby. I got pregnant once, and it's a boy. Who do you think he's picking?"

Old lady?

I almost lost it right there.

I was twenty-eight.

Twenty-eight was old now?

I swallowed the anger and kept listening.

"He promised once our son's born, he'll make us official and make me his wife." Her eyes practically sparkled. "Then I'll be living the rich-wife life. I won't have to deal with anybody anymore."

"Does Johanna know about you?"

"Probably not." Kelsey smirked. "Nolan's really good at hiding stuff. Never slips up.

"But even if she finds out, so what? I have a son. She doesn't.

"I win."

Enough.

I'd heard enough.

I got up and walked out of the caf.

The second I stepped outside, I called my dad.

"Dad, it's time."

"You sure? Once we do this, there's no going back."

"I'm sure." I stared ahead. "They pushed too far. I want them to know what happens when they betray our family."

"Alright. We start tomorrow."

I hung up and watched the sun drop below the horizon.

Inside me, something was already burning.

***

The third day was Saturday. Nolan said he had a client meeting. Really, he was going to see Kelsey.

I played along and watched him pull out of the driveway.

The second he was gone, I called an emergency board meeting as CEO of Jourdain Corp.

"Everyone, I have an announcement." I stood at the head of the table, cool and composed. "Starting now, Jourdain Corp is cutting all ties with Horizon Tech."

The directors traded looks.

"Johanna, why? Horizon Tech has always been a major partner."

"Because their CEO, Nolan Thomson, has serious character issues. That doesn't match Jourdain Corp's values."

"But ending contracts out of nowhere will trigger penalties."

"I'll pay them." No hesitation. "This is about principle."

The meeting ended, and I immediately reached out to Horizon Tech's biggest clients.

Jourdain Corp had influence. I had connections. Didn't take long for people to start getting nervous.

By that afternoon, Nolan's phone was blowing up.

I sat at home sipping tea while he paced the balcony, taking call after call.

"Mr. Warren, why end things so suddenly? We've always had a good partnership..."

"Mr. Lowell, maybe there's been some misunderstanding? We can work out a new price..."

"Mr. Chase, please reconsider. Our company really needs this project..."

Watching him spiral was putting me in a great mood.

Chapter 5

That night, Nolan came home looking drained.

"Babe, work got messy today." He tried to act like he had it together.

"What happened?" I asked, concern all over my face while I laughed inside.

"A few major clients suddenly pulled out. I have no clue why." He rubbed his temples, frustrated.

"Could competitors be messing with things behind the scenes?" I tilted my head.

"Maybe..." Something flickered across his face. "A few companies have been trying to steal our business lately."

I smiled to myself. He still had no clue the real problem was sitting right next to him.

"Don't stress too much." I kept my voice soft. "We'll figure it out. Worst case, my family can help."

He looked at me like I hung the moon. "Having you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hypocrite.

If I was really that great, why cheat on me?

But he wouldn't be saying that for much longer.

***

Early the next morning, my phone rang.

Kelsey.

"Ms. Jourdain, I want to talk to you." Her voice shook.

"Sure. Pick a place."

An hour later, we met at a quiet caf.

Kelsey was wearing a loose maternity dress. Her face was pale, eyes red and puffy. She'd clearly been crying.

"Ms. Jourdain, I think you already know Nolan is the baby's father." Her voice wavered.

I just looked at her. No anger. No surprise.

That only made her more nervous.

"I never meant to ruin your marriage." The excuses came fast. "He told me he didn't love you. He said your marriage was just for appearances"

"What else did he say?"

"He said he only married you because of family interests. That there was never any real love..." Her voice kept getting quieter.

I let out a cold laugh. "And you actually bought that?"

"I..." Nothing.

"Do you even hear yourself?" I stood, looking down at her. "You thought sleeping with a married man and getting pregnant would put you in my spot?"

She instantly wrapped a hand around her stomach.

"I'll leave. If you give me money, I swear I'll disappear. You'll never see me again."

"Money?" I laughed. "How much exactly do you think you're worth?"

"Five hundred thousand..." she said carefully.

"Five hundred thousand?" My voice cut through the caf. "You think you're worth that?"

I sat back down, crossed my legs, and stared at her.

"You won't get a dime. Because pretty soon, both of you will have nothing."

I stood and started walking away.

"Ms. Jourdain!" Kelsey called after me. "You can't do this! I'm carrying Nolan's son! You can't ignore this!"

I turned back, my eyes cold.

"Are you sure that baby's Nolan's?"

Swapping Mafia Husbands

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:21:04 +0800

When I was reborn back on the day my sister and I chose our husbands, I discovered I could suddenly hear other peoples thoughts.

On the surface, my sister Amelia looked shy and composed.

However, the ecstatic voice in her head crashed straight into my ears.

This time, Ill be the first to give birth to an heir!

Then, without hesitation, she rushed to seduce the husband from my previous lifethe man obsessed with sex who gave me triplets.

Meanwhile, the cold, untouchable man who never even glanced at her in our last life was left to me.

She thought she had won. After all, choosing the man with the stronger desire should make getting pregnant easier, right?

I watched her excited figure disappear into the distance and slowly smiled.

Amelia, this time, you can fall into hell all by yourself.

Chapter 1

In the center of the hall, attendants carried over two bouquets of roses in different colors.

The black roses represented Marcus Zillmann, the eldest son of the Zillmann family and first in line to inherit the family.

He leaned back in his chair with a blank expression, like a perfect but cold sculpture.

The white roses represented Noah Zillmann, the younger son of the Zillmann family. He was the illegitimate child.

A faint smile rested on his lips, making him look gentle and refined.

Before I could even sort out my thoughts, a voice suddenly rang in my ears.

This time, Ill be the first to give birth to an heir!

It was my sister Amelia Fosters voice.

Instinctively, I looked toward her, only to realize her lips were tightly pressed together. She hadnt spoken at all.

Her eyes were locked onto the bouquet of white roses like a hunter staring at prey.

Just wait. Ill steal him away soon enough.

Her voice sounded again.

In an instant, I understood.

I had been reborn. And somehow, I could hear other peoples thoughts.

From the meaning behind Amelias words just now, she had clearly been reborn, too. Otherwise, she never would have said something like, be the first to give birth to an heir.

Sure enough, the next second, she stood up and picked up the bouquet of white roses.

Right in front of everyone, she shyly pressed a kiss to the roses. Then she walked straight over to Noah and handed them to him.

Mr. Noah, please take care of me from now on.

The headmistress of the Bridal Academy immediately spoke when she saw this.

Jane, since Amelia chose Noah, youll marry Marcus.

As soon as those words fell, unconcealed triumph flashed through Amelias eyes.

She was laughing in her heart.

Jane, this lifetime, youll be the one living like a widow!

In our previous life, Amelia had rushed to choose Marcus first in order to become the lady of the Zillmann family.

Marcus had a shark-like instinct for profit.

In just a few short years, he expanded the Zillmann family business across all of Europa.

However, everyone knew he stayed year-round in the top-floor suite of the company building and refused to let anyone get close to him.

Amelia had tried every possible method, from wearing a revealing nightgown and knocking on his door late at night to using document delivery as an excuse to enter his study.

She even sneaked into his hotel room while he was away on a business trip.

Every single time, though, she was mercilessly thrown out and humiliated like a joke.

Later, she never became pregnant.

At a family banquet, Donna Zillmann of the Zillmann family publicly declared that Amelia had something wrong with her body before directly kicking her out of the family.

Meanwhile, I married Noah.

Everyone thought I was unlucky.

An illegitimate son had no real power and wouldnt inherit much of the family fortune. But after we got married, Noah became almost obsessed with me.

Every day, he stayed by my side, shopping and eating with me and taking me on dates.

Every late night, the sounds coming from our room made the servants blush whenever they passed by.

Later, Marcus suddenly died.

The autopsy report showed heavy metal poisoning as the cause of death, but nobody knew who did it.

Noah inherited the entire Zillmann family.

And I went from being the wife of a family outcast to becoming the Donna of the Zillmann family.

Amelia became jealous to the point of madness.

She invited me out shopping, only to drag me off the rooftop of a mall so we would die together.

The moment the feeling of weightlessness swallowed me whole, I only heard her screaming:

Why do you get to live better than me?!

When I came ?to my senses, I smiled lightly and answered, Sure. I happen to like Marcus too.

I picked up the bouquet of black roses and walked toward Marcus step by step.

The closer I got, the stronger the pressure around him became.

It felt like an invisible wall of ice surrounded him.

No wonder Amelia barely dared to breathe in front of him in our previous life.

I tried to listen to his thoughts, but his mind was completely silent. There was nothing.

Instead, Noah casually rubbed the rose petals between his fingers while turning to look at Amelia.

Immediately, I heard his voice.

So beautiful Shell probably look even prettier when shes crushed.

His tone sounded gentle, but my fingers trembled so hard that I almost failed to hold on to the roses.

Marcus, standing in front of me, lifted his eyes and glanced indifferently at me. Then he reached out, accepted the roses, and pinned them to his chest.

I immediately thanked him softly, and he withdrew his gaze.

His personality was cold, but his fingers were warm.

Looking at the expressionless man in front of me, I felt safe for the first time.

Compared to Noah, who was a poisonous snake hiding beneath human skin, Marcus danger was straightforward.

In this life, I wouldnt hand my fate over to anyone else again.

I wanted to survive and get my own money, status, and right to choose.

Chapter 2

My wedding and Amelias wedding were held together, and the scale was grand.

Early on the morning of the ceremony, two wedding dresses were delivered to the estate at the same time.

In our previous life, Marcus never even showed up at the wedding.

Meanwhile, Noah had arrived early in the morning, busying himself with everything like the perfect husband.

Everyone said Noah was the one who truly knew how to care for a woman.

And this life was the same.

Noah personally drove over to deliver Amelias wedding dress, while a driver delivered mine.

Carrying the dress box upstairs, Noah smiled sweetly.

I dont trust anyone else touching Amelias wedding dress.

Amelia immediately threw herself at him and kissed him before looking at me provocatively.

Jane, why didnt Marcus personally deliver your wedding dress?

I smiled lightly.

Its fine. The wedding dress Marcus gave me was the finale piece at the Paris auction. Theres only one in the world. I like it very much.

Amelias expression instantly darkened.

Inside her heart, she sneered.

'What are you showing off for? Lets see if you can still smile once your dress splits open later in front of everyone.'

My heart stirred slightly, but my expression remained calm.

Sure enough, she had someone tamper with my wedding dress.

After she and Noah left, I picked up the dress and inspected it carefully.

Very quickly, I found a circle of loosened stitching hidden along the inside of the waistline.

On the surface, nothing looked wrong. However, with one hard pull, the entire dress would rip apart instantly.

I smiled, took out a needle and thread, and sat down to sew it back together. Afterward, I even added several hidden clasps to reinforce it.

By evening, the wedding officially began.

The entire estate was brightly lit, and guests held champagne glasses while chatting among themselves.

As expected, Marcus never appeared.

Just like Amelia in my previous life, I stood there alone, enduring the strange looks and whispers coming from every direction.

When Amelia walked over hand-in-hand with Noah, her lips were flushed red and her legs trembled slightly.

It wasnt hard to guess what they had just been doing.

The moment she saw me standing alone, her smile became even more smug. She deliberately leaned against Noah and whined in a sugary voice, Honey, my waist is so sore.

Noah immediately wrapped an arm around her as he gave a low laugh and started massaging her waist.

I knew she was doing it on purpose for me to see.

She wanted me to get jealous and lose control in front of everyone.

I wasnt stupid, though.

In our previous life, she had stormed off on the spot and made herself the laughingstock of the entire event.

Donna Zillmanns expression darkened immediately. The others also said Amelia lacked composure and wasnt fit for the position of eldest daughter-in-law of the Zillmann family.

After the wedding, Donna Zillmann made things difficult for her at every turn and found fault with everything she did.

I wouldnt repeat her mistakes.

I picked up my wine glass and smiled graciously at the guests filling the hall.

Marcus has an important business deal to handle today, so he truly couldnt make it back in time. Later, during the family speech, Ill speak on his behalf. I hope everyone wont mind.

As soon as I finished speaking, the whispers below quieted down.

Donna Zillmann, seated at the main table, glanced at me with a little more satisfaction in her eyes.

For a family as powerful as the Zillmann family, appearances mattered more than anything.

At a time like this, the daughter-in-law absolutely couldnt panic. She had to carry herself like the lady of the house.

Amelia noticed that glance from Donna Zillmann, too.

A trace of irritation flashed through her eyes.

'Bitch, what are you so proud of? When Donna Zillmann gives out the gifts later, Ill make sure you humiliate yourself in front of everyone!'

Being able to hear other peoples thoughts really was a good thing.

At the very least, whenever someone wanted to hurt me, Id know in advance.

Soon enough, it was time for the gift ceremony.

The attendants brought out two boxes containing the Zillmann familys inherited black rose necklace and white rose necklace.

According to tradition, Donna Zillmann would personally put them on us.

I straightened my back and walked toward Donna Zillmann while hearing Amelia count down in her mind.

'Three, two, one Nows the time!'

The instant Amelia suddenly stretched out her foot to step on my wedding dress, I lightly lifted my skirt and bent down to bow to Donna Zillmann.

And Amelia ended up stepping hard on her own dress instead.

Rip!

The sound of fabric tearing echoed throughout the entire banquet hall.

Her wedding dress split open at the waist, exposing her underwear and the obscene finger marks near the tops of her thighs.

The crowd instantly erupted.

Noah hurried over to shield her while awkwardly trying to smooth things over.

Sorry, sorry. We got a little carried away this morning

However, in his thoughts, he was saying, 'What an idiot. Youve completely embarrassed me!'

Donna Zillmann flew into a rage and hurled the white rose necklace at them.

Useless! Cant you even stand properly?!

Are you really so shameless that you had to create this kind of scandal on your wedding day?!

Donna Zillmann, Im sorry. I didnt do it on purpose

Amelia hurriedly clutched her torn dress and apologized, her voice trembling, though her eyes were filled with resentment.

In the end, Donna Zillmann personally put the necklace only on me.

The moment the sparkling diamonds rested against my collarbone, I knew.

This round belonged to me.

Chapter 3

Because Amelia had completely embarrassed herself, the wedding ended in a hurry.

From beginning to end, Donna Zillmann never gave her a pleasant look.

However, whenever her gaze turned toward me, her eyes were filled with approval.

She even took my hand and patted it gently.

Jane, tonight Ill make sure Marcus comes back to accompany you. You mustnt be wronged.

After leaving the banquet hall, Amelia and I ran into each other in the back garden.

She deliberately tilted her neck, making sure I could see the marks on her skin.

Jane, Noah is really amazing.

Even if I didnt get the necklace today, Ill still get pregnant with a Zillmann family heir very soon.

In her mind, she said, 'Damn it, that hurt so much. Why didnt this b*tch tell me Noah hits people while doing that?!'

Amelia had made pregnancy sound far too simple.

Noah was a playboy. He drank and smoked constantly, and he had plenty of bad habits. Long ago, he had already ruined his health.

In our previous life, Amelia saw how easily I became pregnant and naturally assumed she could do the same.

What she didnt know was how much medicine I had taken in order to get pregnant through IVF.

These past two days, she had been bragging about having a body that conceived easily and kept dragging Noah into bed over and over again.

Even Noah believed her.

I really wondered what he would do once he realized Amelia wouldnt get pregnant anytime soon

My calm expression only looked like provocation in Amelias eyes.

She rolled her eyes and turned to leave.

Whatever. You wouldn't understand, anyway. Either way, you're the one stuck married to that impotent b*st*rd Marcus.

Jane, Im definitely going to win this time!

That same night, Marcus really did come back.

As he pushed open the door, one hand reached up to loosen his tie. There was obvious exhaustion between his brows.

I quickly stood up and went over to take his coat.

Youre back. Youve worked hard.

In our previous life, I had heard from the servants that Marcus never returned on his wedding night.

Amelia had guarded an empty bed all night and became a joke to everyone.

The next day, she ran to complain to Donna Zillmann, only to get scolded instead.

Donna Zillmann said she was incompetent and incapable of keeping a mans heart.

Marcus looked at me and spoke in a calm voice.

Miss Jane, I know you had no choice but to choose me. If you dont want to get pregnant, I wont force you.

I froze instantly. Why was Marcus acting differently from our previous life?

Subconsciously, I turned around, only to accidentally crash into his chest.

The scent of cedarwood mixed with leather surrounded me, cold and clean.

I quickly looked up at him and spoke seriously, word by word.

Marcus, I chose you willingly. Ill take responsibility as your wife. Were family now, and I hope we can get along well.

A slight ripple passed through his eyes.

Alright. Ill be a good husband, too. But theres a secret I need to tell you

He lowered his head and whispered something into my ear, causing my eyes to widen slowly in shock.

I never expected that the reason he always kept his distance from others was that he was hyper-sensitive to physical touch.

And from the very moment I handed him the black roses, I had already touched his fingers

Born Ditzy: Drunk Vows, Sober Goodbye

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:37:38 +0800

I am a little ditzy all the time, and my mind is often hazy.

Three years ago, I bring home a handsome drunk guy in a daze.

After he wakes up and stares at me for a while, he suddenly says, Let's get married.

I do not feel like thinking too much, so I nod. Just like that, I spend three years as the wealthy Nolan Steele's wife. I am free to shop as I please, and I live in a luxury villa.

I just find out I am pregnant and have not had time to tell Nolan yet when he hands me a divorce agreement. "I have gone bankrupt. This is the last sum of money. Take it and leave."

At that moment, a few lines of comments suddenly appear before my eyes.

"Whoa! Nolan's first love, Celia Sanders, has returned from abroad!"

"Is he pretending to go bankrupt just to dump Lyra so that he can chase after his true love?"

"He got drunk back then because Celia left the country. Lyra is just a substitute!"

Oh? So I'm just a substitute

I nod slowly and say, "Okay. Let's get a divorce, then."

The light in his eyes instantly goes out.

I look at him, feeling like there is something I have forgotten to say.

Forget it. I will say it when I remember.

Chapter 1

Nolan Steele pursed his lips as he slid an agreement and a pen across the table to me. His eyes were a little red, and his fingers tapped twice against the edge of the table.

That was his tell whenever he was nervous.

I looked at the agreement. Instead of reaching for the pen, I reached over and touched the back of his hand, which rested on the table.

I said, "Your hands are freezing."

He trembled slightly, but he didn't pull away.

Without even glancing at the terms of the agreement, I picked up the pen, ready to sign.

Nolan pressed down on my hand. "Wait! At least read it before you sign."

He started going through the agreement with me, clause by clause. The house would be mine, the savings would go to me, and any debts under his name would have nothing to do with me. He'd even set up a fully funded trust on my behalf to make sure I would be financially secure in the future.

Comments started floating past my eyes like a livestream chat.

[Holy crap. Is this divorce agreement all in her favor?]

[I dare you to say I'm wrong in calling him the best guy in the world! But I get the feeling he really is broke now.]

[No way. In the original story, the male lead ends up loaded later]

I was practically seeing stars by the time Nolan was done explaining. I said, "I don't get any of that. The bottom line is, I just need to sign, right?"

I moved to sign again. Once more, Nolan stopped me.

His Adam's apple bobbed. When he spoke, his voice was rough. "There's one last thing. Getting divorced doesn't mean we're cutting ties completely. If you ever need my help with anything, just ask."

I stared at him, puzzled. "But you're drowning in debt. What could you possibly help me with?"

Nolan was at a loss for words and lowered his head.

I thought back over the last three years. No matter how busy he was, he would always text me goodnight. Any dessert I casually mentioned would show up in the fridge the next day. Whenever I stumbled home drunk, the light in the entryway would always be on.

My heart suddenly softened. I looked at him and said seriously, "If you really end up so broke you can't even afford to eat, come to me. I'll take care of you."

Nolan's head snapped up. His eyes turned even redder than before, and he swallowed hard a few times before he finally managed to murmur, "Okay."

The comments rolled by again.

[What's with her attitude? He literally gave her everything!]

[My heart aches for Mr. Steele. He still thinks he's not good enough for her!]

[Where's his true love? Come and comfort him!]

[This lady doesn't have her head screwed on right]

Nolan told me he'd found work on a construction site. He would be doing physical labor. The pay was good, and meals and housing were included. He was leaving right away.

He stood by the door with a suitcase in hand and looked back at me. His lips parted like he wanted to say something, but he ultimately stayed silent. Then, he opened the door and walked out.

The moment the door clicked shut, the comments exploded.

[Physical labor? Is he for real?]

[From CEO to laborer Why do I kinda wanna laugh?]

[Don't. This hurts to watch.]

[Wait, so he really did go bankrupt? Why else would he be doing physical labor?]

Chapter 2

I headed back to the bedroom. Nolan's presence was everywhere.

In the closet, his dress shirts still hung in a perfectly neat row. On the nightstand sat the business magazines he had to read every night. In the bathroom, his toothbrush was still next to mine.

I lay on the bed and thought about the past three years.

I remembered how Nolan had once stayed up all night fixing the music box I'd smashed. Whenever I woke up hungover, there would always be warm water and anti-hangover tablets by the bed.

Every time he came home from a business dinner, no matter how late it was, he would go to the guest room to shower and wash up first so the smell of alcohol wouldn't bother me.

As my mind drifted, a wave of nausea suddenly hit me. I ran into the bathroom and dry-heaved. When the feeling finally passed, it occurred to me that I'd forgotten to tell Nolan I was pregnant.

The comments turned frenetic again.

[Nolan's true love is here! She's at the villa's gate!]

I walked over to the window. Down by the wrought-iron gates stood a woman in a white dress with flawless makeup.

I opened the gates and the door.

The woman gave me a once-over, then smiled knowingly.

"So, you're Nolan's wife?" She paused. "Sorry. Ex-wife now."

I leaned against the doorframe and yawned. "And you are?"

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and started introducing herself.

Her name was Celia Sanders. Between the lines, she made it clear that she and Nolan had grown up together. They were practically childhood sweethearts. She also said that he'd gotten drunk that night three years ago because she'd left the country.

Now that she was back, of course he had to get divorced.

The comments went wild again.

[Celia is so pretty!]

[Lyra West, time to feel insecure!]

[Are you guys blind? Let's be honest here. Lyra is better-looking than Celia.]

[No girl-on-girl hate! Also, why do I feel like they don't look alike at all?]

[Same here. Is Lyra really just Celia's stand-in?]

Celia pulled a photo out of her bag. It was an old picture of her and Nolan back in high school. The two of them were standing side by side. He wasn't smiling, but his eyes were visibly much softer than usual.

Celia's tone was gentle, but there was a sharp edge of mockery in her gaze. "He's never loved you. You're just a replacement."

I stared at the photo for three seconds. "He was a little chubbier back then than he is now. His face was rounder."

Celia froze.

I added, "Thanks for telling me all this. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known what he looked like in high school. Can I keep the photo? I'd like a souvenir."

The comments started buzzing.

[That's what you took from all this?]

[I'll never understand Lyra's thought process.]

[But why is this weirdly satisfying?]

[Celia just got shut down so hard. I'm screaming!]

Celia's expression darkened, and she said coldly, "You really are something else. But you know what? It doesn't matter since Nolan has already chosen me. Do you know why he left the villa to you? Because he's about to move into my place."

I tilted my head, thinking it over. "Oh, good for him. At least he won't have to sleep at the construction site anymore. Manual labor is exhausting."

My voice was sincere and showed no hint of jealousy.

Celia was utterly speechless. As she turned to leave, she tossed one last line over her shoulder. "People like you deserve to get dumped."

The door swung shut. I leaned back against it and slowly slid down into a squat. It wasn't that I wasn't sad. It was just that my sadness always came half a beat later than others.

I rested a hand on my abdomen, which was still flat. I whispered, "Sweetheart, it looks like your dad's off to be someone else's father now."

I zoned out for a while, then picked up my phone. I wanted to text Nolan to tell him I was pregnant.

I'd just unlocked the screen when the comments suddenly flooded in.

[Oh my God! Mr. Steele really is working at a construction site!]

[He's got blisters on his hands I actually checked ahead again. Nolan really does end up filthy rich. Can someone explain what's going on?]

[Can't help you. I want to know, too.]

[Celia just called Nolan and asked for his address. She's driving to the construction site right now!]

I stared at the comments flying past before me, completely forgetting what I'd been about to do.

Chapter 3

I suddenly felt a little empty inside, so I walked over to the wine cabinet, thinking I would grab a bottle.

The comments floated past.

[Seriously? If Lyra doesn't want Nolan's baby, she can just get an abortion. There's no need to drink on purpose! Damn, she's evil.]

[Right? She's pregnant, and Nolan doesn't even know yet. He doesn't have a kid later in the plot, so this one's definitely not gonna make it.]

My hand froze in mid-air. Silently, I put the bottle back and locked the cabinet. Then, I sat down on the couch and started wondering what I should do about the baby.

My phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message from Nolan.

"Remember to eat dinner. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Don't stare at your phone in the dark, and don't stay up all night."

I stared at the screen for a long time. All of a sudden, I couldn't bear the thought of getting rid of this baby anymore.

A week later, I got a text from the bank. Nolan had transferred some money to me and included a note with it. "Half a month's salary. Use it for now."

It wasn't a lot, and the amount was oddly specific. I stared at the message, zoning out for a while.

The comments exploded.

[So he literally only left himself enough for cheap meals every day!]

[His hands are covered in blisters, yet he's still thinking about his ex-wife.]

I dragged myself up from the couch. I touched my still-flat abdomen and said slowly, "Sweetheart, I think your dad is about to starve."

Then, I walked into the kitchen. I'd basically never set foot in here for the past three years.

Before, it had always been Nolan cooking all kinds of fancy dishes for me. I only knew how to make instant mac and cheese, and I still managed to burn it sometimes.

I looked up a recipe. While following it, I almost cut my hand. I also forgot to add salt. But after two full hours of chaos, I finally managed to make a pot of broth.

Then, I went to the pharmacy to buy iodine and band-aids. From the scattered hints in the comments about the "new development zone in the south of the city", I hailed a cab and headed over.

The construction site was full of dust. I stood at the entrance in my lounge dress and slippers while holding a thermal food carrier, standing out like a sore thumb.

The comments started teasing me.

[Why does she actually look kind of cute dressed like this?]

Just as I was craning my neck and looking around, a white sedan pulled up. Celia stepped out, carrying a delicate lunch box.

She saw me, too. Her smile faltered for a second, then smoothed back into elegance. She walked over to me. "Ms. West? What are you doing in a place like this?"

Her gaze dropped to my food carrier, and she chuckled lightly. "Have you brought lunch for Nolan? He has a sensitive stomach and can't handle anything too greasy."

I looked seriously at the broth I'd made. "It's chicken soup, and it isn't greasy. I skimmed the fat."

Celia took a step closer and lowered her voice. "Ms. West, I think there are a few things you're not getting here. Right now is the hardest time in Nolan's life. What he needs is someone who can help him get back on his feet, not some clingy little ornament who can only make broth."

I thought about what to say for three whole seconds. "But he's doing manual labor right now. That takes strength, not making a comeback."

I paused, then added, "And I'm not a clingy ornament. I can make my own money I just haven't figured it out yet."

The comments were stunned.

[Celia just got roasted into speechlessness.]

[Lyra's logic is always this bizarre, yet it's also somehow impossible to argue with.]

Just as the atmosphere turned awkward and tense, Nolan walked out of the construction site. His work clothes were covered in dust, and there were band-aids all over his hands. He had sweat on his forehead.

When he saw us, he visibly froze.

Celia immediately went up to him. "Nolan, I brought you lunch"

But Nolan walked straight toward me instead, his brows furrowing. "Why are you here? There's too much dust."

I held up the food carrier and the bag of medical supplies. "I brought you soup and medical supplies."

Something shifted in his eyes. His fingers trembled slightly as he took the things from me.

Celia's face went pale. "Nolan, I came here for you"

He turned to her, his voice polite but distant as he said, "Ms. Sanders, thank you for your kindness, but I don't need it. Please don't come again."

Chapter 4

With that, Nolan murmured to me, "I'll take you home."

He completely ignored Celia, who'd frozen in place.

We sat in silence in the back of a cab. I glanced at the band-aids on his hands and suddenly said, "Your wounds have dust in them. They're going to get infected."

He pulled them back a little. "I'm fine."

Slowly, I said, "Celia said you two are moving in together."

Nolan snapped his head toward me. "She's talking nonsense!"

His voice was sharp and edged with a rare anger. Then, he realized he'd lost his cool and softened his tone, explaining, "There's nothing between her and me. I'm living in the dorms at the construction site."

I let out a hum and didn't say anything else.

Comments floated out in front of me.

[Wait, are we ever going to find out why Nolan gets so rich later?]

[Does any other male lead have it as rough as he does? I'm speechless!]

The cab pulled up to the villa. Before I got out, Nolan suddenly said, "Don't worry about the money. Just use it, and tell me if it's not enough."

His eyes were bloodshot, but his gaze was steady.

I nodded, remembering I had a prenatal checkup tomorrow. After taking a couple of steps, I turned back. "Will you be working tomorrow?"

"Yeah," he said.

"Okay. You can get back to your stuff now."

With that, I headed straight into the villa.

Before bed that night, I got a text from an unknown number. "Leave Nolan. You're not good enough for him."

I stared at it for a moment, then lazily typed back, "Are you Celia? You sent the message to the wrong person. I'm his ex-wife."

Then, I blocked the number, turned off my phone, and went to sleep.

Early the next morning, I went to the hospital by myself. I registered, waited in line, and waited to be called.

The morning sickness was worse that day. By the time they drew my blood, my face had gone white. After the ultrasound, the doctor said I was slightly anemic and prescribed iron supplements.

I left the exam room, holding the folder with my results and feeling dizzy. I just wanted to find somewhere to sit down, but when I looked up, I saw a crowd gathered near the emergency room.

I spotted Nolan in the middle of that crowd. He was sitting in a chair in the ER, his left hand wrapped in gauze. Celia stood next to him, bending over as she talked to him.

She was holding a cotton swab, trying to dab at the scrapes on his face, but he turned his head away to avoid her. She wouldn't give up and reached out to grab his shoulder. They were intimate enough that they caught the onlookers' attention.

I stood where I was and watched them.

The comments exploded.

[Holy crap! Drama alert!]

[Nolan got hurt saving a coworker at the construction site!]

[Celia heard about it real quick. See how soon she showed up!]

[Wait, I got it! I know why Nolan ends up rich later!]

I was just about to see what the rest of the comments said when I heard Nolan's voice ring out from in front of me.

"Lyra!"

I looked up and saw him shaking Celia off before striding toward me. She tried to grab him again, but he flung her off. He walked fast, taking only a few strides to get to me.

He lowered his gaze and caught sight of the folder in my hands. Printed on the front in big, clear letters were the words "Obstetrics & Gynecology".

Then, he looked up at me, taking in how pale and weak I looked. His whole body went rigid. As his gaze traveled between the folder and my face, his eyes slowly turned bloodshot.

His Adam's apple bobbed hard. When he finally spoke, his voice was so hoarse it almost wouldn't come out. "Are you pregnant?"

I blinked, trying to remember if I'd forgotten to tell him. I'd meant to ask him to come with me to that day's prenatal checkup, but he had to go to work.

At my silence, Nolan's lips began to quiver. He lifted his left hand, his fingers shaking badly. He didn't dare touch me, though. His voice was broken and raw with despair as he asked, "Did you get rid of our baby?"

Your Mom, Not Mine

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:44:25 +0800

At the beginning of a new year, I stay at the hospital to take care of my mother-in-law on my own. My wife, Yelena Lipton, on the other hand, is on a vacation with her first love, Phillip Warren, in a tropical island overseas.

Funnily enough, I'm the last one who finds out about her impending marriage with Phillip.

When my mother-in-law hears about the news, her condition deteriorates to the point she gets sent into the treatment room immediately. I have to call Yelena over a dozen times for her to finally pick up the call.

"Do you have a death wish or something? Why did you bombard me with calls? I'm in the middle of something right now, so leave me alone!"

After that, Yelena ends the call. Since then, I keep failing to get in contact with her. During that time, my mother-in-law has passed away from the treatment failure.

When I'm done organizing the funeral, I send Yelena a divorce agreement right away.

"Have you gone nuts? It's just an announcement to cheer Phillip up! Are you seriously going to file a divorce from me?"

After hearing Yelena's accusations, I reply calmly, "Mom's dead. I've already dealt with everything concerning her passing. You should come back and visit her grave."

Chapter 1

I distinctly heard Yelena Lipton gasp on the other end of the phone, followed by several seconds of silence.

"Mom's gone? H-How could that be? This is just too sudden! I didn't mean to be absent. I-I'll buy tickets for the soonest flight possible and head back right away. Wait for me to come back, okay?"

"No need. From now on, you and I should go our separate ways. There's no need for us to be tied together anymore. This is exactly what you want, isn't it?"

As I stared at the picture of Melinda Smith, my mother-in-law, I shook my head with a bitter smile.

We had failed to give Melinda a great life before she died, and even after her death, Yelena and I were disturbing her peace with our conflict. She had worked hard to ensure my marriage with Yelena was blissful, only for all her efforts to be in vain.

I could still remember the last words she had said to me. She had said that the Lipton family had done wrong by me and that I shouldn't force myself to endure any longer. She said that I should just divorce Yelena.

All I could do now was fulfill her dying wish, which just so happened to be an emotional burden of mine as well.

"Carter Chance, are you crazy? Do you find it fun to always be spouting such words? We've been married for so many years already, yet you don't have even this basic level of trust in me?

"I've already told you that I only agreed to marry Phillip to make him happy. He has late-stage cancer and doesn't have long left to live. How could you be jealous of a dying man?"

It was the same old explanation she had given me multiple times before, and I was sick of it.

She kept claiming it was all fake, yet anyone who had a brain could tell that she was lying. In fact, she couldn't even be bothered to think of a new excuse to appease me.

Phillip Warren had been in the late stages of cancer for close to a year now, yet he was still flying all over the world with her and having fun. From what I could tell, he had no problem enjoying himself, be it with the cuisine or other activities. His body seemed even healthier and better than mine.

What a medical marvel indeed.

"You can say whatever you want; I don't care anymore. I've already sent you the divorce agreement. It's already signed on my end, so hurry up and sign it. I hope that the next time we meet will be at the courthouse. There's no need for us to have any other interaction before that."

At that moment, Phillip's voice came over the line, sounding strong and full of life. He sounded nothing like a man on the brink of death.

"Lena, remember to put on that swimsuit I picked out for you later when we go have a dip in the hot springs!"

Yelena agreed as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Then, she tossed out a few half-hearted words before swiftly hanging up.

"Don't be so inconsiderate and immature. I'll explain everything to you later. Besides, Phillip is a sick man, so what's wrong with letting him have his way? As for the divorce, you can forget about it because I'll never agree to it. We'll talk about the rest once I return."

The beep of the call ending also signified the end of our seven-year marriage.

"The divorce is definitely happening, and I won't foolishly wait for you to come back to me either."

Yelena didn't hear this last sentence. I had said it for myself.

Her lack of boundaries and restraint when she was with Phillip had thoroughly worn away at the love I had held for her. Besides that, the countless times she had neglected or been indifferent to me proved that she had long since stopped loving me.

Having completely let go of this relationship, I packed up my things and left, not feeling even a shred of reluctance. On the contrary, it was like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. A breeze brushed over me, carrying with it the taste of freedom.

It was time I started a new life.

I went to work as usual.

It was getting close to the time period when promotions were given, so I had been working particularly hard the past few days. I made sure to be the first to arrive at the company and the last to leave.

As a result, not only was my performance leagues ahead of everyone else, but I also succeeded in snagging the biggest collaboration project of the season.

Chapter 2

That day, the Human Resources Department informed me that I would be promoted. All my colleagues flocked to me to express their early congratulations.

Just as I was basking in my achievement, Yelena suddenly called me.

"Where the hell have you gone? Why isn't there anything of yours left in the house? Even if you're throwing a tantrum, there should still be a limit!

"I'm utterly exhausted after the past few days, and now that I've returned, I still have to deal with a man-child like you! Could you stop acting up and just cut me some slack?"

Today was a joyous day, and I didn't want her to affect my mood. Besides, it wasn't like this was the first time I'd had a taste of her self-centered arrogance.

"We're divorcing, so isn't it natural that I have to move out? This is just perfect for Phillip, isn't it? I've already cleared out my space so he can move right in without any delays. I assume you've already signed the divorce agreement? In that case, see you later in the afternoon at the courthouse.

"Oh, right. You might as well bring Phillip along too. The city hall is right next to the courthouse, so it's quite convenient for you two. You can just go ahead and get married right there and then."

Upon hearing that, Yelena exploded with rage. After all, in all our years of marriage, I had never once talked back to her.

Back when we were still in love with each other, I could accept every part of her. Lovestruck as I was, her arrogant and conceited behavior had seemed adorable to me.

However, she took advantage of my love and grew increasingly selfish and petty, to the point that she stopped loving me.

Now that things had developed to this point, I certainly wouldn't endure her behavior in silence and let her have her way anymore.

"Carter Chance, who the hell agreed to divorce you? Who gave you permission to move out? I didn't sign the divorce agreement, nor will I go to the courthouse to divorce you! You can just give up right now!

"You knew about Phillip long before this, so what's with the extreme reaction this time? Especially since you clearly know there's no way I'm marrying him!"

A marriage was supposed to be a union between two people, so the moment a third person appeared, it was over.

This was particularly true for our case, as Phillip had been around for a long while now, and things should've ended between us long ago.

However, perhaps it was due to Melinda's illness, or perhaps it was my own indignant reluctance, but I had allowed this to drag on for close to a year before finally making up my mind.

Melinda's last words to me had thoroughly enlightened me, so I definitely wouldn't be swayed now.

"You know better than anyone else whether you still love me or not. There's no need to cling on to what doesn't exist anymore. We will be getting a divorce, and that's an irrefutable fact.

"Even if you don't sign the papers, I'll just take this case to court. You've left behind way too much evidence, so I'll definitely win the case.

"If you don't want things to turn too ugly, then just quickly sign the papers. That would be the best outcome for me, you, and Phillip."

The crash of shattering glass rang in my ear as she threw something to the floor.

I understood her too well, so I knew that after she realized she wouldn't be able to change what was inevitable, her shame and frustration would turn into anger.

Her next step would be to threaten me, but my heart had died along with Melinda. There was nothing she could hold over my head.

"Fine, you can have your way! Let's divorce! However, since we're divorced and you've already moved your things out of my house, shouldn't you also be leaving my family's company? Surely, you'll want to cut ties cleanly, right? So there's no way you'll insist on staying?"

I was instantly rendered speechless, not expecting her to resort to this trick.

I had joined Lipton Corporation immediately after graduating and slowly worked my way up on my own. By the time Yelena and I started dating, I was already a department manager.

Even after we married, my every promotion had been earned through hard work and dedication, with my achievements speaking for themselves. Successful business negotiations had brought me to the position of general manager, not my marriage to Yelena!

Today, I had learned that I was to be promoted to the position of CEO, only for her to suddenly threaten me with it.

"Yelena Lipton, the company doesn't belong to you alone. You need the entire board of directors to discuss and agree to firing me before you can do it.

"Do you think you're scaring me with that threat? Everyone is a witness to all that I've contributed to the company all these years, so don't think you can take me down that easily!"

I was confident I could stay on in the company. After all, I'd accumulated quite a substantial amount of resources and contacts over the years, and those weren't connections that Lipton Corporation would readily give up.

I was nothing like Phillip. He was a good-for-nothing who only knew how to seduce women; I had clawed my way up from the bottom with my own hands, so I was naturally assured of my position.

"It's alright! If you refuse to leave, then be a good dog and continue working for my family's company. In fact, you can stay in the position of general manager till you die! I heard that you were just about to be promoted. Well, don't you worry. With me around, there's no way you'll succeed!"

Chapter 3

Before I could retort, Yelena had already ended the call.

My mind buzzed with thoughts. The position of CEO had been empty for a long time, so it was prudent that someone be appointed as soon as possible. I was the best option among the company staff, bar none, as no one else had the right to compete with me, be it in performance or capability.

"Everyone, please stop what you're doing for a moment. It's time to announce the new CEO!"

My colleagues turned to wink at me, while the HR department staff stealthily gestured for me to get ready.

Sure enough, the saying that only real capability could carry one forward was true.

Straightening my clothes, I took a step forward.

"Let us all congratulate this candidate for getting the position, for it is well-earned indeed. That person is none other than Car"

"It's Phillip Warren!"

Yelena suddenly appeared and swiftly interrupted the announcement of my promotion by parachuting in Phillip.

Immediately, the atmosphere turned tense. The employees shuffled off awkwardly, none daring to say a word.

Yelena and Phillip's relationship had long since become common knowledge in the company. After all, they hadn't exactly been subtle about it. Be it out on the streets or in the company, they would always be holding hands. Anyone unaware of the truth would've thought they were a married couple.

Despite everyone being aware of it, no one dared to stay back and gossip about it, especially since it was a private matter of their superiors that had been publicly exposed.

"Boss I mean, Ms. Lipton, no one told me about the CEO candidate changing. This wasn't filed with the HR department in advance either"

"So, you do know that I'm the boss? This company belongs to my family, so what I say goes. Why, then, should I need to file anything? Take Phillip and get him familiarized with our internal systems. Come to me if there are any problems."

The HR department representative kept shooting furtive glances at me, clearly wanting to know what was happening and also asking me for help.

I sighed and gestured for him to leave. I would deal with this myself.

"Did you discuss parachuting Phillip in with the board of directors first? Your action is useless if they don't agree to it"

"I'm just bringing in someone from the outside. With how close I am with them, why wouldn't they agree?"

With that said, Yelena showed me her chat history with the board of directors, which indeed showed that they had unanimously agreed to her bringing in Phillip. They had even mentioned me, saying that I was getting too much attention and needed to have my edge toned down for a while.

After Yelena told them that we were divorced, they even outright stated that since I wasn't family anymore, there was no way they could allow me to take such an important position.

I couldn't believe my eyes. The company I had worked myself to the bone for for so many years turned out to be rotten to its core. My past hard work had been for nothing.

At that moment, I lost all hope, not just in Yelena, but also in Lipton Corporation.

"Carter, if you were to beg me now to rescind the divorce, I might just consider helping you get promoted in the future. I'm truly heartbroken that your mom has passed away, but that still doesn't give you the right to blame everything on me! You have to be more considerate of me too, you know!

"Apologize to me now, then promise to be good and listen to whatever I say in the future. I guarantee that your career will soar. That way, your mom won't have lingering regrets, right?"

I flung her hand away before tossing the divorce agreement and my resignation letter right in her face.

Yelena and Lipton Corporationthey were all rotten to the core. I couldn't wait to get as far away from them as possible!

"Shut up! Hurry up and sign the papers, then you and I can finally part ways and never see each other again! I want nothing to do with you from here on out!"

Utterly enraged, Yelena's face flushed a bright red. She signed the two documents, then flung them right back at me.

"Carter, you'll definitely regret this one day! I'll be waiting for the day you come begging me on your knees!"

Finally, finally, I was divorced! I was free!

A calm like never before surged through me. I ignored her harsh words and took the documents, turning to leave.

However, right before I departed, I remembered that I had one more thing to say to her.

"Yelena, don't tell me that you still don't know The one who died was your mom, not mine."

What Bloomed After Goodbye

Sun, 31 May 2026 15:51:34 +0800

On our wedding day, the big screen glitchedthen flipped to kissing shots of Caleb Gorman and his girl best friend, Holly Beech.

Holly shot up, hand over her mouth, smiling all fake-innocent.

Relax, everyone. We were just messing around. Caleb and I go way back. Guess that makes me wife number two.

Caleb smiled, soft like always.

"That's just her. No filter. Don't take it seriously."

I looked at him. Calm. "She plays kissing pics of you two at our wedding and calls herself your 'wife number two.' That's messing around?"

His face tightened. Annoyed. "It's a few photos. We've been together five years. You're really gonna nitpick something this small and not let it"

I raised a hand, cutting him off. "Yeah. I am. I'm not letting it go."

That hit him. He wasn't used to me standing firm.

I turned to the crowd.

"This wedding's over."

Chapter 1

Caleb's face went dark.

He grabbed my wrist. "Mira Massey, you done making a scene?"

He leaned in, voice low, anger barely held back.

"You even know what today is? You really gonna throw a tantrum right now?"

I didn't argue. I peeled his hand off and walked for the exit, done with this sick excuse of a wedding.

He grabbed me again, yanked me back.

"They're just a few photos. A joke. Is that really worth this?" His voice edged with impatience. "Think about the bigger picture. Our families are here. Everyone's watching. You make a scene, what are people gonna think?"

I snapped my head toward him.

"A scene? Open your eyes. Who's making a scene here?"

The giant screen still blasted those photos.

He and Hollylocked together, way too close.

Caleb's eyes flickered. His voice softened, but it was the same excuse.

"It was just a game. A punishment. We were drunk. Nothing happened. We've been together five years. Can't you give me that much trust?"

He dipped his head, almost coaxing.

"We're about to exchange rings. Whatever it is, let me explain after the wedding, okay?"

I frowned at him. "It's been five years. When have I ever not trusted you? And when have you ever actually explained anything?"

They went to movies alone.

Talked late into the night.

When Holly got sick, he left me to take care of her.

They'd crossed the line a long time ago.

Every time I called it out, he brushed it off. "Trust me."

And nowour wedding dayshe blasts kissing pics, and he still wants trust.

Caleb went quiet.

A beat later, he pulled the line that always made me sick.

"I know your family messed you up. You're insecure, sensitive, suspicious. I don't blame you. But don't let that ruin the wedding we've been waiting for."

Five years.

Every time Holly came up, he dragged my family into it.

Said he felt bad for me. Said I grew up without love. Said I overthink. Doubt everything.

So yeahsome nights, I lay there wondering if he was right.

If I was too sensitive.

Now I know.

I'm not.

Chapter 2

It wasn't anything new. Just Caleb leaning on the same excuse that always worked.

My family? His free pass to do whatever he wanted.

Deep down, he really believed he was above me. Like marrying me was him settling.

Only now did it click. This whole thing was never equal. It should've ended a long time ago.

I took a breath, swallowing the lump in my throat, and nodded.

"You're right." My voice came out calmtoo calm. "With a family like mine, I'm not worthy of you, Caleb. So yeah... 'Mrs. Gorman'? I'll pass. Give it to whoever you think fits better."

A flicker of panic crossed Caleb's eyes. "Mira, that's not what I meant"

He didn't get to finish.

Holly stood, walked straight over.

White strapless gown. Full skirt. Flawless makeup. She looked like a second bride.

She stopped between us, fake surprise all over her face.

"Mira, you're not seriously mad over something this small, are you?"

I glanced at her. Said nothing.

She rolled her eyes, annoyed. "Why are you so petty? It's just a few photos. That's how we joke. Keep this up, Caleb's friends won't like you."

She paused, then raised her voice on purpose.

"Besides, Caleb and I grew up together. We even slept naked next to each other as kids. Don't tell me you're jealous of that too?"

The room started buzzing.

Caleb's face darkened.

Disgust hit. I stepped around her, ready to leave.

Holly slid in front of me, blocking me hard. "You can't leave. As Caleb's best bro, I'm not letting you walk out like this. If you leave, what does that do to his image?"

I let out a short laugh.

"When you played those kissing pics and smiled, calling yourself his 'wife number two,' did you think about his image then?"

Her face went pale. She shut up.

A second later, like she had nothing left to lose, she planted herself in front of me.

"I don't care! You're finishing this wedding today. If not, you're not leaving this place!"

The anger I'd been holding snapped.

"Move!"

She froze.

Then Caleb stepped in, pulling Holly behind him. The look he gave mepure blame.

"Mira, if you're mad, take it out on me. Don't make it hard for her!"

I slowly lifted my eyes to him.

"Make it hard for her? Caleb Gorman, open your eyes. From start to finish, who's been making it hard for whom?"

I ripped off the diamond ring we were about to exchange and hurled it at their feet.

It hit the floor with a sharp crack.

I looked at them, voice steady. "You care about each other that much? Then you two can finish the wedding."

Caleb's brows pulled tight. "Stop being ridiculous!"

Holly scoffed, all attitude. "If my existence bothers you that much, fine. I'll cut Caleb off. As long as you finish the wedding, I swear I'll never show up in front of you again. That should make you feel better, right?"

Chapter 3

She made a whole show of leaving, looking wronged.

Caleb grabbed her wrist. "Holly, we've known each other for over twenty years. How are we supposed to just cut ties?"

She spun back, pointing at me, voice sharp with resentment. "Then what do you want me to do? Your bride treats me like I'm trying to steal her place. If I don't leave, what am I supposed to do? This way, she can finally get married in peace, right?"

Every word hit like an accusation.

Like I was the problem. The one making a scene. The one pushing her out.

I didn't have it in me to argue. Didn't want to watch their act anymore.

I walked out without looking back.

Caleb came after me.

Outside the hotel, he caught up, already impatient.

"If you're still upset, fine. We'll postpone the wedding. When you calm down, we'll do it again."

I let out a sharp laugh. "Do it again? Next time is she putting your bed pics on the big screen?"

"Mira!" His face went red. "Take one more step, and you deal with the consequences."

I stopped, looked at him, confused.

He caught thatand leaned in.

"Your dad just asked me for money. I already lined up a job for your brother. You walk away now? No money. Job's gone."

I froze.

I had no idea when my family went to himor that he'd been doing all this behind my back.

"What did you just say?"

He thought I was playing dumb.

"Stop acting." He stepped closer. "Come back with me, and we forget this ever happened. Walk away, and think about what happens to your family."

I stared at him. Familiaryet not at all.

After a long beat, I laughed, eyes stinging.

"You disgust me."

I didn't look at him again. I got in the car and drove off, no hesitation, leaving that humiliation behind.

At a red light, my phone buzzed twice.

One messagefrom Caleb.

[Mira, all these years, the only person I've loved is you. The only woman who'll ever be my wife is you.]

A dull ache hit my chest, knocking the air out of me.

Caleb loved me.

And he also thought he was the best I'd ever get.

That's why he was so sure I wouldn't leave.

Why he stayed too close to Hollyno boundaries.

Why he brushed off every complaint.

Why I was the "immature" one every time I got hurt.

Why, even today, he let her humiliate me in public.

He thought as long as he had money and power, as long as he could help my family, I should be gratefuljust accept everything.

If this marriage went through, I could already see the ending.

Endless compromise.

Endless resentment.

Endless favoritism.

And in the endruin.

The other notification was an email from my mentor, Pierre Creighton.

He was inviting meagainto study abroad. Said with my eye for fashion, I shouldn't throw away my shot to grow.

The email sat there in my inbox, like the one bright spot in all this mess.

***

I drove back to my small rented apartment.

Not big, but clean, quietmine.

I turned off my phone, peeled off the heavy wedding dress, and washed the makeup off my face.

Chapter 4

Then I collapsed onto the bed and passed out.

I don't know how long I slept. Violent pounding on the door yanked me awake.

"Mira! Open up! Now!"

I rubbed my throbbing forehead and dragged myself to the door.

Outsidemy dad, hooked on gambling, and my younger brother, Brandon.

The second my dad walked in, he lit a cigarette like he owned the place, smoke drifting everywhere.

The small living room filled up fast.

Brandon dropped onto my couch, slouched like he didn't care.

My dad took a drag and went off. "What was that today? A perfectly good wedding, and you just canceled it? You trying to kill me?

"Your mom died too earlyno one taught you. A daughter obeys her father, then her husband.

"The Gormans have everything. They didn't even look down on us, and you still humiliated them."

Brandon chimed in, lazy as ever. "Mira, I'm the only son. I carry the family name. Caleb said once you married him, he'd back me, set me up. You're supposed to support me. Now you wrecked the weddingwhat am I supposed to do?"

Their logic wore me out.

"Support you?" I let out a cold laugh. "When you blew tens of thousands and Dad racked up gambling debt, who paid it back, piece by piece? Me.

"So how am I supposed to support you? You're a lost causeand I'm still expected to fix you?"

They went quiet. Then one look at each otherand they switched tactics.

My dad crushed his cigarette and sighed, putting on a sad act. "Mira, I'm old. My health's bad. Debt collectors show up every day. If I can't pay, they'll beat me to death. You really gonna watch me die?"

Brandon sat up, suddenly tense. "If I can't pay my debts, I'll get blacklisted. My life's over. Our family's done!"

"That's on you," I said, cold. "Dad, I told you to stop gambling. Brandon, I told you to stay out of those bad investments. Did either of you listen?"

My dad slapped his thigh, stubborn as ever. "I don't care! You're this family's daughter. You take care of us! Call Caleb. Apologize. Make up with him. Only if you get back together will he help us pay it off!"

Brandon piled on. "Yeah, call him. Hurry up. You're just a womanhow much can you even make? Only Caleb can save us!"

When I stayed quiet, my dad sighed again. "How about this? Call Caleb. Have him come get you. Gives you a way out."

Brandon nodded fast. "Yeah, have him pick you up. Saves your pride too."

Like what Caleb did didn't matter at all.

Right then, whatever I had left for themgone.

I nodded. "Fine. I'll call."

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't touched in five years.

It rang a few times.

I took a breath. My voice came out calm. Steady.

"Come get me tomorrow."

***

After I hung up, Dad and Brandon both let out long sighs, smiling like they'd won.

Then they started in on me all over again.

Chapter 5

"You can't pull that again. A family like the Gormans? Plenty of girls want in."

"You're lucky Caleb's patient enough to put up with you. Anyone else would've dumped you."

"We're doing this for you. Don't act ungrateful."

I tuned them out, stood up. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."

Neither of them moved.

Dad frowned. "Debt collectors are all over our place. We go back, we're getting beaten. We'll stay here tonight."

Brandon stretched out on the couch like he owned it. "Anyway, Caleb's picking you up tomorrow. Once the debts are paid, we'll go home. One night won't kill us."

I didn't argue.

It was my last night here anyway.

I turned and went into the bedroom, closing the door behind me.

Not long after, my phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:

[Your flight details have been sent to your phone. I'll be waiting at Parisse Airport.]

My fingers paused for a second.

Then I typed back one word:

[Okay.]

Late that night, I packed a small suitcasejust my ID, bank cards, and a few changes of clothes.

In the safe sat the blue diamond Caleb bought when he made his first real money.

Under the warm light, it sparkled.

Back then, he said he'd buy me diamonds forever. I'd been happy for a long time.

Now it just felt flashy. Empty.

I left it behind.

Outside, Dad and Brandon snored.

I opened the door quietly, shut it just as softlike slipping out of chains.

The plane lifted, cut through the clouds.

The city shrank beneath me until it blurred out.

I closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, all I felt was calm.

Relief.

***

More than ten hours later, the plane landed in Parisse, Francia.

I turned on my phone and pulled up the apartment feed.

Clear as day.

Caleb stood in my living room in a sharp suit, face blank.

Holly stood right next to him.

On the screen, Dad and Brandon hoveredpouring tea, waiting on him, practically groveling.

Caleb had never been this polite to my dad before. He took the cup and gave a small nod. "Thanks, Robert."

That one "thanks" had Dad smiling ear to ear, wrinkles deepening.

Caleb didn't waste time. "Yesterday was on me and Holly. I brought her to apologize to Miraand take her home."

Dad nodded fast. "I told you, couples fight and make up. No one stays mad forever. Don't worryI already scolded her. She won't pull something like that again."

He rubbed his hands, voice turning eager. "About what I mentioned... when do you think that'll go through? Not rushingjust... Brandon and I need to get home"

Caleb cut him off, impatient. "Let me take Mira back first."

Dad let out an awkward laugh, turned to Brandon.

"What are you waiting for? Go get your sister."

Brandon nodded and rushed to my room, pushing the door open.

A few seconds later, he came running back, face pale, panic in his voice.

"Dad, this is bad! Mirashe's not in her room. She's gone!"

Her Perfect Trap

Sun, 31 May 2026 10:05:14 +0800

My classmate Bianca and I have the same taste. She wants every man Ive ever dated.

She says Im too naive. That I don't see how powerful men think. She calls it testing them for me.

She says shes helping. Then she sleeps with my boyfriend.

Then she rubs it in my face.

See? I told you that you cant handle them. These men are sharks. If it wasnt for me, youd have been eaten alive by now.

I choked on my rage. I said nothing.

This time, I went behind her back. I went after the king of New York's underworld.

When she found out, she made her move.

But she has no idea. This man isn't my endgame. He's the trap I set for her.

Chapter 1

After stealing my boyfriend again, Bianca flaunted the hickeys on her neck and the expensive watch right in my face.

"This watch looks so much better on me."

Bianca held up her wrist. The Patek Philippe glittered in the sunlight streaming into the Columbia University library.

The pen in my hand nearly snapped.

That was the limited-edition watch Nico gave me last month.

"Bianca, you"

"Oh, right. This was yours." She cut me off, her smile a mix of fake innocence and pure smugness. "But Nico agrees. He said it just... fits my vibe better. He texted me last night. Said he's never met a girl with taste like mine."

The whole library could feel the tension. Students around us exchanged knowing glances.

"Here we go again," Sarah muttered.

"Bianca is such a good friend. She always shows Viviana what these guys are really like," Emma added.

"Exactly," Jessica nodded. "If Bianca didn't sacrifice herself to test them, Viviana would be wrapped around some playboy's little finger."

My nails left crescent moons in my palms. I almost drew blood.

Bianca tilted her head, her eyes full of fake pity.

"Bella, I know you're mad. But Im just trying to protect you." She sighed. "You're just too sweet, Bella. You can't see what these men are really like. They just want to play with you. They're never for real."

"Yeah, Nico even got your birthday wrong," Sarah said, dead serious. "You can tell a guy like that is bad news."

I clenched my jaw and said nothing.

I knew the truth.

Bianca had sent the same picture to every rich kid who ever asked me out: a private photo of herself, half-naked on silk sheets.

The caption was always the same: Want to know how boring Viviana is?

It worked every time. Every single time, it made me look like a fool who was completely in the dark.

But I had to take it.

Suddenly, the whispers in the library grew louder.

"Oh my god, look outside!"

"Is that Matteo Falcone?"

"It really is him! What is he doing on campus?"

I looked out the window.

Matteo Falcone moved down the main path like he owned the place.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit. Two men, clearly bodyguards, followed close behind.

The whole campus was buzzing.

Students were sneaking pictures with their phones, but no one dared get close.

This man controlled half of New York's underworld. Publicly, he was the CEO of a revolutionary biotech company.

Every time he showed up in public, he made the front page of the business section.

And now, he was at Columbia.

Bianca instantly sat up straight. Her eyes burned with a crazy ambition.

Getting her claws into him was her ultimate dream.

"What's he doing here?" she muttered, already fixing her hair.

I packed my books and got up to leave.

In the bathroom, I carefully reapplied my makeup.

Lipstick. Eyeliner. Highlighter.

Every stroke was precise.

This was war paint.

When I walked out, Bianca was waiting by the door.

"Viviana, wait." She blocked my path. "Where are you going? Didn't you and Nico break up? Who are you meeting?"

Her eyes were filled with suspicion and a hungry curiosity.

I let out a cold laugh.

"None of your business." I tried to walk around her. "But since you love testing men so much, you can have that piece of trash. I don't need him."

Bianca grabbed my arm, her grip tight.

"What is that supposed to mean"

My phone rang.

A deep, sexy voice came through the speaker. "Baby, you ready?"

The color drained from Bianca's face.

She snatched the phone from my hand.

"Hi, this is Viviana's good friend, Bianca." She switched to her sweetest voice. "She's still getting ready, why don't we chat first? I've always admired your work so much"

"Put her on the phone."

The voice on the other end was ice-cold.

Bianca's smile froze on her face.

"But, I just wanted to"

"Now."

The one word was a death sentence.

Shaking, Bianca handed the phone back to me, her face ashen.

I took the call, my voice soft. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's okay, baby. I'm right outside the library." Matteo's voice was warm again.

I hung up.

The hallway was dead silent.

Students walking by had stopped in their tracks, staring at us with wide eyes.

Bianca stared at me, her face a mask of pure, venomous jealousy.

Her voice trembled. "Your date... is Matteo Falcone?"

Chapter 2

"No way."

Jessica was the first to speak, her voice dripping with mockery.

"Viviana, stop kidding yourself," Sarah said, shaking her head. "A man on Matteo Falcone's level? Why would a man like that want a scholarship kid like you?"

"Seriously," Emma sneered. "You can't even afford a designer bag. What does he want from you?"

A flash of triumph lit up Bianca's eyes.

"Bella, I know what happened with Nico hurt you," she said, faking sympathy. "But you can't just make up crazy stories like this. Do you know the kind of women Matteo Falcone dates? Supermodels, socialites, heiresses."

"Yeah, you're on financial aid. You can barely pay tuition," Jessica scoffed. "Why would he want you?"

"Bianca's right. You're fantasizing," Sarah chimed in.

I looked at them and said nothing.

Explaining was weakness. I didn't need to.

I grabbed my bag and walked toward the library doors.

"Viviana!" Bianca called after me. "Don't be a fool! Is it that hard to face reality?"

I pushed open the heavy glass doors.

The sunlight was blinding.

Matteo was standing there, next to a black, bulletproof Cadillac, looking at his phone.

He looked up as I stepped out. The corner of his mouth ticked up in a private smile.

"There you are, baby."

He closed the distance, his arm sliding around my waist as he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

Behind me, I heard a collective gasp.

I deliberately looked back at the library's huge plate-glass windows.

Bianca and her vultures were plastered to the glass, their faces a perfect picture of shock.

Matteo opened the car door for me.

"Ladies first."

I slid gracefully into the car.

Leather seats. Crystal glasses. The faint scent of expensive cologne filled the air.

As the car pulled away, I took one last look out the window.

Bianca's face was a twisted mask of rage.

"There's a private dinner at The Met tonight," Matteo said, his hand gently stroking mine. "For an exhibition of art my family sponsored."

The museum was closed to the public, but the VIP section was lit up.

"Mr. Falcone, welcome," the museum director greeted us personally. "The sponsor's dinner is ready."

Matteo nodded, his hand never leaving my waist.

Champagne, caviar, priceless works of art.

This was a closed-door gathering for the city's true elite.

"See that painting?" Matteo leaned in, his voice a low, magnetic whisper.

His breath tickled my ear.

"Monet's Water Lilies, the 1919 original. Market value is eighty million dollars."

I put on a shocked expression.

"That's so expensive."

"It's nothing to me." His lips were almost touching my ear. "If you like it"

My phone suddenly rang.

Bianca's name flashed on the screen.

I didn't even look. I just declined the call.

It immediately rang again.

I declined again.

The third time, I just turned my phone off.

Matteo raised an eyebrow. "Someone bothering you?"

"It's nothing. Just someone unimportant."

"Viviana!"

A fake, surprised voice called out from nearby.

My stomach dropped. I looked over and saw Bianca in a tight black dress, her arm linked with a fat, greasy-looking man.

He was a New York state assemblyman, famous for being greedy and a pervert.

Looks like Bianca traded the only currency she has for a ticket into this world.

She whispered something in the politicians ear, then grabbed a glass of champagne and sashayed over to us, alone.

"What a coincidence! And this must be Don Matteo," Bianca beamed, completely ignoring me. Her eyes were locked on Matteo. "I was just in the neighborhood and heard Viviana was here with you. I just had to come say hello. After all, the Romano family and your family have... a history."

Matteo's expression turned to ice.

He didn't even turn to face her.

"Where's security?" he asked calmly.

Biancas smile froze. Then, in a last-ditch effort, she stumbleda little too perfectly.

The champagne in her hand "accidentally" splashed all over Matteo's suit.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry! So sorry!"

Bianca immediately bent down, pulling out a napkin to try and wipe it off.

Her dress was cut low. The angle showed off everything she had.

This was her signature move.

The men who used to chase me would always politely refuse her help, saying things like "It's fine, don't worry about it."

But you could always see the hunger in their eyes.

Too bad for her. This was Matteo. He didn't even glance at her.

"Get her out of here," he gestured to his bodyguards, his voice cold.

"No! Wait!" Bianca cried out. "I can explain"

Two bodyguards in black suits moved in, grabbing her arms without a hint of gentleness.

"Matteo, I'm a Romano! You can't do this to me!"

"I don't care who you are," Matteo said, still not looking at her. "The next time I see you, it won't be a polite escort out the door. It will be the last time I see you."

The color drained from Bianca's face.

She looked at me in desperation, her eyes filled with disbelief and terror.

Matteo turned back to me, his voice soft again.

"Sorry, baby. I let trash like that interrupt our date."

He motioned to his assistant.

"Contact the auction house. Buy that Monet."

The assistant immediately pulled out his phone and started dialing.

"You're buying it now?" I asked, feigning surprise.

"Of course." Matteo stared into my eyes, reaching up to caress my cheek. "No one gets to ruin our time together. Think of this painting as an apology for the interruption."

The other guests stared, their faces a mix of shock and envy.

An eighty-million-dollar painting, bought just like that.

I smiled, looking triumphantly at Bianca being dragged away.

She just stood there, her face a pale, horrified mask.

Those other men, they'd turn Bianca down in front of me, too.

But you could always see the lust in their eyes.

Theyd always secretly get her number later.

She thought all men were the same.

But that's her mistake. She ran into Matteo Falcone. A man who gets off on power, not pussy.

Chapter 3

Three weeks later, I was standing in the grand hall of the Falcone family estate.

Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, priceless paintings on the walls.

It was the first time Matteo brought me to a family gathering.

"Relax, baby," he whispered in my ear. "It's just a simple business dinner tonight."

I nodded, tightening my grip on his arm.

With Matteo's possessiveness, I thought he'd be different from the others.

He never let other men get near me.

He'd leave hickeys on my neck, marking his territory.

He even had bodyguards follow me 24/7.

"Matteo!"

A familiar voice called down from the staircase.

Bianca, wearing a long silver gown, was descending the spiral staircase.

What was she doing here?

"Bianca." Matteo nodded at her. His voice was polite but distant. "You made it."

I was confused, but I didn't say a word.

Bianca walked up to us and gave me a defiant smile.

"Viviana, long time no see."

Then she turned to Matteo, deliberately pulling up her sleeve.

"Matteo, look."

Her arm shimmered under the light.

The skin was as smooth as a baby's, without a single flaw.

Even the mole that used to be on her arm was gone.

"The results are pretty good, right?" Bianca said smugly. "Your 'Youth Therapy' is really a miracle."

Youth Therapy?

I looked at Matteo.

He looked a little uncomfortable.

"Bianca's family agreed to be the first outside investors in our new biotech company," Matteo explained. "It's a favor I had to grant."

My heart sank.

"So you let her join the experiment?"

"Just a demonstration of the early results." Matteo squeezed my hand. "Baby, you have to trust me. I'm yours. Always."

But as soon as he said it, he turned to Bianca.

"Come on. I'll show you the lab."

I watched them walk toward the basement.

That was the forbidden part of the Falcone estate.

No one was allowed down there except core family members.

And that list did not include me.

One week later. Matteo's private island.

Blue water, white sand, and a luxury villa.

"It's just the two of us here," Matteo said, hugging me from behind. "No one can bother us."

I leaned into his chest, watching the sunset.

"How's your lab doing?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Not bad," Matteo's voice was excited. "We've had a major breakthrough. The anti-aging serum... in a few years, we could push the human lifespan to 200."

"That sounds amazing."

"The only problem is we're lacking key clinical data," he sighed. "We need a lot of volunteers to perfect the formula."

Just then, the villa door opened.

Bianca, wearing a white bikini, walked toward us.

"Sorry to interrupt," she purred. "I just got off the yacht."

Yacht?

"Bianca, how did you"

"I invited her," Matteo said, standing up. "We have important business to discuss."

A burning rage of betrayal filled my chest.

But I had to control myself.

Bianca sat down next to Matteo, pressing herself against him.

"About the clinical data problem," she said, looking at Matteo with naked ambition in her eyes. "I can solve it for you."

Matteo was immediately interested.

"How?"

"The Romano family owns a dozen private clinics across New York," Bianca said, her voice dripping with pride. "We have a huge database of patients. I can secretly provide their medical data. And even"

She paused, lowering her voice.

"I can even provide the volunteers. Terminal patients. They're desperate enough to try anything."

Matteo's eyes lit up.

"That's a very good idea."

"And it'll be completely confidential," Bianca continued. "No one will ever know what kind of experiments these volunteers were in."

They got more and more into their conversation.

Matteo had completely forgotten I was even there.

I quietly took out my phone and found an encrypted contact.

It was a number with no name, no profile picture.

I typed a quick message: The fish is on the hook. Prepare the net.

Message sent.

A few seconds later, a reply came back. One word: Roger.

I scrubbed the chat history and went back to playing my part.

Matteo and Bianca were still deep in discussion about the experiment.

They never even noticed.

Chapter 4

For the next month, Matteo was "working" almost every day.

"The experiment is in a critical phase," he'd say to explain why he was so busy. "The resources Bianca provided have been very valuable."

I knew he had moved her into a luxury apartment on Fifth Avenue.

A penthouse duplex. Half a million a month. A universe away from my dorm room.

Every time I thought about it, it felt like a knife twisting in my chest.

But I had to endure it.

Revenge requires perfect timing.

On my twenty-first birthday, Matteo finally showed up.

He was wearing a dark blue suit and holding an exquisite jewelry box.

"Happy birthday, baby."

He kissed my lips.

"We had a major breakthrough with the experiment." His eyes were shining with excitement. "We successfully extended the lifespan of the lab rats by 30%. In a few months, we can start human trials."

I pretended to be interested.

"That's wonderful."

"This is for you."

He opened the box.

A brilliant yellow diamond ring rested on white silk.

"It's a Harry Winston. 5.2 carat yellow diamond," Matteo said proudly. "Worth a million dollars."

I gasped.

The ring was stunning.

"Matteo, this is too much"

"You deserve the best." He slid the ring onto my finger. "I love you, Viviana."

Just when I thought he was truly here for me, Matteo pulled a keycard from his pocket.

A black card with the gold Falcone family crest.

"Do me a favor," he said, his tone casual. "Drop this off with Bianca. She needs it to get into my private medical suite."

My heart went cold.

The private medical suite.

It was Matteo's most secret place in Manhattan.

No one could get in except his most trusted people.

Even I had never been there.

"Why don't you give it to her?"

"I have an important meeting tonight." Matteo glanced at his watch. "I don't have time."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

But I still took the keycard.

"Okay."

Matteo kissed my forehead.

"You're such a good, understanding girl."

Then he left.

He left me sitting alone in the restaurant.

The birthday cake was still on the table, 21 candles unlit.

I had no appetite.

I found Bianca outside her luxury apartment building on Fifth Avenue.

She wasn't alone.

Nico was there, right in front of her. They were arguing.

"Are you crazy?" Nico grabbed Bianca's arm. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"Let go of me!" Bianca struggled to break free. "This is none of your business!"

"Bianca, that serum is dangerous!" Nico's voice was full of anger. "You can't sell your soul for money!"

"What soul?" Bianca sneered. "All I know is that Matteo gives me everything I want. Power, status, money. Can you give me that?"

"You're going to regret this," Nico seethed.

"No, I won't," Bianca said, lifting her chin arrogantly. "I'm much smarter than Viviana. I know how to keep a man."

Just then, a black Cadillac pulled up to the curb.

Matteo got out.

His face darkened when he saw Nico.

"What's going on here?"

"Nothing." Bianca's face changed instantly. She looked hurt. "This man has been harassing me."

Matteo's eyes turned dangerous.

"Get rid of him."

The words were barely out of his mouth before two bodyguards stepped out of the car.

"No!" I wanted to stop them.

But it was too late.

The bodyguards rushed Nico. Fists rained down on him.

Nico didn't fight back.

He just took the punches, his nosebleed quickly staining his white shirt.

"Stop!" I yelled.

Matteo waved a hand. The bodyguards stopped.

Nico fell to the ground, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.

Bianca threw herself into Matteo's arms.

"Thank you for protecting me," she trembled. "I was so scared."

Matteo held her gently.

"Don't be scared. I'm here."

He led Bianca towards the luxury apartment building.

He never once looked back at me. It was like I wasn't even there.

I stood frozen, the cold plastic of the keycard digging into my palm.

Under the streetlight, I felt more alone than ever.

Just as I was about to leave, a bloody hand grabbed my wrist.

Nico yanked me into the shadows of a nearby alley.

My lonely expression vanished. My face went cold.

He looked nervously toward the mouth of the alley, making sure no one had followed.

He spit a glob of blood onto the pavement, then wiped his mouth with his sleeve. The pained expression on his face vanished.

In its place was a calmnessand a deep affectionI had never seen before.

He smirked, the blood on his lips making it a devil's grin. "My princess," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Did you enjoy the show?"

Who's the Gold Digger Now"

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:45:10 +0800

My girlfriend is an heiress from the upper class of Jetland, and she is worth tens of billions of dollars.

In order to test me, she has never spent a single cent on me, nor given me any presents during the seven years that we have been together. She even splits the bill with me when we buy rubbers.

After my mother falls severely ill, I borrow all the money that I can from all my family and friends. I only need two thousand dollars more to afford my mother's operation.

However, even when I beg my girlfriend to lend me money, she refuses.

After my mother passes away, I take care of everything on my own.

When I go home to pack my things, I accidentally come across a list of presents that she has bought for our neighbor, whom she treats like a younger brother. These gifts include a luxury villa, a designer watch, and haute couture suits.

There is also an audio recording of her conversation with her best friend.

"Tessie, I heard that Ethan begged you so he could borrow two thousand dollars from you. Is that true?"

Tessa Seinfeld snorts, and her voice rings out carelessly. "Zeke's right. Only a leech would go down on his knees just for two thousand dollars. We've only been together for seven years, and he's already so eager to get money out of me."

In the end, our seven years of relationship mean nothing. It only takes a provocative comment from her neighbor, Zeke Palmer, for everything to fall apart.

But it doesn't matter. From the moment my mother died, I have already decided to leave Tessa.

Chapter 1

I had just put the list of presents back in its original spot when the door to the foyer opened.

Tessa Seinfeld swaggered over and sat down beside me, smelling faintly of alcohol.

"You disappeared for a few days. I thought you'd finally grow a spine and leave for good. You still ended up crawling back to me, because you just can't leave me."

Tessa almost blurted out that I had just come back to scam her out of her money. Perhaps from the beginning, she had only ever seen me as a leech who was after her money.

I didn't even look up and just moved aside. I dodged her when she tried to hold my hand.

Tessa was startled for a moment. She looked at her hand, then at me. She thought I was throwing a tantrum because of the two thousand dollars she refused to lend me.

"I've been drinking, and I feel a little thirsty. Make me some soup to cure my hangover."

Tessa was always like that. She would unknowingly start acting like a spoiled heiress.

However, when she had made her move on me seven years ago, she pretended to be poor. She put on a terrible show, coming off as a broke young woman.

Still, Tessa had me completely fooled.

"Ethan, I don't have anything, and I can't have a stable future with you. However, we can work hard and build a good life together."

Back then, I nodded when I saw how sincere she looked. I lacked money, but I could rely on my own diligence and hard work to build a life for myself.

I chose Tessa because I had been touched when she said that we could work hard and build a good life together.

However, the longer we spent together, the more I felt that she was different from ordinary people.

Tessa would show contempt for bargain-priced items without realizing it. She would also order me to do things that she could easily have done herself.

When I was at work one day, I saw her get out of a luxury car and walk into a high-class club, surrounded by admirers. That was when I was sure that there was nothing but lies between us.

She had always been afraid that I would go after her money.

Tessa spoke again, interrupting my thoughts.

"If you want money in the future, you can just tell me. Don't use your mother's health as a smokescreen. Watch out, or you might end up getting what's coming to you."

Her words made me feel that the entire situation was laughable. I looked up at her coldly. "Would you give it to me if I asked you directly?"

Tessa was startled, and she looked hesitant. Then, confirmation washed over her face, and a mocking glint instantly flickered in her eyes.

Chapter 2

"Zeke was right. You're only with me for my money."

Tessa transferred 1.88 dollars to me via her phone and added a note, labeling me as "Leech".

During the seven years we had been together, I had never spent a single cent of Tessa's. I would even prepare gifts for her during our anniversaries or on special days.

Tessa would accept them without any qualms, but she never prepared anything for me. She would remark sarcastically that men should buy their girlfriends gifts to make them happy, and that it was their duty.

Despite this, she had described me as a leech.

As an heiress from the upper class of Jetland, Tessa was worth tens of billions of dollars.

I thought of the list of presents that she had prepared for Zeke Palmer.

I thought of my mother, who had been tormented by her disease and had passed away in great pain because we hadn't had the money for treatment.

I did not want to face Tessa for a single moment longer.

I had just got up to leave when there was a noise at the door once more.

Zeke called Tessa's name with love in his voice as he walked in, taking off his coat. However, he looked startled and jumped in fright when he saw me.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?"

I turned to look at Tessa. "Unless I'm mistaken, this is the place we rent together. Not only did you give the password of the digital doorlock to someone else, but you even let him barge in."

Upon hearing this, Zeke looked as if I had wronged him immensely. He ran over and wrapped his arm around Tessa's shoulder as he sat down beside her.

"Tess, how could I be an outsider? I only came to stay the night because I forgot to bring the keys to my place.

"Besides, if Tess hadn't agreed to split the rent for this place, you'd have to pay it all by yourself. No matter how you look at it, you're the one with an advantage."

I wondered how often Zeke had made such provocative remarks without my knowledge.

When Tessa heard this, she did not feel like she had made a mistake. To her, Zeke made perfect sense.

"Zeke's right. I have a place of my own, and I'm really the one at a disadvantage here since I have to share the rent with you. This is just like spending money on escort services. There's no difference."

She showed me her bank account number.

"You don't want people to call you a leech, do you? Pay me back for the rent that I've paid over the past seven years."

Tessa and I had rented the apartment when we first got together. It was only about 450 square feet in size.

After graduating from university, I stayed in Jetland to work and earn more money. At the time, I had only been able to afford the rent for a cramped place that was far away from the city.

Tessa had been the one who said that the place was too far away and that it would be inconvenient for her to visit me.

It was also Tessa who had said that it wasn't a place fit to live in, and that it would ruin the mood for her to get intimate with me.

She wanted to rent a bigger place with me.

Therefore, I took on the pressure of a high rental fee and got a part-time job with the extra time I had from a shorter commute.

Now, not only did she want me to return her half of the rent for the past seven years, she even felt that she had been paying to sleep with me and that it was her loss.

"Tessa, it's been seven years. What am I to you?"

My expression was filled with humiliation and rage, and I couldn't help but feel regret.

I had wasted seven years of my youth on someone like her.

Her hand was still stretched out in front of me, but it shook slightly when she saw my dejected expression.

She pressed her lips together and withdrew her hand. "I was just joking. After all"

Before she could finish, Zeke clicked his tongue again and looked contemptuous.

Chapter 3

"How could you have the audacity to claim that you're not after Tess' money? If it weren't for her, you wouldn't be able to afford such a nice place to live in.

"Tess, I think you should stop renting this next month. You can't let outsiders keep taking advantage of you. Alternatively, you can tell Ethan to write you an IOU. That would be fair."

If it wasn't illegal to hit people, I would have slapped Tessa and Zeke. But if I did that, they would definitely find a way to scam me out of my money.

Rich people with no morals loved malicious games like that. I had played along with them for seven years.

It was more than enough. I wasn't going to do it any longer.

"I won't write an IOU. If you want money, then sue me. We'll see who's the loser. Also, I refuse to stay in this place any longer.

"Since you want to stay for a night, Mr. Palmer, remember to pay Tess the rental fee. Otherwise, you'll be considered a leech too."

I was about to leave when Tessa grabbed hold of me. The playful expression she had had earlier was gone, replaced by a reproachful anger.

"Ethan, must you go this far? Zeke and I were just joking. I advise you to think this through. Once you leave, you won't be able to stay in such a nice place any longer."

I had made a terrible, ridiculous mistake.

I shouldn't have given up on the idea of breaking up with Tessa when I found out that she was one of the heiresses in Jetland's upper class, just because she had persuaded me.

Whenever Tessa felt that I was greedy for her money, she would keep talking about equality in love and that we should not let money control us. I never should have believed her.

The only thing I had in mind back then was during the coldest time in winter, she had let me warm my hands on her stomach. When I had a headache, she would massage my head gently with her warm hands.

We had once been in love, and we had once been sweet together. However, we should not have let money taint our love.

"Tessa, let's break up." Once I said the words, Tessa's tantalizing smile finally dropped. There was a tinge of panic in her expression.

"Break up? Ethan, are you actually breaking up with me? I won't agree to it! What right do you have to dump me? Even if you're throwing a tantrum, you should know your limits."

Tessa had always acted as if she were superior. It was as if she were doing me a favor by dating me.

I merely looked impassively at her.

"I'm not throwing a tantrum. Since you keep thinking that I'm a leech who's out to get your money, you'd better find someone who has the same status as you so that you can have an equal relationship."

I did not want to say a single word more. I turned around and went back to the bedroom to continue packing my things.

After about half a minute, I heard Tessa scream angrily, "Don't regret this, Ethan!"

I ignored her threats and did not care when she left with Zeke, slamming the door behind her.

I had persisted in our relationship for seven years, even though I had been treated like a leech while doing so.

I did not blame Tessa for the fact that I had been unable to save my mother's life.

It was true that she was not obligated to lend me money.

However, at the time when I needed help the most, she had ignored me and even called me a leech. I had even gone down on my knees with an IOU and begged her to save my mother.

I had completely lost hope in her and our seven-year relationship.

Late that night, I walked along an empty street with all my luggage.

Jetland was huge, but there was no place for me there. I no longer had any reason to stay.

My mother was gone, and I had parted ways with the woman I loved.

Every further second I spent there would just make me feel more grief.

I had nowhere to go, so I sat in the lobby of a nearby hospital for the whole night.

When I went to work the next day, the first thing I did was to resign from my job.

My superior looked shocked when she received my resignation letter.

Chapter 4

"You're resigning? Has Ms. Seinfeld agreed to let you do so?" my superior asked.

"By the way, you won't get much of a bonus for this month if you resign now. I'll transfer the rest of your salary to your account."

I frowned. There was too much information, and it took me a while to process everything my superior said.

What did she mean by transferring it to my account? Since when did I receive bonuses?

More importantly, why had she mentioned Tessa?

When my superior saw how confused I looked, she looked equally puzzled.

"Aren't you dating Ms. Seinfeld? She was the one who gave the finance department special instructions to pay you your salary separately.

"You were given your basic salary, but any bonuses and salary increments were put in a different account. She said you needed to save money.

"I didn't expect you to still be so frugal with someone like Ms. Seinfeld as your girlfriend. That's rare to see."

That was why I had only received my starting salary for so many years.

I had requested again and again for an increase in my salary, to no avail. It turned out that it wasn't because I wasn't diligent enough at my job. It was because Tessa had transferred all of it to a different account.

When I went to the finance department to request my payroll records, I saw "two thousand dollars" written in bold letters in the box that indicated the amount of my expected bonus.

A few days ago, I had been one day late in paying the hospital because I had been scrambling to find the last two thousand dollars that I needed.

As a result, my mother passed away before she could get her operation.

What was even more laughable was that the total amount of the bonuses I should have received over the past seven years, which Tessa had withheld, would have been more than enough to treat my mother's condition.

I had been a complete fool.

I had been so foolish that all I had done was to work hard. I had been terrified of being fired and losing my means of making a living.

I had been such a fool that I had not realized Tessa's deception.

I had never spent her money so that she wouldn't think of me as a leech, but she had been the one who had transferred away all the fruits of my labor.

I had actually persisted for seven years in a relationship that was full of nothing but lies and humiliation.

I was on my way to find Tessa with my payroll records so that I could settle the score with her when she strutted up to me.

"Ethan, all we had was a minor argument, and you left home? You even resigned! I think you're becoming more and more hot-tempered."

Zeke was behind her, looking gleeful at my discomfiture.

He walked over and said insincerely, "Ethan, you really have no conscience at all. You spent Tess' money and lived in the place that she rented for you. Without her, could you even survive in Jetland?"

He was so thick-skinned that he could lie with a straight face.

I laughed out of sheer anger. I was about to defend myself when Tessa interrupted me.

"Zeke's right. If I hadn't been around for the past seven years, you'd have starved to death long ago. I'll just think of today as you throwing a tantrum, and you can have the day off. Come home with me. I won't dock your pay for not going to work today."

The more I saw Tessa's true colors, the more I wondered how blind I had been over the past seven years.

People around me began to point and mutter amongst themselves. Since Tessa did not stop them, their voices became louder.

"Ms. Seinfeld hid her identity because she didn't want Ethan to feel insecure. She also told us to keep it a secret, which shows just how much she cares about him."

"He lives off Ms. Seinfeld, and yet he's losing his temper with her?"

"If he wants to go from rags to riches, he should reflect on whether or not he's capable of doing so. He'd be nothing without Ms. Seinfeld."

The more the people around us speculated, the more triumphant Tessa was.

Zeke kept egging them on and heaped a pile of false accusations on me. "Ethan, didn't you lie because you wanted two thousand dollars from Tess? You even said that your mother was about to die and needed the money to survive."

Chapter 5

"You want money, yet you also want to create a good image for yourself. You can't have your cake and eat it too," said Zeke.

Upon hearing him, an uproar broke out around us. Everyone looked contemptuously at me, and I could hear a relentless stream of insults being hurled at me.

I looked at Tessa, who still looked completely unfazed. In fact, she even appeared slightly aggrieved, as if Zeke had just described how she felt out loud.

The corners of my mouth twitched, and I smiled incredulously. I was just about to open my mouth when Tessa grabbed hold of me casually.

She tried to sound magnanimous by making peace between us. "Forget it. The past is in the past, and I don't need the money.

"If you want money in the future, just be honest about it. There's no need to make so many excuses."

After hearing what Tessa had said, everyone in the office looked even more indignant. They all felt that I was being too greedy.

"Exactly. Ms. Seinfeld's so rich. He should just say so if he wants money."

"It's despicable of him to curse his mother for the sake of getting money."

"I didn't know Ethan was like that. I used to bring him things to eat because he always seemed to be so frugal."

"People like him deserve to get dumped by Ms. Seinfeld. He won't be able to stay in Jetland any longer."

I looked at a colleague whom I had once been on very good terms with, yet he was stepping all over me just like the others right now.

I thought again about what Tessa had done. Suddenly, everything seemed meaningless.

I was planning to leave anyway. Even if I slammed down my payroll records in front of Tessa right now, she and Zeke would still say all sorts of ridiculous things to make everyone keep humiliating me.

I quietly put my payroll records back in my pocket. I looked up at Tessa and smiled. "We've been together for seven years. You can work out how much of your money I've spent.

"If you can't list out what you spent on me, then please pay me back the hundreds of thousands that you owe me. Otherwise, I'll be suing both you and this company of yours."

She always talked about how money should not be mentioned when it came to relationships, yet the issue of money was omnipresent between us.

She was an heiress in the upper class of Jetland, and everyone thought that she spent lavishly, but she had been spending the money that I had saved up to save my mother's life.

Tessa thought long and hard, after which there was a flash of panic in her eyes.

Of course, she could not remember what she had spent on me, because she was the kind of person who had even made me split the bill with her when buying rubbers.

I had thought about it, and I knew that it wasn't because she was stingy. The truth was Tessa didn't think I was worth spending a single cent on.

Perhaps she wanted to protest, but I no longer wanted to hear it.

When I turned around to leave, Zeke suddenly pushed me. I stumbled and fell to the floor.

"Ethan, don't try to distort the facts. Why would Tess owe you money? Aren't you afraid that we'll call the police? We can get you arrested if you dare to make up rumors.

"If you go to prison, no one's going to take care of your mother, who's lying in the hospital and waiting for you to earn money. Hurry up and apologize to Tess!"

Zeke still thought that he could threaten me. However, nothing was holding me back any longer.

At that moment, my superior happened to pass by. When she saw Tessa, she squeezed into the crowd. She was holding an application form.

"Ms. Seinfeld, Ethan's mother passed away a few days ago, and you still haven't signed to approve the employee condolence payment.

"I've also followed your instructions and withdrawn the application that Ethan made for an advance payment of two thousand dollars.

"It's a pity, though. I heard that Ethan's mother just needed that exact amount to get enough money for the operation."

My Sister Stole My Life After Reading the Comments

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:37:21 +0800

On the day two couples come to the orphanage to adopt, a row of comments suddenly appears before my eyes.

Hurry, Nancy! Make the first move! The couple who look like bumpkins is just pretending to be poor! The ones dressed nicely are actually poor.

Call them Mom and Dad quickly! Do not let Nadia steal them away!

In the next second, Nancy, who is standing beside me, suddenly rushes toward the country bumpkin couple.

Nancy says, "I'll gladly go to the countryside with you. I will leave the rich girl life to my sister."

Everyone starts cheering in the comments.

"This is great! Nancy, our dear female lead, won't suffer anymore!"

"Nadia, the evil villainess, will rot and stink for the rest of her life. Nancy will crush her under her foot. She will never have the chance or the right to meet the male lead!"

I am stunned.

So Nancy can see the comments too.

She is the female lead, while I am the villainess.

But what she does not know is that I am reborn. In my previous life, the real wealthy family takes me away.

I look at Nancy and smile coldly. "Just wait, dear sister. Your 'good fortune' is yet to come."

Chapter 1

We walked to the orphanage gates. When my sister, Nancy Walkeror perhaps she should now be called Nancy Quillsaw the Maybach parked out front, her eyes lit up.

Her adoptive mother, Helen Bronson, took her hand and said, "Nancy, our family isn't actually poor. We were just testing you earlier. We didn't expect you to be such a good kid who doesn't chase after money. From now on, you'll be our little princess."

Nancy put on a pleasantly surprised expression. "So that's how it is. Mom, Dad, I'll definitely be good to you and take care of you."

Then, she deliberately glanced at me and asked, "Nadia, where's your family's car?"

Stephen Colson and Linda Wells, my adoptive parents, fidgeted with their clothes, too embarrassed to say anything.

I took the initiative to reach out and hold both their hands, smiling sweetly. "I don't need a car or a big house. I just want Mom and Dad to be with me forever. That's enough."

[Damn, the villainess makes me laugh. I bet Nadia is dying of regret right now. Look at how pretentious she's being!]

[The princess life only belongs to Nancy, the female lead. The villainess should just stay in her lane.]

Stephen and Linda were so moved by my words that they teared up. Meanwhile, Nancy just snorted. "You're still so fake."

I watched Nancy and the Quills drive off in the Maybach, a faint, cold smile tugging at my lips.

In my last life, at this exact moment, when Nancy found out the Quills were actually the real rich ones, she'd cried and thrown a tantrum. She'd begged to switch places with me, but no one had paid her any attention.

So, she'd taken all her resentment out on Stephen and Linda. They'd already been poor to begin with, and she squandered every last cent they had. They'd been so angry and heartbroken that they both collapsed and died.

And on the day I graduated from college, Nancy had stabbed me 99 times, killing me on the spot.

This time, she was the one going to that man-eating, soul-crushing place, while I could finally live a quiet, ordinary life.

I looked at Stephen's and Linda's honest, weathered faces. "Mom, Dad, let's go home. I'm not afraid of hardshipwe can walk back."

Their pockets were painfully empty, but they couldn't bear to make me suffer. In the end, they still called a cab home.

The moment we stepped through the door, the first thing I saw was a black-and-white memorial photo. Stephen and Linda immediately stepped in front of me to shield my view, gently comforting me. "Nadia, don't be scared. This is your older brother. He passed away many years ago."

I smiled and shook my head. "I'm not scared."

I knew they'd lost their son in middle age and had only then decided to adopt a daughter.

They patted my head, deeply moved. "You're a wonderful child. Don't worry. Even if we're poor, we'll never let you go without."

[She'll never make anything of herself, not when she's living in a dump like this!]

[Nancy's bedroom and bathroom are both bigger than this whole crappy rental. The gap between them is insane!]

I took the place in with one sweeping glance. It was just a run-down rental apartment, but compared to the cold, beautiful prison that was the Quill residence, this place felt much cozier.

At dinner, Stephen and Linda kept piling meat onto my plate. They couldn't bear to take any for themselves.

[At least someone's getting fed. Poor little Nancy isn't allowed to eat tonight because she didn't get her etiquette lesson right.]

[Uh-oh. She nodded off in class and got caught. Now, she's gonna lose breakfast too!]

Chapter 2

I glanced at the barrage of comments flying before my eyes, feeling like my food tasted even better than before.

After the meal, Stephen said a little awkwardly, "Nadia, I'm sorry that you're going to suffer with us. We were selfish for pretending to be richwe wanted to adopt a daughter to care for us in our old age."

Linda pulled out a bank card. "This is for you. It has every cent we've saved up over the years. Consider it our way of making it up to you."

[What a joke. Your life's savings can't even compare to Nancy's monthly allowance!]

[Mrs. Quill gave Nancy 500 thousand dollars as pocket money without even batting an eye.]

I pushed the bank card back to them. "Mom, Dad, you should keep this. Don't worry about me. I'll study hard, make a ton of money, and give you both a great life."

Stephen and Linda were so overwhelmed that they couldn't even speak. They just kept stroking my head, praising me for being thoughtful and sensible.

The heavens had given me a second chance at life; I'd escaped the Quill family's gilded cage and met such kind adoptive parents. There was no way I was going to repeat the same mistakes.

I was going to use everything I'd learned in my last life to change my family's fate. And everyone who had hurt us would pay the price they deserved!

Right then, the comments flooded the space before me.

[Oh my god. The male lead, Eugene Lloyd, just showed up! He and Nancy are finally meeting!]

[Look at how shy Nancy is right now. They're such a perfect matchthey're totally made for each other!]

The corner of my lips lifted. So, Eugene was the male lead.

Perfect. I would make good use of him.

When the admission notice from a top-ranked high school arrived at our doorstep, Stephen and Linda were so excited that their voices trembled.

"Nadia, it really is from that prestigious high school, and you ranked first! You're amazing!"

In my last life, I'd received an elite education in the Quill family. Getting first place in the entrance exam for a prestigious high school was nothing to me.

Stephen and Linda were so happy that they took me into town and bought me several new outfits, grinning from ear to ear. "Whatever other kids have, our daughter has to have too!"

The comments went wild again.

[What? Why does Nadia get to attend a prestigious high school? And as the top scorer, no less. That means she and Eugene will be in the same class!]

[Nancy had to pull strings just to get in, and her parents beat her over it.]

[Hang in there, Nancy! Your parents are just hitting you for your own good. They want you to be ambitious and driven!]

[This is how elite education in powerful families works. With great power comes great responsibility, after all. You'll be fine once you get past this!]

As I watched the comments roll by, I could practically picture the kind of life Nancy was enduring in the Quill household right now.

I'd had more than enough of that life in my last one. This time around, I would let Nancy get a proper experience of that hell.

On the first day of school, Nancy spotted me as soon as I stepped into the classroom. She was draped in luxury brands from head to toe, but it couldn't hide how pale she looked.

She looked down at me from her high horse, her voice dripping with contempt when she spoke. "Well, if it isn't Nadia Walker. Oh, waityou're Nadia Colson now. I really didn't expect this, you know.

"You sure are lucky, even after being adopted by that poor couple. They were even willing to grovel and beg so you could get into this high school?"

At her words, the classmates around us started whispering among themselves.

"So her top score is fake? I saw her marks and thought she was some kind of genius."

"I was actually planning to ask her for tips, but it turns out this is what she's actually like. Gross."

"Let's just stay away from her from now on."

Nancy's smile grew even smugger when she saw that she'd gotten exactly what she wanted.

[Nancy really is smart. It's only the first day of school, yet she's already managed to get the whole class to ostracize Nadia.]

[Nadia just got insanely lucky. Why should she be allowed to outshine Nancy?]

Nancy leaned in close to me and hissed, "Blame yourself for having bad luck. Look at youevery inch of you screams 'poor'. You're not like me. My walk-in closet is full of designer labels, something you'll never have in this life or the next."

I lifted my gaze and saw Eugene standing not far away, looking at me with thinly veiled disdain.

I smirked coldly, unbothered by his attitude. It wouldn't be long before he came looking for me on his own.

Chapter 3

From that day on, the whole class teamed up to freeze me out. I didn't have the time or energy to care about their childish games, though.

I only had one clear goalto do whatever it took to make sure my family lived a good life.

Soon, the results for our first monthly exam came out. I ranked first in the entire grade, scoring over 30 points higher than the student in second place, Eugene. Meanwhile, Nancy was dead last. Her score wasn't even on par with an average student from a regular class.

In an instant, the way everyone looked at me completely changed.

"Nadia is insane. She actually scored 30 points higher than Eugene!"

"How is she so good? Didn't Nancy say she only got into the honors class through connections?"

"There's no way you can fake exam results, though, right? This score has to be real."

Nancy glared at me, her eyes full of venom. "Don't think I don't know what you did, Nadia. You must've pulled some dirty trick again! So what if you're first? You'll still be stuck working for me. I'll trample you under my feet for the rest of my life!"

[Ugh, what's with Nadia's luck? How did she get first place again?]

[It's fine, it's fine. Nancy just had an off day this time. She'll definitely beat Nadia on the next exam!]

[Man, Nancy did so badly this time. Her parents are definitely gonna beat her again when she gets home. I feel so bad for her.]

I didn't have time to waste on Nancy because the other classmates had already surrounded me.

"Nadia, you're amazing. Your solution for this problem is even more concise and creative than the teacher's."

"How did you figure this one out? Can you teach me?"

"I've got some imported milk here, Nadia. Here, have a bottle."

I didn't hold a grudge about how they'd acted before. After all, these kids all came from rich or powerful families. For me, they were potential stepping stones and useful connections.

Seeing this, Nancy was so furious that I could almost hear her teeth grinding.

After I got home, Stephen and Linda were so excited when they saw that I'd come in first that they teared up.

Linda pulled me into her arms, her voice choked. "I'm so proud of you, my darling! I'm preparing a feast tonight. I'll cook your favorite dish!"

Stephen grinned and asked, "Nadia, what do you want as a reward? I'll buy it for you. Whatever it is, I'll make it happen."

I smiled and shook my head. "I don't want anything. I just want you both to stay by my side and be okay."

After dinner, I chatted with them for a bit before getting ready for bed. Just as I was about to close my eyes, the barrage of comments in front of me started up again, all full of pity.

[Poor Nancy is so miserable. Her parents beat her so badly!]

[Hang in there, Nancy. Your parents are doing it for your own good. You just messed up this time; you'll do better on the next exam!]

[Poor thing. She already has a broken leg, yet her parents are forcing her to stay awake and study because her hands aren't injured. You can do this, okay? We're here with you!]

This was the affluent, wealthy family Nancy was so desperate to join. Was she satisfied now?

Chapter 4

The next day, Nancy showed up on crutches, wearing a mask and sunglasses. It looked like her face had been beaten so badly that she couldn't show it in public.

After school, Eugene stopped me the second I stepped out of the classroom. He said calmly, "I looked at your test paper. Your way of solving the problems is different from ours. I know your family's poor, so I'll pay you by the hour if you come to my place and study with me."

I didn't act shy about it and said bluntly, "Sure. Two million dollars for the semester."

Eugene froze for a second, then let out a short laugh. "Do you even know how much two million is? You've got some nerve, asking for that much right off the bat."

I gave him a sideways glance and turned to leave.

He immediately stepped in front of me again. "Fine. Give me your bank account details."

I nodded and headed straight for his family's car. "Let's go. We'll start today. I won't take advantage of you."

The comments instantly exploded.

[Nancy, where are you? Nadia is about to steal Eugene from you!]

[Why would he go to Nadia in the first place? She's totally scamming him. She's got no real skills at all!]

[Nadia's obviously doing it on purpose. She just wants to steal Nancy's guy. She's disgusting!]

Right then, Nancy rushed over and grabbed Eugene's arm. "Eugene, how can you take Nadia back to your house? We're the ones who should be studying together! Her grades are fake!"

He shook her off, looking annoyed. "You came in dead last. What makes you think you're qualified to study with me?"

Nancy already had a broken leg from the beating her parents had given her. At his words, she was so furious that she could barely stay standing. Still, all she could do was watch as I got into the Lloyd family's car and rode off.

When we sat down at his desk to start studying, Eugene transferred two million dollars to me.

I wasn't stingy about my knowledge at all. I laid everything I knew out for him.

A few hours later, Eugene was singing my praises. "You're honestly the smartest person I've ever met, Nadia. You can come over all throughout high school if you want. The price is your call!"

I smiled and nodded. With that kind of money, of course I wasn't going to say no.

We studied until 9:00 pm. I was just about to head home when the comments started coming through in a panicked frenzy.

[Help! Someone, help her! Nancy's about to get beaten to death!]

[This is all Nadia's fault. Nancy's parents are mad at her because she can't get close to Eugene and his family. They think she's useless and want to beat her to death so they can adopt Nadia instead! They're monsters!]

[Eugene, go next door right now! Nancy's literally down to her last breath!]