Great Stories, Perfectly Sized.

Three Years Dead, He Calls My Name

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:58:19 +0800

My son and I are both dead.

I died of a systemic infection after my husband forced me to donate bone marrow to his ex-girlfriend while I was battling a severe illness.

My three-year-old son, Skyler, was left with no one to care for him. He starved to death right beside my rotting corpse.

Three years passed before Alaric Blackwood finally remembered us. He only did so because his precious ex, Rosalind, needed another bone marrow transplant.

He didn't expect my old neighbor to tell him the truth. "Serafina died three years ago. I heard it was complications from some bone marrow procedure. She passed just days after coming home."

Alaric's face twisted with nothing but impatience. "Is she still playing these pathetic games?"

"Tell her this: if she doesn't show up within three days, I'm cutting off every cent of that brat's medical bills."

Alaric planned to use our son's life to force me out of hiding.

But he had no idea.

The child he called a bastard was, in fact, his own flesh and blood.

I watched from the void as he kicked the gate of the small cottage where I used to live.

Three years had changed him. Alaric's eyes were colder and more ruthless than ever.

He was both familiar and a total stranger to me.

He was no longer the struggling entrepreneur I had helped build from nothing. He was now a titan of the business world, a man everyone envied.

I felt a flicker of curiosity.

My son and I have been dead for three years. Why did he suddenly care?

It's true. We've been lingering here as ghosts for three long years.

Our souls were bound to this tiny plot of land. We couldn't leave, and we couldn't move on to what comes next.

Three years ago, Rosalind was diagnosed with leukemia. Alaric forced me to undergo the matching process.

When the results came back, he ignored how weak I was. He dragged me to the hospital and made me give my marrow to her.

The procedure was invasive and brutal.

The hospital staff was incompetent, and my immune system was already failing.

A week after the procedure, a massive infection took hold. I died in a feverish coma on my floor.

Skyler, only three, was left alone. With no one to feed him, he eventually withered away next to me.

In those three years, Alaric never called. He never visited. Not once.

He used to think I was disgusting. He thought I'd slept with clients to get him resources when he was poor.

That was why he believed our son wasn't his.

Now, I held Skyler's tiny, translucent hand. We hovered in the air, watching Alaric kick the door again and again.

Rosalind stood behind him, wearing a designer mask and expensive clothes.

Her cheeks were rosy, and her figure was healthy. She didn't look like someone who was dying.

Skyler flinched at the loud thuds against the gate. He hid his face in my lap.

He looked up with eyes full of both hope and terror.

"Mommy, is Daddy finally here for us? It's been so long."

"But he looks so angry. Did Skyler do something bad?"

I stroked his hair, trying to comfort him. My heart felt like it was being shredded, even though it no longer beat.

"Serafina Sterling! Get out here right now! Stop playing dead!"

Alaric's roar echoed through the yard.

The noise drew out Mrs. Gable, the neighbor from next door.

She stepped out and looked at him. "Young man, who are you looking for? No one has lived here in years."

Alaric straightened his coat. "Serafina Sterling lives here. Did she move?"

Mrs. Gable's eyes dimmed. She sighed heavily. "Serafina? That poor girl died three years ago."

Alaric froze for a split second.

Mrs. Gable continued, "I heard she was forced to donate bone marrow while she was sick. She didn't last a week after she got back. It was a tragedy."

Rosalind's expression shifted. Her face turned pale.

She chimed in with a fake, trembling voice. "Ma'am, please don't say such things. Bone marrow donation is perfectly safe. It doesn't kill people."

"If Serafina didn't want to help me, she could have just said so. She shouldn't curse herself like this. It's bad luck."

She spoke loudly, as if she expected me to be eavesdropping from behind the curtains.

Alaric, who had looked stunned, suddenly relaxed. A sneer touched his lips.

"Is she still acting? If she's going to lie, she should at least make it believable. Tell her to Google if anyone actually dies from giving marrow."

Mrs. Gable didn't understand his cynicism.

She only repeated, "Poor thing was in that house for days before anyone found them"

Alaric's face turned to stone. He looked at the old woman. "I don't know why you're helping her lie to me."

"But tell her this: she has three days to show up for Rosalind's transplant. If she doesn't, that bastard child of hers won't get another dime for his dialysis."

Mrs. Gable stood there, her mouth hanging open.

She shook her head and turned to walk away.

Alaric shouted after her, "Three days! If I don't see her, she can watch that brat die right in front of her!"

Mrs. Gable's eyes were red as she walked away. She whispered to herself, "That poor child he's been gone just as long. If only I had checked on them sooner"

"Alaric, do you think Serafina is hiding because she doesn't want to save me?" Rosalind asked, her eyes welling with fake tears.

Alaric reached out and tenderly smoothed her hair.

"Don't be silly. It's just a little leukemia. Even if she won't do it, I'll search the whole country to find you a match."

Rosalind pouted. "But the doctors said her marrow was perfect. They said they'd never seen such a high match rate between two unrelated people."

Alaric glared at the locked door. His voice was a vow. "Then I'll tear this world apart until I find her for you."

At that moment, my heart felt a sharp, phantom pain.

Looking at them, memories of the past flooded back.

Alaric and I were college sweethearts. Back then, he was like sunlight breaking through the morning mistDwarm and bright.

I was the one who fell first.

We stayed together after graduation. I thought he was my everything.

I worked alongside him, building his company from the ground up. We shared every hardship.

He promised to take care of me forever.

In the beginning, he meant it.

But reality has a way of crushing dreams.

During the early days of the business, I was the one handling the clients.

That's how I met Dominic Hearst, the heir to the Hearst Empire.

Dominic was a spoiled playboy who only worked to amuse himself.

From the moment he saw me, he hovered like a fly. He constantly tried to touch me during business dinners.

One night, Dominic got drunk and tried to force me into his lap. Alaric didn't hesitate. He smashed a glass bottle over Dominic's head.

That single act cost us everything.

We lost the Hearst contracts and had to empty our savings to keep Alaric out of prison.

But the true cost was much higher.

That night, Alaric held me and apologized. He promised that once he made it, he'd never let anyone hurt me again.

He kept half that promise. Once he was successful, no one else hurt me.

He took over that job himself.

I tried to push the memories away.

I looked at his cold, heartless face. It had been years, but he looked more miserable than I remembered.

The humid summer wind messed up his hair, highlighting the deep furrow in his brow.

He looked burdened.

He kept Rosalind close, his eyes fixed on the weeds that had grown waist-high around my porch.

The year I "betrayed" Alaric was our second year of marriage.

I was one month pregnant. Neither of us knew it yet.

His business was finally taking off. He had investors lined up.

Then, everything collapsed. Investors pulled out. The bank called in his loans.

His properties, his cars, and his factory were all headed for the auction block.

Alaric couldn't eat. He couldn't sleep.

To make it worse, his mother was diagnosed with cancer that same year. The medical bills were astronomical.

I used every connection I had to find out what was happening. It turned out Dominic Hearst was the one pulling the strings.

He was finally getting his revenge for that bottle to the head.

Dominic came to me with a deal.

He said he could make the Hearst Group invest in Alaric's company. He said he'd pay for the mother's treatment.

I knew there was a catch.

The devil doesn't do charity. He wanted something more valuable than money.

I asked him why he was doing this.

Dominic looked at me with pure disdain. "Because I can. I love watching you ants squirm while you realize you're powerless."

"And I still haven't forgiven your husband for making me bleed. Now, he's going to pay."

I didn't understand Dominic.

He had a hundred ways to ruin Alaric, but he chose to use me.

Years later, I can still see that room vividly.

The VIP lounge was dimly lit. Dominic had me sitting on his lap.

Alaric burst in, holding a contract. When he saw us, he froze.

His eyes were bloodshot. His voice was a broken rasp. "Why?"

I looked him in the eye and lied. "You can't give me the life I want, Alaric. But Dominic can."

Dominic let out a boisterous laugh.

His greasy hand squeezed my waist.

I felt like a thousand arrows were piercing my soul. It was pure humiliation, but I forced a giggle and leaned into him.

"Isn't this better, Alaric? I get you the resources, you sign with Hearst. Everyone wins."

I watched the light die in Alaric's eyes.

But he still reached out his hand to me. "Serafina, come here. I don't need the money if it means this. I'll work harder. I'll give you everything you want."

He was pleading. He looked so desperate.

In that moment, I felt like a heavy stone was crushing my chest. I could barely breathe.

"Serafina, I won't sign it. Just come home with me," he said.

The man who was once so proud, the man who would fight a billionaire for me, was now begging.

Dominic's laughter was triumphant.

"Look at your woman, Alaric. One snap of my fingers and she's in my bed."

"So, what was the point of hitting me with that bottle? Was it worth it? Hahaha!"

Alaric didn't look at him. He just stared at me.

I wrapped my arms around Dominic's neck and smiled at Alaric. "Come on, Alaric. Don't be so serious. Look at the big picture."

I don't remember much of what happened after that.

I only remember him signing the contract. His eyes were a terrifying shade of red.

"Serafina Sterling," he whispered. "I will make your life a living hell for as long as we both breathe."

After that, he became a workaholic. He was obsessed.

In just a few years, he turned his startup into a public company. By the next year, he was a billionaire.

He succeeded.

And I became the biggest stain on his soul.

When his three-day deadline passed, I obviously didn't show up.

Alaric came back to my yard.

Skyler was excited. He kept running circles around his father, trying to slip his tiny, ghost hand into Alaric's palm.

"Mommy! I'm holding Daddy's hand!" he cheered.

My eyes burned. I forced a smile for him.

For years, Alaric believed Skyler belonged to Dominic. He hated the boy. He wouldn't even look at him.

Even when I showed him the DNA results proving he was the father, he wouldn't believe it.

He told me I'd paid someone to faked the report.

After that night with Dominic, Alaric never trusted a word I said.

I had asked for a divorce. I wanted to end the toxicity.

But he just gripped my chin and hissed, "You owe me, Serafina. I told you, we are never over until one of us is dead."

"Divorce? Not a chance."

He brought countless women to our house. He would touch them right in front of me.

Whenever I tried to argue, he'd remind me how "dirty" I was for being with Dominic.

This lasted until Rosalind came back from abroad. Once she was back, he cut off all the other women.

They were always together in public.

Even his business partners started calling Rosalind "Mrs. Blackwood."

The memory faded as Alaric stood at the gate, trying to call me.

The mechanical voice told him the number was no longer in service.

He frowned and opened our old messages. The last one was from three days ago, threatening me to show up for the transplant.

I hadn't replied.

He scrolled through my old posts. He stopped on a photo from four years ago.

It was a candid shot I took. He was sitting on the sofa, and SkylerDonly two thenDwas leaning his little head against Alaric's shoulder.

I thought it was beautiful at the time. But a second after the flash went off, Alaric had shoved the boy away in disgust.

He stared at the photo for a long time. Then, he typed a new message.

"Serafina, you asked for this. The three days are up. I'm cutting off all your funds starting today."

He waited. No reply. He kicked the gate in a fit of rage.

Skyler, who had been happily dancing around him, started shaking.

His lip trembled, and he ran back to me, sobbing. "Mommy, what's wrong with Daddy? I'm scared."

I pulled him into my arms. "Don't be scared, baby. He can't hurt you anymore. Look, there's a butterfly! Why don't you go play with it?"

I tried to distract him.

Skyler looked over and saw a butterfly fluttering near the weeds.

He wiped his tears and chased after it.

Alaric paced back and forth, rubbing his temples. Finally, he pulled out his phone again.

"Hello? Is this the locksmith?"

Half an hour later.

Alaric pushed open the gate, clearing away the thick cobwebs.

The grass inside was even taller, reaching up to his waist.

The place was clearly abandoned.

He hesitated in the middle of the yard.

He'd been here twice before. He should have remembered how well I used to keep the garden. It wasn't supposed to look like this.

The first time he came was to drop us off.

Skyler had just been diagnosed with kidney failure. It was a congenital issue.

Alaric thought the boy was a curse. He bought this remote, run-down cottage and forced us to move here.

He sent me three thousand dollars a month for living expenses and Skyler's dialysis.

The second time he came was to drag me to the hospital for Rosalind's first transplant.

If he had a brain, he'd remember the hydrangeas and roses I used to grow.

He'd remember the swing set I built for Skyler.

While he was standing there lost in thought, Rosalind called. Her voice sounded weak. "Alaric? Did you find her? Is she coming for the tests?"

Alaric sighed. "I'll handle it. Just listen to the doctors and don't worry."

Rosalind started to sob. "I know she doesn't want to help me again. I understand. She already saved me once. I shouldn't be greedy. I don't blame her for hiding. Truly."

She was framing it perfectly. She was making it look like I was hiding just to watch her die.

Alaric was silent for a few seconds.

To my surprise, he didn't take her side. "That's not it. I haven't reached her yet. She probably doesn't even know your cancer is back. How could she hide from something she doesn't know about?"

Rosalind went quiet, caught off guard.

"Alaric, I didn't mean it like that," she stammered.

Alaric cut her off. "Rosalind, don't worry. If Serafina is still on this earth, I'll find her. Even if I have to drag her here by her hair, she will save you."

Rosalind seemed satisfied with that.

After they hung up, Alaric stood in front of the cottage door for a long time. Even though it wasn't locked, he didn't push it open.

If he had, he would have seen it.

Two white chalk outlines on the floor.

The police had drawn them after they found our bodies.

But he just stood there.

Finally, he backed away, locked the gate with a new lock he bought from the locksmith, and left.

I noticed something strange.

As long as we stayed near Alaric, we could leave the place where we were trapped.

Skyler was bored of that yard after three years. I decided to take him exploring.

He was so excited, pointing at everything and chirping with joy.

But we couldn't go too far. There was a tether between us and Alaric.

We followed him back to his massive mansion.

Skyler's jaw dropped when he saw the luxury.

He had lived here until he was two. But he was too small then. He had forgotten.

He flew around the rooms while I followed Alaric into his study.

I watched him call the bank. He froze the credit cards he'd given me.

If he had actually looked at the statements, he'd realize something.

There hadn't been a single transaction on those cards in three years.

Every cent he'd sent for the past thirty-six months was still sitting in that account.

He thought that by cutting me off, I'd come crawling back within a week.

After all, Skyler needed dialysis twice a week. He knew I couldn't afford that on my own.

After finishing the call, he stared at his phone.

I drifted behind him. He was looking at that old photo of him and Skyler.

The resemblance was undeniable. The same forehead, the same thick lashes, the same slight curve of the eyes.

They were carbon copies.

He wasn't an idiot. He had to see it.

The silence of the study was broken by a phone call. It was the hospital.

Rosalind had collapsed.

Alaric grabbed his keys and raced out.

Skyler and I were pulled along in his wake.

In his rush through the hospital lobby, Alaric collided with a man in a bespoke suit.

I knew that man. It was Dominic Hearst.

Dominic stumbled back. When he realized it was Alaric, a smirk spread across his face.

"Well, if it isn't the great Alaric Blackwood. What brings you to the hospital in such a hurry in the middle of the night?"

Alaric muttered a quick apology and tried to push past him toward the elevators.

Dominic didn't let it go. He followed Alaric all the way to the oncology ward.

Rosalind wasn't in her room. Alaric sprinted to the doctor's office.

When he learned she wasn't in a coma, but just had a dizzy spell from anemia, he finally exhaled.

He sat on a bench outside her room, gasping for air. His eyes were blank, staring at the floor.

He really did care about her. It was sickening.

Dominic leaned against the doorframe, watching him. "I thought your little girlfriend was cured. Why is she back in the lion's den?"

Alaric didn't want to talk. "It came back," he said curtly.

Over the last few years, Alaric's company and Hearst Group had become major partners. Their business deals were worth billions.

Three years ago, Dominic's father had forced him to go abroad to handle international branches.

Without Dominic there to sabotage him, Alaric had thrived.

"So, whose life are you going to trade for hers this time?" Dominic asked suddenly.

Alaric looked at him like he was crazy.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Dominic studied his face, a strange, twisted smile forming on his lips.

"You're a good actor, Alaric. Sometimes even I can't tell if you're faking it."

Alaric was losing his patience. "Dominic, if you have something to say, say it. Don't play games."

Dominic shrugged. "I'm just saying since Serafina is dead, who's going to be the sacrificial lamb for your ex this time?"

The Deadly Doctor, Rebirth of the Patient

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:20:35 +0800

My father hired the youngest medical prodigy in the city, Silas Sterling, to be my private doctor.

He was cold and quiet, but his medical skills were unmatched.

To let him focus on his research, I built a top-tier lab for him and blocked all the criticism from my family.

I thought I was his only true friend and patron. I believed that if I gave him everything, his cold heart would eventually melt.

But later, a sudden car accident damaged my kidneys.

The best doctors in the city said only Silas could save me and pushed me toward him.

Instead, he personally pulled off my oxygen mask.

For the first time, he spoke to me in a gentle voice. "Vanessa's heart can't wait for me to heal you anymore."

It felt like waking up from a long, terrible dream.

It turned out that all his kindness was just to protect this heart, so it could be transplanted into my sister.

"I'm sorry. After I pass away, I'll find a way to make it up to you."

He slowly pushed the anesthetic into my body.

My eyes closed heavily.

When I opened them again, I was back on the day I had to choose my private doctor.

I was reborn on the day of the selection.

My father sat at the head of the conference table with three resumes in front of him.

My sister, Vanessa Quinn, stood behind him and gently patted my shoulder.

"Summer, Silas is a genius. Only he can take good care of you."

Silas stood to the side, his gaze cold and detached.

I remembered what he said when he pulled my oxygen tube: "Vanessa's heart can't wait."

In my past life, I accepted him with joy.

I thought I had found a savior, but I was just a lamb led to the slaughter.

This time, things were different.

My eyes scanned the three doctors and finally landed on an unremarkable middle-aged man in the corner.

Dr. Miller. He advocated for conservative treatment, and everyone here thought he was the most useless choice.

"I choose him."

As soon as I spoke, the room went silent.

The gentleness on Vanessa's face froze, and a flicker of panic crossed her eyes.

Silas looked surprised that I wasn't following the script they had written.

My father stood up abruptly. "Don't be ridiculous! Your heart condition must be handled by the best!"

I coughed weakly a few times. "Dad, I'm afraid of pain. Dr. Miller's plan sounds less scary."

Silas finally spoke. "My plan can offer a permanent cure."

I looked up at him. "But I don't want to be a lab rat on someone's table, sacrificed at any moment."

Silas's expression changed instantly.

Vanessa rushed forward and knelt in front of me.

"Summer, what are you saying? Why would Silas treat you like an experiment? He's trying to save you!"

Save me?

"Dr. Sterling, why are you so anxious? Are you afraid I'll live too long?"

That one sentence made everyone's face turn pale.

Dr. Miller stood trembling in the corner, not daring to speak.

He probably didn't expect to be chosen, much less cause such a scene.

A dangerous glint flashed in Silas's eyes. "Are you questioning my medical skills?"

"No, I'm questioning your motives."

My father eventually gave in to my faked weakness.

"Fine, we'll do it your way."

Vanessa immediately went over and grabbed Silas's hand. "Silas, Summer is young and doesn't know better. Please don't be mad at her."

Silas didn't pull away. He just kept his eyes fixed on me.

That look was too familiar.

In my past life, every time my condition worsened, he looked at me like that.

It wasn't concern. It was an evaluation.

He was calculating how much longer my heart could last.

"Since Miss Quinn doubts my ability, why don't I prove it right now?" Silas said suddenly.

He pulled a medical record from his briefcase and handed it to the other doctors.

"This is a patient I saw yesterday. You can all look at the diagnosis."

Dr. Miller took the record, and his face went white.

The other doctor leaned in, his brows knitting together.

"This case..." Dr. Miller's voice shook.

"Myocardial lesions with multi-organ failure. I... I really don't have a good treatment plan for this."

Silas's lips curled into a slight smirk.

"I have already developed a complete treatment plan. I expect a full recovery within three months."

The room filled with murmurs of praise.

My father nodded. "As expected of a genius."

Vanessa looked at Silas with pure adoration. "Silas, you really are incredible."

Dr. Miller stood in the corner, sweat dripping down his forehead.

Silas turned to me with arrogance in his eyes. "Miss Quinn, do you still think my motives are the problem?"

I didn't answer. I just turned to my father. "Dad, I'm tired. I want to go rest."

My father waved his hand. "Go on, get some sleep."

I stood up to leave. As I passed Silas, I paused.

Leaning close to his ear, I whispered, "The phase three clinical data for your APTX drug has severe cardiovascular side effects. Didn't you know?"

Silas's entire body went rigid.

That was his most secret research project. He had never mentioned it to anyone.

Even the data was locked in a safe in his private lab.

How could I possibly know?

"You..."

I didn't stop. I walked straight out of the meeting room.

Behind me, I heard Vanessa's worried voice. "Silas, what's wrong? You look terrible!"

I sneered in my heart.

In my past life, I was the lab rat for that experiment.

I stayed up countless nights with him, watching him fail and rewrite data over and over.

I thought he was doing it to save me.

Only at the end did I realize he was just using my body to test the drug's toxicity.

In this life, he didn't know his research was destined to fail.

He didn't know that the patient he thought was a fool actually knew him better than he knew himself.

After shaking off Silas, I put all my energy into investigating the truth of my past life.

Secretly buying a nearly bankrupt biotech company took a lot of effort, but it was a necessary move.

Dr. Miller started my conservative treatment.

Without Silas's interference, my body was actually stronger than it had been at this time in my previous life.

Vanessa still convinced my father to let Silas stay at our house.

One day, as I was coming home, Vanessa blocked my path.

"Summer, you've been going out a lot lately. Can your body handle it?" Her voice was full of fake worry.

"Besides, you aren't cooperating with the check-ups. Silas is so worried he hasn't slept in days."

I stopped and looked at her pathetic act.

In my last life, I was fooled by this performance a thousand times.

"Is Dr. Sterling worried about me, or are you worried that your spare heart will have issues?"

The color drained from her face instantly.

"Sister... how can you say that? I just... I just care about you..."

I took a step forward, and she instinctively backed away.

"Do you care about me, or do you care about my medical reports?"

"Vanessa, did you forget? When we were ten, who pushed me into the pool and gave me this heart condition in the first place?"

"No... I didn't..." she sobbed, denying it.

That innocent act was truly top-tier acting.

Too bad I wasn't the stupid little sister who would be tricked by a few words anymore.

"Enough!"

Silas's cold voice came from behind her.

He marched over and pulled Vanessa into his arms, his eyes filled with pity for her.

He turned to me, his tone icy. "Summer Quinn, you've gone too far. Apologize to Vanessa."

I laughed.

"Apologize?" I walked up to him. "For what?"

"For the fact that your sister is worried sick about you, forD"

"SLAP!"

I landed a hard blow across his face.

The crisp sound echoed through the living room.

Vanessa gasped, and Silas stood frozen in place.

Everyone was stunned.

I rubbed my slightly reddened palm.

"Dr. Sterling, remember your place. You are the Quinn family's doctor, not my sister's knight."

After that slap, the atmosphere at home stayed awkward.

Three days later, Vanessa suddenly collapsed.

She was rushed to the hospital.

I stood in the living room, listening to my father's frantic phone calls.

When he hung up, his face was grim as he looked at me.

"Vanessa's heart failure is getting worse. The doctors say she has three months at most."

I looked down.

Here it comes.

"Summer, you and Vanessa have the same blood type and matching heart sizes. Go to the hospital tomorrow for a compatibility test."

My father's words weren't a request.

I looked up at him. This man who once claimed to love me now only had cold calculation in his eyes.

"I refuse."

"This isn't a choice!" He slammed the table. "Vanessa is your own sister!"

My sister?

The one who spent years plotting to take my heart?

I smiled.

"Dad, are you sure she needs my heart, and not just my life?"

His face darkened. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

The next day, I was still "escorted" to the hospital by two bodyguards.

I didn't resist because I wanted to see how far they would go with this play.

In Silas's office, he stood with his back to me by the window.

His shoulders were shaking slightly.

"Summer Quinn, just go do the tests."

I sat in the chair and looked at him calmly. "What if my heart is even worse than hers?"

He turned around, his eyes bloodshot.

"Then I'll find another way."

"What way?"

He fell silent.

After a long time, he closed his eyes. "I'm sorry."

The door was locked.

Several nurses walked in with trays and sedatives.

I was pinned to the hospital bed as a cold needle pierced my vein.

The drug began to take effect, and my vision blurred.

He thought he was being discreet.

But I knew everything.

I knew every detail of the plot he made with Vanessa.

I knew about the "accidental death" report they had already prepared.

Before I lost consciousness, I wasn't afraid. I smiled silently.

Silas, you think you're saving your lover.

Too bad for you. This time, I've made my own arrangements.

I won't let you win again.

I was wheeled into the operating room.

The anesthesiologist was adjusting the equipment. Silas stood by the side, his eyes hollow.

"Let's begin," he said, sounding exhausted.

The moment the needle entered my vein, I felt that familiar chill.

Silas leaned close to my ear. "Just go to sleep. Everything will be fine when you wake up."

The exact same words from my past life.

Using the last of my strength, I whispered, "Silas, you'll soon know what real heartbreak feels like."

His hand jerked, but the sedative was already in my system.

I knew they felt completely in control.

What they didn't know was that a special drug called "Thanatos-7," provided by Forrest Sinclair, was spreading through my veins.

It was the perfect drug to simulate sudden cardiac death. Even the most precise instruments couldn't detect anything wrong.

Silas's breathing was shallow. He was nervous.

Three minutes later, the drug took full effect.

"BeepDBeepDBEEEEED"

Before Silas could even make the first cut, the heart monitor let out a piercing scream.

My vitals went haywire, and every indicator dropped sharply.

"Doctor! The patient is in acute heart failure!" a nurse cried out in panic.

"Blood pressure is crashing! Arrhythmia!"

"Hurry! Get the epinephrine!"

Silas's voice cracked as he started a frantic rescue.

Defibrillators, heart stimulantsDevery emergency method was used.

But it was all useless.

"Impossible... the data was perfect..."

Silas's voice trembled. "Why is this happening?"

The EKG turned into a cold, flat line.

The operating room fell into a deathly silence.

Just then, the door was kicked open.

A bodyguard rushed in, his face full of anxiety.

"Dr. Sterling! Miss Vanessa can't wait any longer! Where's the heart? Hurry!"

Silas stared blankly at my face, his lips turning white.

Then, another figure burst in.

It was a doctor from the pathology department, holding a report.

This was someone Forrest had planted in advance.

"It's too late!" The doctor slammed the report onto the operating table.

"The deceased has massive myocardial fibrosis with acute viral necrosis! This heart is completely ruined! Anyone who uses it will die!"

Silas's face turned ghostly pale. He swayed on his feet.

"What do you mean? The heart can't be used?"

"Yes! It's garbage! Completely useless! If you give this to Vanessa Quinn now, you'll just kill her!"

Silas stared at my face, despair flashing in his eyes.

All his plans and calculations had turned into dust in a single moment.

%%%

The Reborn CEO, Reclaiming Everything

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:00:13 +0800

In my past life, after Britney, the real heiress, returned home, my icy mother demanded I hand over the CEO position. I refused, but out of guilt, made her Vice President. She then systematically seized control of the company, even seducing my husband, leaving me destitute. As I lay dying, she gloated, "Ashley, I finally have everything that belongs to me! And you? You can die!" Everything that belonged to her? I laughed. She didn't know that without me, there would be no company, no glamorous Ethan.

...

Reborn, I stared at the familiar faces in the living room. It was the day my mother demanded I relinquish my role. Days earlier, Mom had paraded Britney in front of everyone, declaring her the true daughter. Britney, apparently, had discovered the truth after a household accident and tracked down Mom herself.

"Ashley, I raised you, but I owe Britney so much," Mom stated, her voice devoid of emotion. "Give her the CEO position."

Britney wrung her hands, eyes glistening. "Mom, but this is Ashley's hard work I can't"

Mom's face softened with a warmth I'd never seen. She grasped Britney's hand. "Don't worry, it's my company." Then, her eyes turned to ice as she glared at me. "Not hers."

This scene mirrored the past. I was once devastated by that look. I'd strived relentlessly for her approval, studying late into the night, even collapsing from a nosebleed once while chasing top grades. Mom had visited me in the hospital, but when I reached for her, she recoiled, her eyes filled with disdain. "Ashley, you're a disgrace. I regret giving birth to you."

Those words shattered me. I realized she saw me as a pawn. Now, watching them, a single tear from Britney had earned Mom's tenderness. I closed my eyes, a bitter smile playing on my lips.

"Ashley, you did live her life for 25 years. Just give it back," Ethan, my husband, mumbled, avoiding my gaze.

The room fell silent. Their looks accused me of being shameless.

I turned to the weeping Britney, then smiled brightly. "Fine. You want it? You got it. I'll give you everything."

Last time, my refusal had sparked outrage. I was labeled a usurper, enjoying Britney's rightful life. Employees, even friends, pitied Britney, forgetting that the company's success was my doing. My hard work was attributed to Mom's ownership, as if the company's prosperity was inevitable. I became the villain.

Britneys deathbed confession revealed their plan: secure the VP position, then slowly isolate me, manipulating me into surrendering control. They succeeded, and I died.

Now, I watched their reactions: Mom's suspicion, Ethan's confusion, and Britney's veiled triumph. Britney smiled, then quickly composed herself at Mom's wary look.

Mom's lips parted. She hadn't expected my compliance. She knew how much I'd poured into the company.

I stood, smiled at the crowd, and walked away.

"Wait!"

My heart leaped. Perhaps she cared after all.

But her next words froze me. "Britney's unfamiliar with the business. You'll stay and guide her." An order.

I turned, my smile gone. "Seven days. That's all you get."

I strode out, tears stinging my eyes. She truly didn't care. But I wiped my tears, a new resolve hardening my gaze. A crisis was looming. I wanted to see how Britney would handle it.

As I packed, Britney appeared. "Ashley, where are you going?"

I ignored her. She slapped my clothes to the floor. "You think you're better than me? I'm the future CEO!"

I studied her. On arrival, she'd sobbed about years of abuse from her adoptive parents. Now, I doubted it. An abused adult wouldn't stay put. And Britney's skin was flawless, hardly a mark on her. It was all a ploy for Mom's sympathy.

"Done with the act? You were quite convincing downstairs," I said, smiling. "Your skin is remarkably smooth. They really abused you?"

She froze, then erupted. "You don't know anything! They abused me! I never had anything I wanted! What's the point of living?!" She kicked my suitcase. "You said you'd give me everything! You're not taking anything! You can experience poverty now!" She lunged, tearing at my clothes. Footsteps echoed on the stairs.

"Bang!" Britney crumpled to the floor as someone entered. "Ashley! I was just helping you pack! Why did you hit me?!"

She sobbed, clutching her head. A perfect performance. Before I could speak, Mom slapped me. "Ashley!"

I met her furious gaze. What was the point of explaining?

"I asked you to give up the CEO position, and you assault her? I should've known you wouldn't agree!"

Each word cut like a knife. I wiped the blood from my lip. "Look around. Whose room is this? Who started it?"

My coldness startled her. She noticed the scattered clothes, the overturned suitcase, but remained silent.

I dragged out another suitcase and slammed it at her feet. Then, I shouted at Britney, "I said I'd give you everything!" I turned to Mom. "You too!"

I kicked the suitcase open. Cash erupted, raining down on us. Britneys eyes widened at the money. Mom scowled. "What's this?"

"I'm giving her everything. This should cover what you spent on me," I said, gesturing at the suitcase.

Britney spoke softly, "Ashley, you can't take Mom's money and pretend it's yours to give back." She sneered. "This is Mom's money, isn't it?"

I laughed. "Who said it was hers?"

Mom's face darkened at my refusal to call her "Mom."

I stepped towards Britney. "This is all mine."

She looked at Mom, who remained silent. Britney paled. They thought I'd be helpless, destitute. But Mom had inadvertently taught me survival. This money was the result.

Mom's relentless pressure had driven me to excel, earning praise from her friends. But when I missed a scholarship and failed my grad school exams at 20, shed coldly told me to leave.

The housekeeper threw me out on a winter night. Mom watched, her eyes glacial. "Come back when you succeed." The door slammed shut, leaving me to cry in the cold.

I spent a year crashing with a friend, studying and working multiple jobs. My friend's family ran a finance firm, offering me an internship. Thats where I learned to apply my knowledge, following markets and investing my meager savings. Now, I had millions.

Britney clenched her fists, her eyes burning with resentment.

I walked past her, out the door, taking nothing.

"Where are you going?!" Mom's cold voice echoed.

I didn't turn. "Home. And from now on, Harrison Enterprises, and you, have nothing to do with me."

Swapped at Birth, My Revenge Begins

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:15 +0800

My husband's mistress and I gave birth to our sons in the same freaking hospital room.

After we were discharged, she even moved into the apartment across the hall from us.

My son, or so I thought, was a real hellion.

I quit my job to give him a better life, doing everything myself, burning the candle at both ends.

Years later, I got cancer from all the stress.

I figured my son would at least take care of me.

Boy, was I wrong.

He stole all my savings and dumped me in a run-down shack in the sticks to rot, leaving me to die in agony.

It wasn't until after I kicked the bucket that I found out... he wasn't even my real kid!

My husband had deliberately set it up for me and his side piece to be in the same room, just so he could switch the babies!

He wanted me to waste all my money and time raising their kid.

And my real son?

He was living right across the hall, being turned into a freaking simpleton by that psycho, Tiffany.

Then, I woke up.

...

I was back in the delivery room, next to Tiffany.

The first thing I was gonna do was get my baby back!

"Seriously, Brenda, I'm so jealous. Your kid's gonna be born with a silver spoon!"

The voice snapped me back to reality.

I realized I'd been given a second chance.

I shot up and looked at the baby in my arms.

Wrinkled and sleeping soundly, there it was: a big, blue birthmark on his butt.

I'd seen that thing for over twenty years; I knew it like the back of my hand.

This wasn't my son, it was Tiffany's!

That witch had switched them out right from the start!

"Honey, what's wrong? Is your incision hurting?"

My husband, Mark, asked, all concerned.

I looked at him, anger bubbling inside me.

He cheated on me with Tiffany and swapped our kids!

He schemed to have me pour all my energy into their little monster.

He let my son get abused by that viper, turning him into a vegetable!

Just thinking about it made me want to punch Mark's lights out.

Suddenly, a weak moan came from the next bed.

Mark jumped up, all worried.

"Tiffany? What's wrong? You okay? I'll get a doctor!"

I glanced over.

Tiffany was in her bed, smacking the crying baby beside her.

"Shut up! You're killing me with this nursing! I should've just thrown you in the garbage and let you starve!"

She was hitting my son!

The sound of his cries made me tremble with rage.

Mark was all sympathy too, but for Tiffany.

"Honey, Tiffany's here all alone. It's kinda sad. Maybe I should take her to see a doctor? This pain can't be good."

I smirked inwardly, but put on my best sweet wife act.

"That's so thoughtful of you, honey. Tiffany's young and inexperienced. She probably needs to get checked out. Go ahead, I'll watch the baby."

Sure, I said that, but I held onto that little monster like it was gold, cooing over it and pointedly ignoring Tiffany's baby.

Tiffany saw me snubbing her kid and gave me a smug smile.

"Thanks for watching my little angel, Brenda."

She strutted out of the room, all high and mighty, with Mark holding her arm.

As soon as they were gone, I switched the babies back.

When Tiffany came back, her little hellion was lying in his bassinet, crying his eyes out.

"Worthless piece of trash, always crying! I'll smack your mouth if you don't shut it!"

Tiffany snarled at the baby, even slapping him. He just cried harder.

I pretended not to notice, just clutching my son.

This time, I'd protect him.

I'd make sure he grew up happy and healthy.

As for that other kid... Tiffany liked them dumb, right?

Well, she could just beat her own flesh and blood into a vegetable.

I wondered if she'd regret it when she knew the truth.

Three days later, I was discharged. Tiffany had the nerve to move into the apartment right across the hall!

We lived in a fancy complex, where even renting was expensive.

Tiffany wasn't exactly rolling in dough.

I checked our joint bank account transactions, and sure enough, Mark had transferred over seven thousand dollars.

Exactly one years rent for Tiffany.

Back then, Id married Mark for his kind heart.

I'd brought money, a house, and a car into the marriage.

Mark treated me like gold, showering me with love.

He convinced me to quit my job to take care of our "son".

He swore he'd work hard and provide for us.

But his measly paycheck barely covered the bills, and we were always dipping into my savings.

I bent over backwards trying to raise that monster from an idiot to a college graduate.

Years of stress gave me cancer.

The doctors said it was treatable, but he refused to pay for my treatments.

He sent me to that old shack to die.

That little monster hated me.

"You have all this money and you force me to study? You dont want me to have a good life? Mom says I get all the money when youre dead, so I dont need to work!"

Tiffany stood by him, smirking.

"Didnt you know? This is my real son, your son is that retard at my house. I hit him in the head with a rolling pin. He got lucky and didnt die, but he drools and calls for his mom."

"Too bad his mom is busy raising my son, and will never answer him!

I died locked in that shack, and saw them living happily as a family.

My poor son was shoved into a trunk like an animal.

Then, Tiffany knocked on my door.

The hatred in my eyes almost boiled over.

Tiffany was playing the poor, single mom card, just like before.

"Brenda, do you have any extra formula? I spent all my money on rent, and I cant buy formula. My baby is crying because of hunger!"

I was about to speak when Mark stepped out of the bedroom, holding two expired cans of baby formula.

"Were not rich, formula is expensive. I cant starve my kid to feed yours!"

His kid...

He would rather give his kid big-brand formula and my son the expired stuff.

I slapped the formula out of his hands and scoffed.

"You were going to give this trash to a baby? You want it to die?"

Mark thought I would give Tiffany the good stuff, and quickly said, "Thats not our kid. Who cares if he dies?"

He was right, it wasnt my kid.

But I wouldnt let them have a single thing.

I crushed the expired formula and said, "If you cant afford formula, let him starve."

Mark and Tiffany were shocked.

"Brenda, how can you be so ruthless?"

Tiffany chimed in, "You thought it through, Brenda? If you dont give me formula, my baby could die!"

I stared at her coldly.

"He can die. Ill call the cops. Youll live out your days in prison!"

Mark quickly shielded Tiffany and said, "Fine, dont give it!"

I shoved him away and continued to glare at Tiffany.

"If you dont have money, does your kids dad not have money? Did he use you and run away? Is your kid a bastard?"

Tiffanys face was red.

"Hes not a deadbeat! My husband loves me!"

But then she seemed happy.

"That reminds me! I havent named the baby yet. Maybe Ill call him Bastard!"

I laughed.

"Okay. Its your kid, name him whatever you want."

I looked at the baby.

"Bastard? Great name, its fitting."

Tiffany relaxed and laughed too.

"Right, hes a bastard!"

She thought her baby was my son and mocked my stupidity.

But I knew my son was in the other room, fast asleep, and Tiffany was holding her and Marks kid.

Being called Bastard was the least of his worries.

The kid was growing quickly.

When it was time to go to elementary school, the "bastard" didnt have a birth certificate and was locked in the house.

Tiffany didnt work, and the most fun thing to her was bringing the bastard over for a visit.

The bastard had never seen good food or drinks, and was like a wild animal.

He would run around and steal my sons food.

Thats when Tiffany would beat him with a big stick, and watch my reaction.

Back then, I felt bad and protected him.

But I wouldnt be so stupid now, and watched her perform.

The bastard never drank formula, so he was skinny and small, and he was covered with bruises.

But it wasnt enough.

Back then, Tiffany had cracked my sons head with a stick, turning him into a vegetable.

One day, Tiffany came over, and the bastard saw the bananas on the table.

He ran and started eating them.

Tiffany pulled out her stick and beat him.

"Bastard! I didnt feed you at home? You embarrass me!"

It was already winter, but the bastard was wearing a t-shirt.

His pus-filled wounds were exposed.

He hid behind me.

"Aunt Brenda, save me! I was just hungry, I didnt mean it!"

Tiffany laughed.

"Aunt Brenda, ha ha ha! He called you Aunt Brenda!"

I looked at her calmly.

"He can call me Aunt Brenda."

Tiffany paused, and then laughed.

"Sorry, Brenda, that bastard is like a wild animal. I cant feed him enough, and I dont hit him enough. Or else he wouldnt steal Seans bananas!"

Sean was my son.

Mark and Tiffany thought Sean was their son, and loved him.

I said, "You have to teach him, or else Sean will cry when he sees the bananas are gone."

Tiffany got angrier and started beating him.

"Bastard! Stealing Seans bananas! Ill beat you to death!"

The bastard curled up, weak and frail, but he had a fire in his eyes.

Mark came home with Sean.

Tiffany put down the stick and hugged Sean.

Mark didnt look at the bastard and said, "Sean and Tiffany are close! Look at how well they get along!"

I didnt react, and said, "Sean needs a tablet for school. Maybe Tiffany should buy him one!"

Mark frowned.

"We cant have others buying things for our kid. Dont you have money?"

I said, "My money is at the bank, cant take it out. Whatever, Sean, back to your room."

Tiffany got nervous when I tried to leave.

"Ill buy it! Ill buy the tablet!"

When I was pregnant, I hired a detective to check on Mark and Tiffany.

I had also put all my money in my parents name.

All these years, I had been a housewife, and asked Mark when I needed money.

Marks salary couldnt support two households, but he lived in my house, and wanted me to raise their bastard.

So, he worked multiple jobs.

I didnt let Tiffany off the hook.

I told her all the expensive things that Sean used, and Tiffany bought them.

They used my money back then, and now I was taking it all back.

The bastard looked at Sean and grabbed Tiffanys pants.

"Mom, I want that."

Tiffany slapped him in the face.

"What do you want? I feed you, youre lucky! Youre not as good as Seans toe!"

The bastard was knocked into the corner and spit out blood.

Tiffany hugged Sean and mocked me.

"Brenda, Im beating the kid, why dont you stop me? How heartless are you?"

I laughed.

"Youre hitting your own kid, why would I stop you?"

Tiffany laughed.

"Right! Hes not your kid. Its fine if I beat him to death, nobody will care!"

She smiled and caressed Sean.

"Brenda, Sean is so much different than that bastard, hes well-behaved and smart! You have to raise him well! Save all your money for him, so he doesnt have to work!"

I agreed.

"Of course!"

Tiffany smirked, like she was mocking my ignorance.

She thought I was raising her kid and letting my own kid get beaten.

She thought I was the stupidest person in the world.

I was curious how shed react when she learned that the bastard was her own kid.

When Tiffany and Mark were playing with Sean, I brought the bastard to the kitchen and gave him bananas.

He ate them and hugged my leg.

"Aunt Brenda, youre so nice to me. I wish you were my mom! Can you adopt me? I dont want to live with Tiffany!"

I said sarcastically, "I was even nicer to him back then, and he still locked the sick me away."

Wasnt he happy that his family was together?

How come he was unhappy now that he was with his real mom?

I rubbed his head and said, "You have a mom. Only kids without moms can be adopted."

The bastard thought about this.

I gave him two more bananas, and said, "If others see how youre beat, theyd arrest your mom."

The bastard was smart.

I said a few words, and he did something big that night.

The bastard went downstairs and took his clothes off in the snow and showed people his wounds.

But Tiffany found him quickly and dragged him back.

The bastard ran downstairs and showed his wounds, but he was too quick, and the weather was too cold.

Tiffany was furious and beat him.

She broke the stick and came to borrow a rolling pin.

I refused, and she ran downstairs for a stick.

Tiffany didnt close the door, and I saw the bloody bastard crawl to the table, take a phone, and set it up in the corner.

Tiffany didnt see the phone and started beating the bastard.

The bastard screamed.

"Mom, dont hit me! I wont do it again!"

Tiffany didnt stop.

"Bastard! I feed you! Its fine to hit you! If you piss me off again, Ill beat you to death! You dont have a birth certificate, nobody will know if you die, and the cops cant do anything!"

She was insane and didnt see the phone.

That night, a video of the bastard's abuse went viral.

I checked it out, and it was a video of Tiffany hitting the bastard.

There were comments.

"Shes killing the kid! What happened?"

"The kid is calling her mom, how can she abuse him?"

"She said the cops cant do anything. Lets dox her, and arrest her!"

I commented Tiffanys name and address.

By midnight, the Tiffany was surrounded by people.

Her windows were broken, and people were throwing rotten food and diapers filled with poop.

Tiffany was furious.

She realized the video had been posted from her account, and knew the bastard had done it.

"Bastard! Ill kill you!"

Tiffany grabbed a thick stick and hit the bastards legs!

The bastard screamed.

The neighbors were still there and broke the door open.

"Stop! You're still hitting him! I cant watch this anymore!"

"Look what you did to him! Are you trying to kill him?"

I went in and acted surprised.

"Tiffany, youre insane! Hes your son! Just because your man left, doesnt mean you can take it out on him!"

"Call an ambulance, hes dying!"

The ambulance came, and Tiffany dragged me into it.

She seemed happy.

"Brenda, what if the bastard dies? Arent you sad?"

I said, "Hes not my son, why should I be sad?"

Tiffany laughed and said, "Right, he should die! His own mom wants him to die!"

The doctors came.

"The kids legs are broken and his organs are damaged. We need to test him. Whos his family?"

I shoved Tiffany forward.

"Shes his mom!"

The doctor gave her a piece of paper.

"Pay the bill. Its an emergency!"

Tiffany yawned.

"I dont have money. Save him if you want to. If not, let him die!"

The people got angry and tried to hit her.

"Hes your son! Why arent you saving him? I want to kill you!"

Tiffany said, "Son? Ha, hes a bastard, who cares!"

She looked at me, excited.

She thought the bastard was my son.

The doctors started treating the bastard.

Tiffany sat outside, playing on her phone.

The doctors came out.

"His spleen and liver are ruptured. He needs a transplant. Do a blood test, or hell die!"

Tiffany didnt listen.

Other people did the blood test.

Tiffany shoved me.

"Go! Youll be thanking me if you save him!"

I did the blood test.

The doctor was more frantic.

"We cant find a match! Youre his mom, youre the best choice! Its a life-or-death situation, hes your son!"

Tiffany was indifferent, until she saw me.

"Cant find a match? What about Brenda?"

The doctor got angrier.

"Youre his real mom, nobody else is the best match!"

Tiffany looked at me, wondering why I failed the blood test.

With the doctors insistence, Tiffany got the blood test.

It matched.

"No way! Impossible! The hospital is lying!"

Tiffany stared at the report.

"Im not related to that bastard! How can we match?"

The doctor said, "You have the same blood type, youre his mom! Why are you saying you aren't related?"

Tiffany looked at me in shock!

Fired Top Sales, Collecting Rent From Former Boss

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:40:53 +0800

I had been the top performer at the company for three years when they suddenly demoted me.

My boss told me to take it or leave it. He said the world didn't revolve around me and the company would thrive regardless.

Even my boyfriend abandoned me, choosing to cling to the boss's daughter for a chance at the high life.

So, I left.

When I finally returned, I wasn't looking for a job.

I walked up to my former boss, whose company was on the brink of bankruptcy, and handed him a legal document.

"Hello," I said. "I'm here to collect the rent."

The moment I stepped into the office, I was slapped with a demotion notice.

The gossip mill was already spinning.

"How did Raina get demoted? She's literally the MVP of this agency!" one of my coworkers whispered.

I raised an eyebrow, feeling just as confused.

I had worked my tail off for three years, pulling in massive accounts and securing my position as a manager.

We had just thrown a victory party for a project I closed last week. This demotion made zero sense.

My friend in HR, Mrs. Gable, pulled me aside with a heavy sigh.

"I'm just following the boss's orders, Raina. If I were you, I'd think long and hard about who you might have offended lately"

I caught her drift immediately.

"Who's the new manager?" I asked point-blank.

Mrs. Gable looked pained. "It's the new intern, Cece Lovell."

My frown deepened. Cece Lovell was the boss's daughter.

She had just graduated and was parachuted into the company with a massive ego. On her first day, she actually ordered me to get her a glass of water.

If she were talented, I might have swallowed my pride.

But she had flunked out of several prep schools before her parents bought her a degree from a mid-tier college abroad.

She knew nothing about the business but was an expert at causing chaos.

I tried to find a place for her on my team, but she was useless.

Eventually, I just told her to keep an eye on the water cooler and let someone know when it was empty.

Apparently, the little princess didn't appreciate that.

I rubbed my temples. I had no patience for this kind of nepo-baby nonsense.

I marched straight into the boss's office to demand an explanation.

Mr. Lovell didn't even look up. He was ready to gaslight me.

"Raina, you've been with us for three years, right?"

I nodded and started listing my successful projects and the revenue I'd generated.

He took a slow sip of his tea, looking unimpressed.

"Those projects might not have been because of you. Maybe those clients just saw how much potential our company has.

"Young people shouldn't be so arrogant."

I let out a cold laugh.

"And what about Cece? She's been here for two weeks and hasn't finished a single task. How does she deserve my title?"

I had recently brought her to a meeting with a major European client, thinking her time abroad meant she could at least handle basic English.

It turned out her English was worse than my middle-school nephew's.

When I asked her to translate, she just pointed at the client and yelled, "Water! Water!"

The client was baffled, but I knew exactly what she wanted. The princess was just trying to order another person around.

Mr. Lovell slammed his hand on the desk.

"She deserves it because she's my daughter! People are born different, Raina. In this company, I am the sun, and Cece is the moon. You? You're just dirt."

The mask was off. I didn't hold back.

"Sir, this kind of favoritism will destroy the morale of your best employees. If you put the wrong people in charge, the company will suffer."

He looked at me with pure disdain.

"I'm not firing you, am I? You'll keep doing the work, but your salary is getting a massive haircut.

"That's the deal. Take it or get the hell out. This company moves on with or without you!"

I ripped my ID badge off my neck and hurled it onto the floor. I even gave it a good stomp for measure.

Everyone has a breaking point, and I had just reached mine.

Mr. Lovell turned red with rage.

"Raina Sterling! Think carefully. I have a lot of pull in this industry. If you walk out that door, I'll make sure no other agency touches you!"

"Don't worry about me," I snapped.

I walked out and sent a text to my boyfriend, Leo Young.

"I quit. Are you coming with me?"

I didn't expect him to say no. We had been together since college. I was always the top of our class.

Back then, Leo told me that regular people like us could never get ahead just by being employees. He said we had to start our own thing to climb the social ladder.

We had a plan to learn the ropes for a few years and then strike out on our own.

Minutes passed. Silence.

I went to his department to find him, but a coworker told me he wasn't there.

Leo had taken the day off.

"A day off?" I muttered.

I sent another message. "You're off today? Is everything okay? I've left the company. Do you want to leave too?"

I went back to my desk to pack my things.

My phone buzzed. I unlocked it to find a single, soul-crushing sentence.

"Let's break up."

I sent a string of question marks, only to realize I had been blocked.

I stood there, stunned. Was it really just because I quit?

I tried calling him, but my number was blocked too.

Then I noticed my teammates looking at me with pity and confusion.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Raina you should probably look at this."

One of them handed me their phone. It was a post Leo had made on social media an hour ago.

It was a photo of two hands intertwined on a hotel bed, followed by a mirror selfie of a couple hugging in a luxury suite.

The caption read: "Finally found the one."

The woman in the photo, the one he called his soulmate, was Cece Lovell.

The comments were full of fake congratulations. Only a few people from my team had posted confused emojis.

"Leo! What the hell? Have you no respect for Raina?" one of my friends had commented.

Leo replied instantly. "Sorry, true love is an irresistible force."

I felt a cold chill. I wasn't entirely surprised, though.

The day Cece was introduced, I saw the way Leo looked at her. It wasn't professional; it was predatory and desperate.

Every time we had dinner lately, he seemed a million miles away.

The signs were all there.

It wasn't "true love." It was just a social climber finding a faster ladder.

"They are so shameless. We're swamped with work, and they're playing house in a hotel!"

"Shh, Raina is right there."

"I'm just mad for her!"

I gave them a small, tight smile.

"Relax, guys. I just lost a toxic job and a trash boyfriend in one day. You should be congratulating me."

"Oh, poor little career woman," a high-pitched, annoying voice mocked from the doorway. "Losing your man and your job. Are you going to go home and cry under your covers now?"

I turned around to see Cece. She was clutching Leo's arm, looking like she'd won the lottery.

I just shook my head.

"You're back from your hotel room already? Wow, Leo. You're getting faster. Good luck with that, Cece. I was getting bored of him anyway."

"You!" Cece shrieked.

Leo stepped forward, looking offended.

"Raina, don't be so bitter. Apologize to Cece right now. If she gets angry, your career is over!"

"Did I lie? If a couple of cheaters can stand here and talk, why can't I?"

Leo sighed, acting like he was the bigger person.

"Raina, I know it's hard to accept that I'm leaving you. But be realistic. You're talented, but Cece was born at the finish line. You could work a hundred years and never reach her level. Just give up."

One of my team members tried to step in, but I held them back.

I rolled my eyes at the pair of them.

"You're both standing on the same floor as me. Don't act like you're in the clouds. You might fall and break your necks."

Cece's face twisted with malice.

"You have such a nasty mouth. No wonder Leo doesn't love you. I came back just to watch you pack your pathetic little life into a box."

She stepped closer and whispered in my ear.

"I almost feel bad for you. My dad wasn't going to fire you yet. Do you know why he hates you? It's because of your precious Leo.

"He told my dad that you spend all day complaining about the long hours and calling the company's rules stupid."

I interrupted her, speaking loudly so everyone could hear.

"The rules are stupid."

Cece blinked, startled by my volume. "What?"

"I said the rules are idiotic. And it's one thing to have bad rules, but it's another to have a blind boss. This company is going to crash and burn."

Cece lunged as if to slap me, but I stepped aside.

"This company has no room for you! You're just a worker bee! How dare you have opinions!"

The office was turning into a circus until Mr. Lovell's voice boomed from his office.

"Meeting! Everyone in the conference room now!"

Here we go again.

Another meeting that served no purpose other than to stroke the boss's ego.

I ignored them and kept packing.

Through the thin walls, I could hear Mr. Lovell's voice.

"I'll keep this brief.

"Some people don't know their place. They think a little bit of luck makes them untouchable! They think they can question my authority! We don't need that kind of poison here.

"Whether I demote or promote someone, you must trust the process! There's a reason for everything. Leo, stand up. Tell them why Raina had to go."

I heard a chair scrape. That was Leo.

"Well Boss! Raina might look capable, but her attitude is terrible. She leaves the second the clock hits five! It's bad for morale. As employees, we should be willing to bleed for this company!"

"Bravo!"

Cece's solitary cheer was met with a few scattered, half-hearted claps.

It was a classic brainwashing session. They were using me as a scapegoat to scare everyone else into submission.

It was peak corporate greed.

My phone buzzed. My team had started a secret group chat.

"This is disgusting. I can't listen to this anymore."

"If this company focused on actual business instead of kissing the boss's feet, we'd double our revenue. We wouldn't have to rely on Raina to carry us."

"Bleed for the company? For fifteen dollars an hour? He's insane."

"Raina, are you really leaving?"

Mrs. Gable chimed in.

"Raina, dear, the boss is just trying to provoke you. If you quit now, you won't get any severance. Think about it."

I sent a sticker of a dog shaking its head.

"It's fine. I have a plan."

Mrs. Gable sent a sad face. She probably thought I was being naive and didn't realize how hard it is to fight a corporation.

But she didn't know the truth.

The land this office building sat on belonged to my family.

For every dollar they cut from my salary, I was going to add ten to their rent.

As I walked toward the elevator, Cece gave me one last smirk.

"Some people are just born to be losers. Talent means nothing if you don't have the right bloodline."

I didn't even look at her. I just texted my dad. "I quit. I'm coming home."

After hiring movers to take my things to a storage unit, I drove to the outskirts of the city.

I could hear the fireworks from a mile away.

"Hahaha! My girl is finally back!"

My dad ran out of the manor, laughing at the top of his lungs.

One of the reasons I hadn't come home in years was his eccentric personality.

"I told you to just take over the family business. Why did you have to go suffer with that loser?"

I sighed.

Leo had never been a good student. He was always obsessed with "networking," which mostly meant buying lunch for the student council president or playing golf with professors.

I knew he couldn't cut it at my dad's company.

But I also didn't want to use my connections. I wanted us to earn it. So I went to the Lovell Agency with him.

I wanted to sharpen my skills in a different environment and help him grow.

The plan was to reveal my identity as the Sterling heiress once we were successful enough to take over the family empire.

But Leo never changed. He spent his days sucking up to management instead of learning the business.

While I was out there grinding to close deals, Leo was busy taking the office leads out to dinner.

And now he'd set his sights on Cece.

Did he really think being a trophy boyfriend would be that easy?

"Maybe it's a curse," I joked. "The rich girl has to get betrayed by a loser before she can truly rise. It's a classic plot twist."

"Don't be sad, honey," my dad said, patting my shoulder. "I've got a gift for you. I'm giving you the deed to the Lovell building. You do whatever you want with it. Crush that little cockroach who bullied my daughter."

"Thanks, Dad. That warms my heart."

"Good. Because winter is coming for the Lovells."

Dead Five Years, The Heart He Stole

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:39:58 +0800

I've been dead for five years.

My husband's obsession, his so-called white moonlight, just had a heart attack. Suddenly, he remembered meDthe top cardiothoracic surgeon in the country.

To force me out of hiding for her surgery, he drove his car over my father's legs. He forced my mother to her knees in the dirt. He even locked my ten-year-old sister in a cage, letting wild dogs tear at her.

He sat there, smug and confident, waiting for me to crawl back and beg for his forgiveness. That was when his assistant finally brought him the news.

"Mr. Vaughan, Dr. Stella Channing has been dead for five years."

"That heart transplant you received five years ago when you were dying of heart failure? That was hers."

I never imagined my reunion with Felix Vaughan after five years would be this gruesome.

The hand I once swore to hold forever was now gripped tight on a steering wheel.

And under his tires lay my own father.

My father's leg was crushed beneath the wheels of that luxury car. His body shook with agony as he let out a piercing, jagged scream.

"Ahhh!"

"Help! Someone help me!"

My father was a combat veteran. He'd taken bullets on the battlefield without making a sound. But now, his shrieks were like serrated blades carving into my soul.

How much pain must he be in?

I lunged forward, desperate to pull him up and end his suffering.

But my hands passed straight through his broken body.

I froze, the cold reality hitting me again. I was dead.

I had been dead for five long years.

For half a decade, my spirit had been drifting, tethered to my family. I was forced to watch them suffer, unable to lift a finger to protect them.

A hollow, crushing ache exploded in my chest.

I knelt beside my father, tears streaming down my face.

I remembered how he used to carry me when I was little. He was so tall, so strongDmy ultimate protector.

Now, I couldn't protect him. Worse, he was being tortured like an animal all because of me.

All because of the only man I had ever loved.

Felix Vaughan.

Felix finally stepped out of the car. He adjusted his suit and pressed the tip of his expensive leather shoe against my father's face. Then, he spat on him.

"You old fossil, listen to me. Tell Stella to come out and face me right now."

"Otherwise, losing a leg will be the least of your worries."

The veins in my father's neck bulged from the pain. His voice was a raw, broken rasp. "I told you... Stella is dead! She's been gone for years!"

"How can you be this cruel? You killed my daughter, isn't that enough for you?"

"Do you really have to destroy our entire family to be satisfied?!"

My father's heartbroken questioning only seemed to provoke Felix further.

He raised his hand and delivered a brutal, stinging slap across my father's face.

"No!"

I threw myself at him, trying to stop the blow, but I felt nothing.

I had to watch my silver-haired father be humiliated in public by a man he once treated like a son.

My tears fell like rain.

I stared at Felix, my eyes burning with phantom blood.

I wanted to scream at him. Why? Why are you doing this to my father? Why are you doing this to me?

When we got married, my family's modest background was nothing compared to the wealthy Vaughan empire. Yet, my father loved Felix more than his own flesh and blood.

Every time Felix visited, my father would spend all day in the kitchen.

He memorized every single one of Felix's allergies and dislikes just to make sure he felt at home.

"Felix, try the brisket. I slow-cooked it just for you."

"Felix, you're family here. Don't you dare be polite."

"Go rest after dinner, son. Don't worry about the dishes."

The memories played back in vivid color. Five years of unconditional love and respect were being repaid with this monstrous cruelty.

"Old man, you think I'm stupid?"

"You think I'll fall for your lies?"

"Stella is dead? Ha! You'll be in the ground long before she ever is."

"She's just pathetic and jealous of what Quinn and I have!"

"I know her better than anyone. She's a gutter rat. A stray dog I decided to throw away."

"Now that Quinn is sick, she's hiding like a coward because she doesn't want to save her. What a low-life."

"Listen closely. Call that bitch of a daughter and tell her to get down here, kneel, and beg for my mercy. Maybe then I'll let your family of dogs live."

"But if anything happens to Quinn, I'll bury all of you with her!"

A tremor went through my spirit. The pain was uncontrollable.

So... Quinn Taylor was sick.

Of course. Why else would he bother looking for me?

The love between us had been incinerated five years ago.

Meeting Felix had felt like destiny back then.

He was my mother's student. He had been shattered after a brutal breakup when Quinn dumped him and moved abroad.

He had even tried to take his own life.

My mother, a devoted professor, knew I had studied psychology. She begged me to help reach him.

That was how I met Felix Vaughan.

The first time I saw him, he was wearing a crisp white shirt, sitting in an empty classroom staring out the window.

His eyes were like stagnant waterDdead, cold, and devoid of hope.

In ? moment, I knew I couldn't just walk away from him.

From that day on, I became his shadow. I learned him, listened to him, and stayed by his side.

During his darkest bouts of depression, I never left him for a second.

He went from resisting me to depending on me. Eventually, he would hide his face in my lap and sob until he couldn't breathe.

He told me he didn't want to die. He told me it hurt so much.

Watching his agony, I felt every bit of it.

I realized I loved him more than my own life.

By the end of a year of therapy, we were inseparable.

I fell for him, and he finally stepped out of the shadow of his ex.

After he graduated, our marriage felt like the natural, happy ending to a long journey.

Felix was sensitive and sometimes spoiled.

But I believed he was good at heart. I chose to endure his occasional anxiety and his sharp temper because I loved him.

After his outbursts, he would always hold me, crying, kissing my neck, and whispering apologies.

"I'm so sorry, Stella. I know I messed up."

"I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"Please forgive me. I can't lose you..."

Every time, I would rub his back and soothe him with soft words.

His friends always said he had found the most patient, gentle wife in the world.

And he would proudly wrap his arm around me in front of everyone.

"Damn right! My wife loves me to my core. You guys are just jealous!"

I would just look at him and smile, basking in the warmth of his affection.

I thought our lives would stay that wayDsimple, steady, and full of love.

Until our seventh year of marriage, when Quinn Taylor returned to the States.

Her return was a bolt of lightning that split my stable world wide open.

The day she landed, Felix dropped everything. He blew off our anniversary dinner.

He raced to the airport just because she sent him a single text.

I remember it clearly. It was Valentine's Day.

I had booked the best restaurant and prepared a special gift. I waited there all night.

Instead of my husband, I got a viral notification on my phone.

"Billionaire Heir Felix Vaughan Spotted in Tearful Reunion with Mystery Woman at JFK."

In the video, Quinn was clinging to him.

Felix's face was wet with tears.

I heard him shouting his confession, his voice breaking with desperation.

"Quinn, why did you wait so long to come back?"

"Why did you leave me back then?"

"Do you have any idea how much I missed you? I dreamed about you every single night!"

"How could you be so heartless? How could you just abandon me..."

"I hate you! I hate you!"

"But I hate myself more because I haven't stopped loving you for even a second..."

Every word Felix spoke was like a brand of red-hot iron searing my heart.

The seven years of marriage I thought were blissful? The life everyone envied?

It was all a lie.

Those seven years of my devotion, my care, my soul...

They didn't even weigh as much as the one year he spent with her.

While I was loving him with everything I had, he was spending every minute burning for Quinn.

His first love. His childhood sweetheart. His ultimate obsession.

Compared to her, I was nothing.

In that restaurant surrounded by roses, I gripped my phone until my knuckles turned white.

The tears finally broke.

After that night, our relationship hit rock bottom.

He never explained the airport video or the headlines.

And I was too terrified to ask. I was afraid that if I spoke the words, he would take the opportunity to end us for good.

I hated my weakness. I hated that I still loved him so much that I couldn't bring myself to sign divorce papers.

But my silence only emboldened him.

He started seeing Quinn openly.

One day he was helping her find an apartment. The next, he was setting her up with a job. He was with her almost every day of the week.

At first, he offered pathetic excuses when I asked where he'd been.

"Stella, Quinn just got back. She has no place to stay. I have to help her."

"She has no family left here. I'm the only friend she's got."

"You need to be more understanding."

But soon, the excuses turned into irritation, then into pure malice.

"Stella, are you done yet?"

"Questions, questions! You just don't trust me, do you?!"

"Don't project your filthy thoughts onto me and Quinn. You make me sick."

"I'm warning youDsay one more word and you can get the hell out!"

Because I was afraid of losing him, I swallowed my pride. I swallowed the insults.

I hoped my endurance would eventually bring him back to his senses. I hoped he would remember the life we built.

But the more I retreated, the more Quinn pushed.

The explosion finally happened on my birthday.

I had prepared a full dinner, hoping we could finally talk things through.

Felix never came home. Instead, Quinn sent me a video.

In the video, Quinn was wearing my favorite silk robe, curled up in Felix's arms while he slept.

Every ounce of my suppressed rage ignited at that moment.

I drove to her place like a madwoman and pounded on the door. The moment she opened it, I swung and slapped her across the face with everything I had.

"You bitch! You absolute snake! How dare you lay a hand on my husband!"

Quinn wiped the blood from her lip and laughed. It was a cold, triumphant sound. "How dare I? Stella, you should ask your husband why he's so eager to please me."

"He's the one crawling to me. He can't get enough."

"Don't blame me because you've spent seven years being less than a dog in his eyes!"

Her words were like needles stabbing into my brain.

I lost it. I tackled her, pinned her to the floor, and wrapped my hands around her throat.

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you, you home-wrecking bitch!"

SuddenlyDBAM!

A heavy object slammed into the back of my head.

Pain exploded behind my eyes, and the world tilted as I collapsed to the floor.

I looked up through blurred vision and saw Felix. He wasn't looking at me. He was rushing to Quinn's side.

"Quinn! Quinn, baby, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Quinn, who had just been mocking me, was now a trembling victim. She huddled in Felix's arms, her eyes red and tearful.

"Felix... Felix, hold me. I'm so scared. She tried to kill me."

Right before I blacked out, Felix finally looked at me. His eyes were filled with nothing but pure, unadulterated hatred.

"Stella! You're a disgusting piece of trash. If anything happens to Quinn, I'm divorcing you immediately!"

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed.

Quinn was in the same hospital. The doctors told me I had a severe concussion from the blow to my head and asked if I wanted to file a police report.

I stayed silent for a long time before shaking my head.

I spent two weeks in that bed before Felix finally showed up.

The first words out of his mouth shattered whatever was left of my heart.

"Stella, we're getting a divorce."

My dry lips trembled, but no sound came out.

Felix looked at me with such profound disgust.

"I can't believe you did that to Quinn. You actually sent her our private photos to harass her?"

"I've known you for ten years, Stella. I had no idea you were such a bottom-feeding loser."

"I can't spend another day with you. You're repulsive."

I realized then that Quinn had flipped the script. She had blamed me for all the toxic things she had done herself.

And Felix didn't doubt her for a second.

Ten years of knowing him. Seven years of marriage.

I had given him my heart and soul. I never expected him to love me as much as I loved him, but I at least expected basic trust.

Under his venomous gaze, I slowly closed my eyes.

I only said one word.

"Fine."

But before we could sign the papers, disaster struck.

Felix was diagnosed with a critical, end-stage heart condition.

He had complained of chest pains before, but he'd always refused to see a doctor. Now, it had progressed to total failure.

When my colleague called me with the news, I went numb.

By the time I reached the ICU, Felix was already in a coma.

It happened so fast. No one was ready.

Quinn was standing outside the room. When she saw me, she just shrugged.

"You're here? Great, I'm leaving."

"I stayed around to get some of his money, but look at him now. He's basically a corpse. I'm not wasting my life in a waiting room."

"What a waste of my damn time. I didn't get a cent out of this."

With that, she turned on her heels and walked away.

I shook my head, wondering what Felix would think if he could hear the woman he adored talking like that.

Both of Felix's parents were dead, so I set aside our bitterness and stayed by his side.

His condition worsened every day. Finally, the doctors issued a terminal notice.

I sat there looking at the man I'd loved for a decade. I stared at his pale, lifeless face all night without blinking.

At dawn, I called my old mentor.

"Professor, I need a favor."

"I want to use my heart to save someone."

The sound of footsteps snapped me back to the present.

I woke from the memory to see the monster Felix had become.

My mother was sitting by my father's hospital bed, looking like she had aged twenty years in a week. When she saw Felix, she broke down.

"Felix, why? Why are you doing this?"

"What did our family ever do to you? Why are you torturing us?"

"My husband and I treated you like our own son!"

Felix just gave a cold, hollow laugh.

"Like a son? I don't have parents like you. You raised a selfish, manipulative daughter. You should be ashamed."

"Now, old woman, has Stella come to her senses yet? Tell her to get here now!"

My mother couldn't take it anymore. She lunged forward, grabbing his collar and screaming, "Stella is dead! She's dead! She died for you! How can you stand there and ask for her?!"

"You want to see her? Then go to hell!"

Felix's bodyguards immediately swarmed her, violently pinning her to the floor.

I screamed and tried to shove them off her, but my hands were just air.

I had to watch my motherDa respected professor, a kind soulDbe shoved into the dirt and stepped on by her own former student.

A bodyguard pressed his boot into her neck. Her tears soaked the hospital floor.

They mixed with my own invisible tears.

"Stop it! Please stop!"

"Let her go! Don't do this to her!"

I fell to my knees at Felix's feet, howling in despair. "I beg you! Please let her go! I'm begging you!"

But no one heard me. I was just a ripple in the air, ignored by everyone.

Felix looked down at my mother and smiled.

"You old bat, I see you and your pathetic daughter won't learn until things get bloody."

"Do you know where your youngest daughter is right now?"

"Take a look."

He pulled out his phone and played a video.

In the video, my ten-year-old sister, Piper, was locked in a metal dog cage. Two massive, growling hunting dogs were circling her.

A voice off-camera gave a command, and one of the dogs lunged, sinking its teeth into Piper's leg.

Her high-pitched, agonizing scream echoed through the hospital room.

"NO!!!"

"No! Piper! My baby!"

"Felix, please! I'm begging you, have mercy on my daughter!"

"Please!"

My mother slammed her head against the floor in a desperate plea until she finally fainted from the sheer horror of it.

I stared at Felix, unable to believe this was the same man.

He used to hold Piper's hand and take her to the carnival. She adored him. She looked up to him. And now he was doing this to her?

Felix kicked my mother's unconscious form with the toe of his shoe and scoffed.

"Useless."

Suddenly, the door burst open. One of his subordinates ran in, looking pale and out of breath.

"Mr. Vaughan! Sir, we found something. We have the results of the investigation!"

Felix's eyes lit up. "You found that bitch Stella? Where is she hiding? Did she flee the country?"

The man shook his head, his face ghostly white.

"Mr. Vaughan... you need to sit down for this."

Felix frowned. "Just tell me. Is she dead or something?"

The man swallowed hard and nodded slowly under Felix's shocked gaze.

"Yes, sir. Dr. Channing is dead."

"She's been dead for five years."

"The heart you received five years ago... it was hers."

The Commission Thief, The Cancelled Deals

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:32:51 +0800

The day before the annual performance review, my boss called me into his office.

He told me my commissions were too high and it was hurting the team's morale.

He suggested I share my hard-earned money with the new guy, a spoiled brat with some high-level connections.

I smiled and said, Sure, no problem at all.

That night, my boss received cancellation notices for over 300 luxury properties.

He called me in a panic, begging me to win the buyers back.

I just laughed and told him, "Sorry, I wouldn't want to hurt the team's morale."

The atmosphere in the boss's office was thick with tension.

"Lucas, your results this year are truly impressive. Your commission check is going to be massive," Mr. Harrison said, leaning back in his leather chair.

"But it's the end of the year, and I have to think about the harmony of this office. Some of your colleagues have mentioned how unfair it feels for one person to take such a huge piece of the pie."

I kept a polite smile on my face, my voice remaining flat. "The commission is exactly what I earned based on my sales."

He didn't seem to catch the coldness in my eyes. He continued with that fake, fatherly tone he loved to use.

"We want everyone to feel like they belong here. Everyone knows you're talented, but the newcomers need support."

"Take Xavier, for example. He's got a great background, but he's struggling to get his feet under him."

I nodded slowly, pretending I didn't see where this was going. "And what exactly are you suggesting, sir?"

He realized I wasn't going to make it easy for him, so he finally dropped the act.

"I'm saying you should give a portion of your commissions to him. It helps him start strong and keeps the team united. A leader like you should be happy to contribute to the group."

"Sure, no problem. I'll do it," I replied instantly. The look of shock on his face was almost funny.

As soon as I walked back to the showroom floor, the vibe shifted.

The colleagues who used to kiss my ass were now giving me the cold shoulder.

"See? Some people just can't hold onto their money. No matter how much you sell, you still have to hand it over," someone whispered loud enough for me to hear.

"Exactly. He acts like a big shot, but in the end, Xavier is the one getting the payday."

Xavier walked over with a smug grin, trying to look humble. "Hey, thanks for looking out for me, man! They say it's good to stand in the shade of a big tree. With you backing me, I'm all set."

I smiled thinly. "True. It's always good to have someone lead the way so you don't trip."

Xavier's grin faltered for a second. He quickly put on a pouting face. "I'm the new guy, so I'm really counting on your help, Lucas."

The group of sycophants around him immediately changed their tune. "Xavier is different. He's got real class and powerful friends helping him out."

Another person let out a low laugh. "Lucas's days as the Top Producer are numbered. There's a new king in town."

I watched them flock to Xavier like sheep. I didn't say a word.

Usually, when I closed a deal, I'd buy everyone Starbucks or lunch. Now, all I heard were insults.

I started packing my things to leave.

Mr. Harrison rushed over, frowning when he saw me cleaning out my desk. "Lucas, it's not even lunch break. Where do you think you're going?"

I smiled at him. "I'm not feeling well. I need to take a medical leave."

His expression darkened. "Are you throwing a tantrum because of the new arrangement?"

I shook my head innocently. "Not at all. The company asked for cooperation, and I'm cooperating. I just need some rest."

He seemed restless. "What about your pending files? You have clients who haven't paid their final deposits yet. You need to handle that."

I looked up at him, my smile widening. "The hand-off? Perfect timing. Xavier is so talented, right? Let him handle the closings. It'll be great practice for the 'Rising Star.'"

Xavier immediately chimed in, looking eager. "Don't worry, Boss. I've got this!"

Mr. Harrison patted his shoulder, beaming. "That's the spirit! You're a natural. Lucas is just doing the grunt work; you'll be the one to bring it home."

I walked out of the office without looking back.

As soon as I hit the parking lot, I pulled out my phone and sent a message to the Family Group Chat.

"Hey everyone, don't pay the final installments on those properties yet. Things have changed. Wait for my signal."

The moment I sent the message, my phone exploded with notifications.

"Lucas, what happened? Is someone giving you a hard time?"

"I told you, kid, don't be too nice! Nobody messes with a Thorne!"

"If you really like selling real estate, why don't we just buy the company for you? You can be the CEO by Monday!"

I was laughing at their aggressive displays of affection when my father called.

"Lucas, talk to me. Did someone at that office disrespect you?"

I lowered my voice. "It's fine, Dad. Just some small-minded people playing games."

He let out a sharp snort over the line. "If you can't stomach it, we'll just acquire the firm and fire everyone. Stop hiding who you are. Let them see what they're dealing with."

I smiled. "No thanks, Dad. I like the hustle. I like the feeling of earning my own commissions. The rush of closing a deal is what keeps me going."

He sighed, his tone softening with concern. "You're just like meDalways looking for a challenge. A billionaire heir playing salesman in a suburban real estate office. It's ridiculous."

"You've known that for a while," I teased. "I like being a nobody and winning on my own merit."

"Hmph. Fine. But remember, when your aunts and uncles heard you were working there, they wanted to buy those units as employee bonuses just to support you. You stopped them then."

"I know. I wanted to earn those sales fairly."

"Well, don't let them push you around. If they try to steal your money, we're not letting that slide. Nobody pushes a Thorne out the door!"

After hanging up, I felt great. I went to a nice steakhouse and enjoyed a long, quiet lunch.

I used to spend all day on my feet at that office. If they wanted my territory so badly, they could have it.

When I got home, I took a nap and muted my phone.

By late afternoon, Mr. Harrison was calling me.

I picked up, sounding sleepy. "Lucas, why aren't you back yet?" he barked.

"I'm at the doctor's. I pushed myself too hard for those year-end goals. I need to take care of myself."

His voice got even more frantic. "A little check-up shouldn't take this long! Everyone else is working their tails off while you're nowhere to be found."

I chuckled. "Boss, I'm legally entitled to my sick leave. I haven't taken a day off in a year. My body finally gave out."

He sounded disgusted. "You really think you're indispensable, don't you? Making such a scene over a cold."

I kept my voice calm. "If you keep talking like that, I might have to start recording this call. I want to make sure my legal rights as an employee are protected."

That shut him up. He slammed the phone down.

A few minutes later, the company group chat pinged. The boss had posted a long, passive-aggressive rant.

The gist was clear: Some people think they are bigger than the team. They have no discipline and are destroying our harmony.

I smiled as my colleagues started chiming in. "So selfish," one wrote. "Some people sleep while the rest of us sweat."

I screenshotted every single message. Once they were done venting, I sent one final text.

"All recorded. Thanks for the feedback, everyone."

The chat went dead silent. A second later, the messages started disappearing one by one as they scrambled to delete them.

When I walked into the office the next morning, Xavier was sitting at my desk. He didn't even try to hide his smugness.

The boss saw me and put on his professional face. "Lucas, since you asked Xavier to handle your deals, it makes sense for him to use your workstation. Consider it a formal handover."

I shrugged. "Whatever works for you."

A few minutes later, a high-profile client walked through the doors. He headed straight for my usual desk.

Xavier jumped up, flashing a bright, fake smile. He started his pitch, and it seemed to be going well.

Mr. Harrison stood nearby, glancing at me with a sneer. "See, Lucas? You aren't the only one who can close. Xavier is doing just fine."

Soon, Xavier was getting the client to sign the paperwork. The office erupted in applause.

"Incredible!" someone shouted. "The new Star of the North!"

Xavier beamed. He looked at me and then at the group. "Drinks are on me today! Order whatever you want from the cafe downstairs!"

Everyone started shouting their orders, intentionally leaving me out of the conversation.

Suddenly, the client heard the noise and looked around. "Wow, you guys have great energy. You all must really respect Lucas."

The boss's smile faltered. "Oh, we have great teamwork. Xavier is actually handling all of Lucas's accounts now."

"Xavier?" the client asked.

"Yes, the young man who just helped you."

The client's face fell. He pulled the contract back. "In that case, I'm not signing. I only came here to do business with Lucas."

Mr. Harrison froze. "But it's the same company. The service is the same."

Xavier rushed over. "Sir, is there something I did wrong? I can fix it!"

The client sighed. "It's not about you. I was specifically told that this deal is for Lucas only. If he's not the one handling it, the deal is off."

The office went silent. A few people looked at each other, confused.

The boss's face turned a nasty shade of purple. Xavier looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor.

One colleague whispered awkwardly, "So... are we still getting those drinks?"

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing.

Before leaving for the day, I headed to the restroom. I could hear several colleagues gossiping by the sinks.

"Do you really think Lucas's sales are legit? He probably has some sugar mummies buying those houses. How else could he be the top seller every year?"

"For real. He isn't selling houses; he's selling himself."

I didn't hold back. I punched the door of the stall hard, making a loud bang. "If you have something to say, say it to my face!" I shouted.

The door creaked open, and two guys stepped out. They looked guilty for a split second before putting on their "tough guy" acts.

Mr. Harrison heard the commotion and came running over. He just stood there, watching with cold eyes.

Xavier joined him, looking down his nose at me. "Lucas, the truth hurts. You're the Top Producer, but everyone knows how you get those numbers. It's not talent."

I glared at him. "Keep your mouth shut unless you want to see what a real problem looks like."

The boss sighed, sounding bored. He gave Xavier a supportive look. "Lucas, stop being so sensitive. Xavier is the son of the CEO of the Belmont Conglomerate. He knows how the world works."

I laughed harshly. "So you're protecting him? Letting him spread lies because of who his daddy is?"

The boss stepped forward, acting like a disappointed mentor. "It's not protection. It's the consensus of the office. Don't think your few clients make you special. We don't need your BS here."

I looked him dead in the eye. "Fine. Then don't ask for it ever again."

He sneered. "What a joke! You think this company will collapse if you leave?"

Xavier jumped in, sucking up to the boss. "Don't worry, sir. Tomorrow, I'll bring in a massive partnership from my family's company. Our year-end numbers are going to skyrocket!"

I smiled softly. "I wish you both the best of luck with your sales."

I walked out of the restroom and pulled out my phone. I sent a quick text to the family chat.

"Alright, everyone. It's time. Have the lawyers call the office. Cancel every single unit."

The Stolen Brother, Swapping Babies with Roommate

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:26:47 +0800

I was a medical student at Northport Medical Academy, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

My roommate, Ria Russo, once contracted a shameful, incurable infection. I was the one who hid it from the school and treated her in secret.

Later, when she got pregnant, I helped her cover that up too.

A month after she gave birth, my own mother went into labor.

It happened right in the ward where Ria and I were interning. My mother gave birth to a baby boy who had a strange, long tail.

To pay for my brother's medical bills, my father worked as an Uber driver day and night. He eventually died in a horrific car crash caused by exhaustion.

My mother couldn't handle the trauma and lost her mind.

For their sake, I dropped out of school. I lived a miserable, pathetic life.

It wasn't until I was on my deathbed that Ria came to mock me.

Only then did I realize she had swapped her baby with my brother all those years ago.

My real brother had been sold to human traffickers for a high price long ago.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment Ria Russo offered to watch over my mother for me.

"Elara, you've helped me so much lately. Let me take your shift for the next few days."

My roommate, Ria, had a strange flicker in her eyes.

Staring at her familiar face, my mind felt hazy for a second.

"Elara? What are you thinking about?"

When I didn't respond, Ria walked over and shook my shoulder twice.

That was when I realized I had been reborn. I was back on the day my mother was about to give birth.

By chance, my father was away on a business trip and couldn't make it back in time.

I was the only one left to take care of her.

In my previous life, when Ria offered to cover for me, I was moved to tears of gratitude.

But now, I simply smiled and agreed.

"It's a deal then."

As soon as I agreed, Ria smiled and walked out of the lounge.

Watching her satisfied figure disappear, a cold light flashed in my eyes.

How did I not notice how fishy this was in my past life?

Ria was so lazy she didn't even want to work her own shifts.

Why would someone like her beg to do extra work for me?

Once Ria left the room, I threw on my white coat and sprinted toward my mother's labor ward.

My mother was an older pregnant woman. Since my father wasn't around, she had been admitted to the hospital early.

"Elara, honey, just focus on your work. You don't need to keep running over here."

"I gave birth to you all by myself back in the day. I'll be fine."

Seeing me rush in, my mother sat up in bed.

She gently peeled an orange and handed a slice to me.

Seeing her safe and sound, I let out a long breath of relief.

My mother had always been a strong and kind woman.

In my last life, even when she thought her baby was a deformed monster, she never thought about giving up on him.

She didn't know that the baby was just a cuckoo in the nest, a sickly parasite.

That child dragged our family into poverty, indirectly killed my father, and drove my mother insane.

And I had dropped out of school with nowhere to go, doing odd jobs just to survive.

In the end, I ended up homeless on the streets because of that sickly boy.

By then, Ria had already become the Chief of Medicine.

Before I died, she told me that my brother had been swapped.

That was when I found out the deformed child was actually the result of her secret affair with the Department Head.

The deformity happened because of their reckless lifestyle. They had caught a nasty infection that reached the fetus in the womb.

The irony was that I was the one who cured her infection.

I was the one who helped her hide her pregnancy from the academy.

Meanwhile, my healthy baby brother had been sold off by her and the Department Head.

They were nothing but a pack of human traffickers.

My poor brother.

He ended up with permanent disabilities, begging for scraps under a bridge.

Just thinking about it made my blood boil.

I will never let that happen again in this life.

"Mom, I'm an adult now."

"Just lie down and rest. Tell me if you need anything."

"Don't worry. I will make sure both you and my brother are safe."

I helped her lie back down and squeezed her hand firmly.

"Elara? How is your mom doing?"

Ria appeared in the room out of nowhere.

She looked at my mother on the bed, pretending to be worried.

"She's fine. Everything is good."

Thinking about the disgusting things that happened in my past life, I blocked her at the door.

This time, I wouldn't give her a single chance to get close.

"Elara, what are you doing?"

Ria's eyes flashed with a hint of malice when I blocked her path.

"Nothing. I just wanted to ask you for some advice on postpartum care."

Seeing her annoyance, I intentionally brought up her one-month-old child.

"I...."

As expected, Ria's expression stiffened for a brief moment.

However, she recovered quickly.

"Elara, you have no idea. Babies are actually very easy to take care of."

"When I have time, I'll bring mine over so you can see."

She grabbed my hand and acted all excited.

I sneered in my head. You have the nerve to say that sickly, deformed creature is easy to raise?

But on the surface, I kept a bright smile.

"I'm so jealous. Having a baby at such a young age is a real blessing, Ria."

"Oh, right. I'll have to trouble you with the night shift. Also, these patient records need to be handed to the Chief tonight."

I shoved a thick stack of paperwork into her hands.

Then, I turned around, went back into the room, and slammed the door shut.

Ria clearly didn't expect me to be so blunt.

She stood frozen at the door.

Back in the room, I realized I couldn't do this alone.

I called my father, who was on a business trip in the neighboring city.

My voice was dead serious.

I told him that even if the sky was falling, he had to drop everything and come home today.

If he didn't, he shouldn't bother coming back to this family ever again.

After he repeatedly promised he would arrive by the afternoon, I finally hung up.

Time flew by.

Fortunately, my father arrived just seconds before my mother was wheeled into the delivery room.

Seeing him panting and exhausted, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

In this life, I wasn't alone. My father was here too.

The tragedy of the past wouldn't repeat itself.

"Elara, Mr. Sterling, why don't you two go get some rest? I'll keep an eye on things here."

"I'll call you the second the baby is born."

Ria's voice rang in my ear again.

I turned around and saw her looking at me with a sincere face.

But there was a desperate hunger in her eyes.

I knew this was the exact moment she had lured me away in my previous life.

She had taken advantage of my mother's exhaustion to swap the babies.

Looking at her impatient face, I let out a cold smirk.

"It's okay. We've waited this long; a few more minutes won't hurt."

"My father and I want to be the first ones to see my brother. Right, Dad?"

"Absolutely!"

My father nodded nervously from his seat.

A dark shadow crossed Ria's face before she forced a fake smile.

"Right, right. You should definitely be the first to see him."

"It's your brother, after all. Elara, let me know if you need anything."

Seeing that neither of us had any intention of leaving, Ria made some small talk and left.

"Yeah."

I dismissed her and turned my focus back to the delivery room.

I would not allow any mistakes this time.

"Waaa!"

A moment later, the sound of a baby crying echoed from inside.

The sound made both my father and me sigh in relief.

I was so shaken with emotion that I almost collapsed to the floor.

Inside the room, I looked at my chubby, healthy little brother.

In this life, he wasn't sickly, and he didn't have that horrific tail-like deformity.

This was my real brother.

I picked him up gently, feeling my heart melt for this tiny life.

My brother seemed to feel it too, as he started sucking on his thumb in my arms.

My mother laughed weakly from the bed.

"Look at you. You're more excited than I am. You're going to spoil him rotten."

At our insistence, my mother was moved to a high-end private suite.

As we left the delivery ward, I spotted Ria on the phone. She sounded incredibly agitated.

When she saw me, she hung up instantly.

She asked how the baby was.

I gave her a few vague answers, but a sense of unease began to creep into my heart.

After my mother and brother were settled, I pulled my father aside.

"What's wrong, Elara?"

My father looked at my frantic face with concern.

"Dad! No matter what happens today, you have to protect Mom and the baby."

"Honey, what are you talking about? This isn't my first time being a dad. Of course I'll protect them."

"No, you have to promise me!"

"Okay, okay! I promise!"

While I was lecturing my father, Ria somehow found us again.

"Elara, Mr. Sterling! Congratulations!"

She waved and walked quickly toward us.

"Thanks!"

I blocked the door immediately as she tried to peer inside.

"Ria, if I remember correctly, you're on shift right now. Aren't you afraid the Head Nurse will catch you?"

"It's fine for a few minutes. I just wanted to see the baby."

Ria didn't look like she was planning to leave. She kept trying to look past me into the room.

"Ria, you're at a critical point in your internship."

"Don't let this distract you. You can see him after your shift is over."

My father, who was about to open the door for her, nodded after hearing my words.

"She's right, Ria. Elara has told me so much about you. Thank you for caring."

"But work comes first for young people. Come visit after you clock out!"

"Fine. I'll come by first thing after my shift."

Realizing she had no chance to get in, Ria gave us a chilling look before walking away.

"Elara, why were you so blunt with her?"

"Dad, just watch Mom and the baby!"

I didn't give him an explanation, only a stern warning.

"Alright..."

That night, even though my mother and brother were sleeping soundly, I couldn't relax.

The trauma from my past life was too deep.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those horrific scenes.

"Elara, if you're tired, go to sleep."

My father spoke softly from the bedside chair.

"Your mother is fine, and the baby is healthy. I'm right here watching them."

I looked at him and nodded.

"Dad, I'm going to wash my face. You must stay here. Do not leave this room for any reason!"

He nodded seriously and gave me his word.

I ran to the restroom and splashed cold water on my face. It woke me up instantly.

With my father on guard, nothing should go wrong.

But as I stepped out of the restroom, I saw a familiar figure darting toward the stairwell.

My heart hammered against my ribs.

I sprinted back to the room. My father was sitting right where I left him.

"Maybe I'm just being paranoid," I whispered to myself.

"Dad, I'm back."

I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

"You're being way too cautious," my father teased.

"Hospital security is great these days. What could happen?"

"Besides, your friend Ria already stopped by to check on the baby. She said all his vitals were perfect."

"Ria?" My heart skipped a beat.

"Dad, have you been in the room the whole time?"

"Mostly. I just stepped out for a quick smoke while Ria was doing the check-up."

"Don't worry, I aired myself out before coming back in."

Hearing that he had stepped out, and remembering the figure I saw at the stairs, my body began to tremble.

I lunged toward the bassinet.

Sure enough, my brother was gone. In his place lay the deformed monster from my nightmares!

"Help! Someone stole my baby!"

We are no longer family

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 02:17:24 +0800

My folks, loaded beyond belief, were convinced my brother, Danny, and I were gonna turn into spoiled brats. So, they stuck us with the grunt work, flying the crappiest, longest routes imaginable.

Then came the Cambodia gig.

The whole place erupted in chaos, a straight-up riot. Our return flight? Canceled.

I panicked and called my parents, begging them to send a private plane. Their response? Ice cold.

"Pilots don't bail when things get tough, Alan. You need to handle this."

"Just get on that plane when it finally leaves, and that's that."

Seriously? We were screwed. Scrambling, pulling every string we could find, we managed to snag two tickets home.

But get this: on the day of the flight, my phone buzzed. Refund confirmed. Our tickets? Gone.

I was about to call the airline, ready to scream, when Mom and Dad rang.

"If everyone else can tough it out, why should you be treated special?"

"We canceled those tickets. You're not getting back on anything but that damn company plane!"

Then, bam, they hung up, blocking us from buying any other way out.

Eventually, everyone else stuck over there got rescued, but not us.

Danny got caught in the crossfire, killed in the riots.

I barely made it, saved by the skin of my teeth, thanks to the embassy.

Numb, I was arranging Danny's funeral when I saw a post from our adopted brother, Kevin.

"Thank you to the best parents ever, who were worried about me being in danger abroad, and sent ten planes to bring me home!"

This time, I didn't blow a gasket like I used to. I just calmly hit "like," then commented:

"Your parents are the best. Hope you all live happily ever after."

...

The funeral home was freezing, the cold seeping into my bones.

I took the tissues the staff handed me, trying to handle Danny's arrangements.

The jarring ringtone of my phone cut through the silence.

The screen flashed "Dad."

The yelling started the second I answered.

"Alan! What the hell is wrong with you? Kevin's freaking out because of your comment, won't even touch his dinner!"

I let out a bitter laugh, worse than crying.

"Just stating the obvious. Kevin is way more like your real son than Danny and I ever were."

A beat of silence on the other end, then Mom's voice, softer.

"Alan, Kevin's studying in a country with some unrest nearby. We were worried, that's why we sent the planes."

She paused, then tried to soothe me.

"As his brother, you should be understanding. Don't always go after Kevin."

"Go after him?" I scoffed. "Like I have a right to."

Dad's voice, rough again.

"Why are you even explaining this to him? I don't need his permission to bring my son home!"

"Apologize to Kevin, or you and Danny can stay in Cambodia for good. With the riots going on, you might as well just die there!"

That last, cruel wish broke me. Tears welled up.

So, they knew people were dying in the riots. They deliberately put me and Danny in the line of fire.

Since we were kids, it had been this way. The second Kevin felt even a little slighted, we'd be getting yelled at.

Then they'd use every weapon at their disposal to force us to apologize.

In their eyes, Kevin was brilliant and kind, while Danny and I were just toxic and selfish.

That's why they worried about us "abusing our power" in the company. They hid our family ties from the world, stuck us on the toughest routes, and made us start from the bottom.

Just before this trip to Cambodia, news broke that the place was about to explode. Potentially a one-way ticket.

Mom and Dad knew it was dangerous, but they still forced us to go.

Danny and I tried to refuse, but they started with the "you're too privileged" and "act like spoiled millionaires" routine.

They guilt-tripped us with the whole "we brought you into this world" speech, and we finally caved.

When the riots started, they not only refused to help us, but they canceled our flight, blocking us from getting home.

Meanwhile, Kevin was studying in Europe, completely safe.

But because they were afraid something might happen to him, they sent a fleet of private planes and bodyguards to escort him back.

We were their biological sons, and they treated us like garbage.

Kevin was just adopted, yet he got all the love and support in the world.

Poor Danny, even in his last moments, was trying to make excuses for them.

"Mom and Dad probably didn't know what was really happening, that's why they wouldn't let us come home. Don't hate them, just live your life..."

Thinking about Danny's blown-apart body, a wave of rage crashed over me.

"Apologize? Over my dead body! Never!"

"You got Danny killed! Are you happy now?"

"You're the worst parents ever. Karma's gonna get you!"

I slammed the phone down, cutting off the screaming on the other end.

The embassy got me back to the States.

Stepping off the plane, I was hit by a giant screen with Kevin's face plastered all over it.

"Congratulations to the Son of the Lin Corporation on His Safe Return!" blazed across it, over and over.

The waiting area was filled with flight attendants whispering.

They weren't loud, but every word felt like a punch.

"Is that the millionaire's son? I heard the Lin's were freaking out about his university being in a dangerous area, flew ten private jets with security to bring him back!"

"Seriously. They've got welcome banners everywhere, and the Lin's even got him a limited edition luxury jet, with a state of the art flight control system and a full medical team!"

My blood felt like it was turning to ice.

My hands shaking, I pulled out my phone. My feed was filled with news stories about the "Millionaire Couple Spends a Fortune to Celebrate Son's Safe Return."

The comments were all the same: pure envy.

"I want to be Kevin Lin! What a life!"

"The Lin's only have one son, so he has the best of everything!

"The way they celebrate, he must be so proud of them!"

I swiped through the endless posts, my chest feeling like it was being crushed.

For years, my parents had only acknowledged Kevin as their son.

Danny and I were like shadows, hidden in the dark.

When my parents were starting out, Kevin's dad gave them their first big order, the one that made them see the light.

So, they always felt like they owed them something.

When Kevin's parents died, they took him in.

At first, we felt bad for him, always sharing whatever we had.

Then, in elementary school, some kids made fun of Kevin's clothes.

He ran home crying, telling my parents that Danny and I had told them to pick on him.

Mom and Dad went ballistic, yelling at us without listening to a word we said.

They were convinced we were being bullies, so they decided to keep our real relationship a secret.

From then on, Kevin kept stoking the fire, making Mom and Dad hate us more and more.

I tried to talk to Danny about leaving, but he wouldn't.

He was convinced that Mom and Dad still loved us deep down, and were just being misled by Kevin.

If we just worked hard and became successful, they'd see us, they'd accept us again.

This trip to Cambodia finally showed me how ridiculous Danny's hopes were.

I hate myself for not being tougher, for not dragging him away. At least he'd be alive.

Now, it was too late.

Knowing their biological son was in a riot, with his life on the line, they callously canceled his flight.

But when their adopted son was in a safe zone, they used every connection they had to get him back, showering him with money and praise.

If that's family, I want nothing to do with it.

Back home, the face recognition system didn't even register me.

I pounded on the door, my wounds throbbing, but no one answered.

Finally, Mom, Dad, and Kevin pulled up in a fancy car, dressed to the nines, laughing and chatting.

They were a stark contrast to my dirty, exhausted state.

No one said a word.

As I trailed behind them, the door slammed shut, and a teacup came flying at my head.

I ducked, but it still caught me.

Warm liquid ran down my forehead.

The door blocked the world from seeing their reaction, Dad finally dropping the act.

"Unbelievable! I ordered you and Danny to stay put, but you didn't listen!"

"Who'd you have to use for the trip?"

"When are you two ever going to be as responsible as Kevin and stop worrying me?"

I touched my head, a laugh escaping my lips.

If I had any power, I'd have thrown them all in Cambodia with the rioters!

So they'd know what desperation felt like!

And they are treating Kevin like he is in danger.

If I had any power, Danny would still be alive.

They knew Kevin was safe, yet they pulled every string to get him home through the green lane, throwing money around to "protect" him.

Danny and I, facing a thousand times more danger in Cambodia, just wanted a simple plane ticket. Something they denied us.

Danny was gone now. I had no expectations.

"Alan, are you okay?"

Kevin put on a concerned face, pretending to care,

While "accidentally" pressing on my wound, pressing down.

The sharp pain made me jerk away.

Kevin stumbled back, tears welling up.

"Alan, I was just worried about you. I know I'm not as special as you and Danny."

"I know you hate me, look down on me. But I just want us to get along, to be a family."

"I-I can't breathe."

He clutched his chest, gasping for air, like he was about to pass out.

But I saw it: the small smile playing on his lips.

Mom, who'd been holding a tissue to give me, dropped it to rush to Kevin.

She rubbed his back, shooting me a look.

"He was worried about you, and this is how you treat him!"

"Ungrateful! I don't know why we bother"

"Go to your room and think about what you did!"

Still recovering, and exhausted from the trip,

I didn't want to deal with them. I just wanted to get some sleep.

But the second I opened the door, a wave of cold air hit me.

Danny's stuff was all over the floor.

In the shattered frame, our family picture was broken,

Especially Danny's favorite: a clay sculpture of our family sitting around the table.

Before he died, he used to rub it, and now, it was torn and thrown in the corner.

Kevin's voice came from behind me.

"Oh, I didn't know where else to put my drums, so they are in Danny's room. Now you guys have to share one, you're not mad, right?"

He leaned in close, his smugness clear.

Then he whispered, "Mom and Dad love me the most. If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this house."

"Or next time, you won't have any of this crap left."

Seeing Danny's things treated like this, I snapped.

Fueled by rage, I punched him in the gut.

Kevin went down, clutching his stomach, turning white.

"Alan, Mom and Dad wanted me to learn how to play drums, so they set my kit up in Danny's room."

"I know I'm not as close to you and Mom and Dad."

I wanted to punch him again, but Dad grabbed me.

"Smack!"

A stinging slap across my face.

Stars exploded in my vision. My ears rang.

"You dare hit your brother!"

Mom rushed to help Kevin, scolding me.

"He was so kind and all you do is hurt him!"

"You and Danny don't live at home, what's so bad about sharing a room? I didn't make you sleep on the floor."

She turned back to Kevin.

"Kevin, don't be scared. Anything you want, just ask me for it, and I'll buy you a better one."

I wasn't expecting anything, but seeing them defend Kevin, made me feel broken.

I grabbed the pieces of the sculpture, my voice rough.

"All these years, you only cared about Kevin! You never asked questions, you just blamed Danny and I!"

"This was all Danny had left! It was his last hope!"

Mom waved it off, cutting me off.

"It's just a clay figure, Danny can make another. Why are you getting so worked up?"

She finally remembered Danny, asking me:

"Where is your brother? Why isn't he back yet?"

She dialed his number, frowning when he didn't pick up.

"So what if we didn't let you buy tickets to come back? We were correcting your habits."

"You are acting for such a small thing, call your brother back."

I shouted: "Danny's dead! He died out there! You'll never see him again!"

"Smack!"

Another slap.

Dad was furious.

"What are you talking about! Just like your brother to twist the truth!"

"Don't ever come back. This holiday is ruined because of you!"

Ignoring Mom's shouts for me and Dad to calm down,

I ran back to my room, slamming the door shut, blocking out the sound.

I spent all night packing up Danny's things.

By the time I was done, it was nearly noon.

Mom made a spread, saying she made it for me. Forgive Kevin for what you did to him.

I saw all of Kevin's favorite food, and the shrimp that Danny and I were allergic to.

"I and Danny spent three days and nights in the hospital after eating shrimp, didn't you?"

Mom looked confused, then she lashed out,

"Don't be so dramatic, don't eat it."

"Don't worry, I'm not. And I'm not apologizing."

I walked out of the house, not looking back.

They say your parents are your home, but I wish I didn't have one.

I got a hotel nearby and booked a train ticket for S City in two days.

The next afternoon, I was heading to the airline to quit.

Danny and I had paid our dues.

I wanted nothing to do with the Lins anymore.

I was near the office, when I ran into Kevin's buddy, Sean. He and his pals stopped me.

Then, punched me in the face.

"Alan, you know how powerful the Lins are?"

"You think you can mess with Kevin? Who do you think you are?"

I was bent over, tasting blood.

Straightening up, I punched him back.

"First, I haven't done anything. You're just making stuff up."

"Second, look at my name? What am I?"

"Kevin's name is Kevin Stone. My parents adopted him. Why is he so mad?"

"Finally, you better not mess with me! I can do anything."

Sean laughed.

"Funny! I've never seen someone so desperate!"

"Are you pretending you're a part of the company?"

"Have you looked in a mirror? You're not!"

"Everyone knows, Kevin is the only Lin!"

His friends laughed, pointing at me.

"Yeah! Who is that kid?"

"You need to know your place."

They didn't believe me, so I pulled out my phone and showed them a picture of my parents.

They thought I was just some player.

Then they grabbed the phone and stomped on it.

"Not only are you arrogant, but you're crazy! What a loser!"

"You and your brother always wanted more, so you have no power."

"We'll teach you a lesson! So you can't act anymore!"

"Beat him until he learns!"

Sean called, and people attacked me.

The more I fought, the harder I was hit, and I was soon hurt everywhere.

Seeing I couldn't move, Sean grabbed my hair and lifted my head.

He pulled out a knife.

"If I got rid of those hands, what could you do?

I was terrified. "You don't! I told you, I was trying."

Sean laughed.

"You think you're so rich?"

"Let me see if you will be in any pain."

The sharp knife crossed my hand.

I knew I was passing out.

Then, I heard someone yell:

"Mr. Lin! Mrs. Lin are here!"

I looked and saw my parents running to me.

The Blind Heir's True Love, Revealed

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:49:13 +0800

During my broke years, I impersonated my sister to take care of her blind fianc for fifty grand. The day he regained his sight, I vanished. We met again at a business interview. I was a nobody intern reporter, while he, restored to his former glory, was the powerful young heir of the Hayes family. He was being interviewed: "We heard that during your illness, you were indebted to your fiance, Ms. Chloe Williams, for her unwavering support. Are you two getting married soon?" He smirked, raising his hand to reveal a ring: "Yes, Chloe and I are getting engaged." Yet, his gaze, through his glasses, drifted towards me in the corner.

...

Before the interview, the room buzzed with gossip. "The young heir being interviewed today is the head of the entire Hayes empire." "I heard five years ago he went blind and was kicked out of the family. If it weren't for his fiances constant care, hed probably be dead." "Shh, keep it downD"

I sat to the side, forcing a smile, my nails digging into my palms. Suddenly, Mark, the senior reporter mentoring me, turned: "Hey, Anna, grab me some water, will ya?"

Id just reached the water cooler by the door when it swung open. A familiar figure filled my vision, my mind blanking. Three years had transformed Ethan Hayes drastically. The once-thin teenager was now tall and imposing, his features sharper. His once-cloudy eyes were now cold and clear.

"Excuse me," he said flatly, his gaze sweeping past me like I was a stranger. He walked onstage, flanked by bodyguards. As he passed, a crisp, woody scent lingered.

I froze, then it hit me. The two years Id spent with him were Ethans darkest. Exiled and blinded by a car accident, of course he wouldn't recognize me. ...Good.

By the time I returned with the water, the interview had begun. Ethan sat onstage, fingers steepled, calmly surveying the room, answering business questions. Suddenly, the side door opened. Chloe Williams entered, smiling at Ethan: "Sorry, Ethan, darling. There was a hold-up on set. I'm late."

She glided to the seat beside him, her champagne gown shimmering. The room hushed, then buzzed with excitement. Mark, sipping his water, looked at me like hed made a discovery: "Hey Anna, you and Chloe Williams you kinda look alike."

I forced a laugh. "She's a movie star, Mark. You're too kind."

Of course we looked alike. We were sisters.

"We heard that during your illness, you were indebted to Ms. Williams for her unwavering support. Are you two getting married soon?"

My throat tightened as I watched Ethan. He smirked, revealing a plain silver ring on his left ring finger ?C the one I'd bought him years ago to cheer him up. It looked out of place on the wealthy heir, yet he traced it with his finger as if oblivious. "Yes, Chloe and I are getting engaged." He said, his gaze sweeping across the audience, lingering on me for a fleeting moment before moving on.

The microphone was passed to Chloe. "Ms. Williams, we hear you're currently filming Director Lucass movie. He rarely casts new actors. Did Mr. Hayes have any influence?"

She smiled, admitting, "Of course. I'm confident in my abilities, but I won't deny Ethan's support. And I absolutely deserve it." Her self-assuredness earned the crowd's approval.

Someone asked, "Could you share any stories of how you and Mr. Hayes supported each other during his difficult time?"

Chloe's smile faltered. In the awkward silence, time seemed to slow. Finally, Ethan chuckled, taking the microphone. "Nothing much to tell. Our memories are for us to keep."

Tears pricked my eyes. I gripped my pen, looking down. Closing my eyes brought back memories. During his downfall, people had harassed Ethan. Once, protecting him, I was shoved down some stairs, bleeding. The attackers ran. I got up, pretending nothing happened, and returned to his side. "Let's go home."

Ethan grabbed my hand. "You're hurt. We're going to the hospital."

"I'm fineD"

"I smell blood!" His voice rose, tears spilling from his cloudy eyes like dust-covered stars. He pulled me close, his thin arms tight. He spoke, but called me by my sisters name: "Chloe. When I recover, Ill give you the grandest wedding in the world.

After the interview, the sky darkened, a fine rain falling. Mark patted his pockets. "Anna, I left my memory card inside. Grab it for me, would ya?"

I hurried back inside, my shoes squelching on the wet floor. The elevator reached the first floor. The doors opened, and I bumped into Ethan and Chloe. Chloe was talking to Ethan about filming, and he, despite his aloof expression, listened patiently. They looked intimate.

Seeing me, Chloe's face hardened. "...Sorry," I mumbled, turning to take the stairs.

"Stop," Ethan said. I froze. "Aren't you taking the elevator? Go ahead."

I slowly turned, lowering my voice. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes."

He told me to use the elevator, yet blocked the way, staring. "You were a reporter at the interview? I didn't hear any questions from you."

I lowered my gaze. "Mr. Hayes, I just graduated and returned to the States. Im an intern. I don't have the privilege to ask questions."

"I see." He replied flatly, lost in thought.

Chloe glared at me. "Let's go, Ethan. Were meeting Director Lucas and the others tonight."

Ethan finally looked away. "Let's go."

Alone in the elevator, I was lost in thought. After my parents' divorce, my dad took Chloe and became Mr. Williams, marrying into her mother's family. I hadn't seen Chloe since I could remember. Five years ago, shed suddenly contacted me. "Ill give you $50,000 to pretend to be me and take care of someone." My mom had just passed, leaving a mountain of debt. I had no choice but to agree.

I later learned the "someone" was Ethan Hayes, her fianc who'd had his accident shortly after their engagement. "A blind guy, a discarded heir whod want to take care of him?" she scoffed. "If it wasn't for my reputation, I'd have broken it off already." Chloe's acting career was taking off. Afraid of being labeled heartless, shed dumped this burden on me.

Used to a privileged life, Ethan was bitter after the accident. In the beginning, he was constantly sarcastic. I was getting paid, so I didn't argue back. Until one day, I visited my mom's grave and returned late. He lashed out: "Chloe, stop the act! You think I don't know you're disgusted by me? Youre just staying for appearancesD"

He stopped mid-sentence. Id leaned down and kissed him. It was my first kiss, clumsy and angry, more like a bite. Ethan went silent, his ears red. "YouD!" I nipped at his lip again, then pulled back slightly, bracing myself on his shoulders, breathing hard. "Feel that? Still think I'm disgusted?"

I returned to Mark with the memory card. He grinned. "Good work, Anna. Youre quick! Perfect timing ?C there's a dinner tonight. Ill introduce you to some people. Networking is key in this business." I thanked him.

When we arrived, I froze. In the parking lot was a familiar black Rolls Royce. "Mr. Hayes is he here tonight, too?"

Mark winked. "Thats the dinner Im taking you to! Dont underestimate your old pal Marks connections." Too late for regrets. I followed him inside.

Thankfully, the room was huge. Small-time reporters like us weren't even at the same table as Ethan. Mark introduced me to several senior reporters. This is Anna Taylor, our newest recruit. Smart kid. Anna, say hi to everyone. Being the newbie, I had to make the rounds with toasts. By the end, I was dizzy. Muttering an apology, I rushed to the restroom.

I rinsed my mouth, splashed cold water on my face, and stepped out. The hallway lights were dim. A familiar figure stood by the window in the shadows. My heart pounded. I tried to slip past unnoticed.

"Anna. Taylor." Ethans low voice stopped me.

I froze, swallowing hard, hearing his footsteps approach. I closed my eyes. The footsteps stopped in front of me, a familiar scent drawing closer. I opened my eyes to his deep, dark gaze. "...Mr. Hayes." My throat was tight. "How do you know my name?"

He was silent for a moment, then straightened. "Your mentor was introducing you while you were making toasts. The whole room knows your name." Thinking of Marks booming voice, I blushed. "I'm sorry. He's very enthusiastic. If we disturbed you, Mr. Hayes, I apologize." I stammered, afraid of getting Mark in trouble.

Ethan remained silent, studying me with a faint smile. "Do you think I'm someone who holds grudges, Ms. Taylor?"

I mumbled, "That's not what I meant."

A gold-embossed business card was offered. "You're still an intern, right? Interested in a job opportunity?"

I returned to my apartment, still lightheaded. Mark grabbed me. "You okay, Anna?" I rubbed my stomach. "Sorry, Mark. I had surgery on my stomach a while back. I cant handle much alcohol." He frowned, then noticed the business card. His eyes widened. "Is that Mr. Hayess personal card?!"

I nodded, remembering the encounter. It was the legendary, almost mythical, direct line to Ethan Hayes himself. Uneasy, I asked, "Why would Mr. Hayes give such a valuable opportunity to a nobody reporter like me?"

Hed smirked. "Maybe... he likes you." That sounded like Ethan. As we grew closer, hed show his rebellious side especially in certain moments. I'd grit my teeth, stifling moans, tugging his hair. "...You can't see, stop moving." In the dim light, hed tilt his head, his soft bangs brushing his unfocused eyes. Hed lick his lips, his fingers tightening around my neck. "Everywhere else is fine. So, be louder. Let me hear you."

I snapped back, making up an excuse for Mark.

The next day, my boss called me in. "Anna, we need you on that popular live relationship talk show as a guest commentator. Prepare yourself." Later, I found out the next episode's guests were Ethan and Chloe. Their engagement had been trending since the interview, a publicity stunt for the show. Fans were going crazy online. "Overcoming hardship together, now reaching the peak of success. True love!" "Apparently, the Williams family business was dying, but with Hayes Corps support, its thriving again. "Power couple! Must ship!" I skimmed through it, closing the comments.

Daisy, the host, was reviewing the script, chatting with me. "If we can dig up the story of Mr. Hayes and his fiance during those two years, the ratings will skyrocket." I gripped my pen, quietly agreeing. I knew every detail of those two years, but I couldn't say a word.

With Hayes's resources, Chloe was now an A-list actress. The livestream began, millions tuning in. Under the spotlight, Daisy began: "We hear wedding bells are ringing for you and Mr. Hayes. Can you share your journey?"

Chloe smiled at Ethan. "I never believed the rumors and accusations against him. Hes always been the one I love." She gazed at him adoringly.

Ethan chuckled. "...Liar. Have you forgotten how much you despised me when I first went blind?" Chloe froze, glancing at me with venom. On camera, she forced a smile. "I dont really remember. I guess as our love grew, I only remember the sweet parts." I glanced at the live comments scrolling by: "So sweet!" filled the screen.

I put down the script, gripping the microphone, addressing Ethan. "It seems you two have differing opinions. Is there more to the story? Perhaps you could share how you two worked through it?" I didn't expect him to answer. But after a pause, he spoke.

"When I first lost my sight, I was depressed, angry at the world, and I didn't like her. She worked long hours, and still took care of me. One day, she was so tired, she left fish stew on the stove, went downstairs to buy salt, and forgot to turn off the heat. By the time she came back, the kitchen was on fire."

My throat tightened. I was back in that moment, the heat of the flames lingering in the air. I dragged Ethan out of the room, grabbed his collar, and slapped him. "Are you trying to die?!" I yelled, my whole body trembling. He didnt fight back. After a long silence, he croaked, "Wouldnt it be better if I died? Wouldnt it be a relief for you?"

In that moment, I realized the once-arrogant Hayes heir was now a broken, insecure puppy. I shoved him into his room. The walls were blackened by the flames. I unbuttoned his shirt. "I missed dinner. You owe me."

He seemed to understand. "Are you sureD"

I silenced him with a kiss. "Ethan, you're not a burden to me."

That night, the world spun, leaving only us.

Now, he recounted this story with Chloe, his supposed soulmate, by his side. The world believed it was their memory. A suffocating sadness bloomed inside me. Ethans familiar yet distant scent enveloped me, overwhelming, yet no longer mine.

He paused, then finished, as the audience applauded, "Ill never forget the moonlight that night. It was bright enough to see everything. I couldnt see, but she talked to me all night. I clutched my pen, looking down, my eyes stinging.

My improvised questions uncovered unknown details, making the interview a huge success. By the end, over ten million were watching. I was the first to unearth the hidden story of the Hayes heir. Everyone was ecstatic. Backstage, Daisy patted my shoulder. "Youre a natural! Those on-the-spot questions were brilliant!" She turned and saw Ethan and Chloe approaching. She went silent.

Ethan's gaze swept over us. "You prepared the questions today?"

I nodded. Chloe said sweetly, "Ms. Taylor, you certainly know how to hit a nerve. But let me remind you about professional ethics. Dont aim for whats out of your league."

I said nothing, looking at Ethan. He remained impassive. "Ms. Taylor is very capable. Shell be our media contact from now on."

Chloes eyes widened with fear and hatred.

She cornered me later, her eyes venomous. "Anna Taylor, you're insatiable. You took my money, and now you're back for what?"

I met her gaze calmly. "I graduated. Im back to work."

"Work? Do you think Im stupid?" She threw her Herms bag at me. "Get lost! Tell him youre giving up the media contact position, or youll regret it!" The bag hit the floor, spilling its contents. I walked away.

Chloe kept her word. Suddenly, I was hitting roadblocks everywhere. Job opportunities vanished. One evening, my boss called me in. "There's a major annual development conference next month. Youll be the host." I stared, then he continued, "Mr. Hayes specifically requested you."

After work, a familiar Rolls Royce waited across the street. The window rolled down, revealing Ethans impassive face. "Ms. Taylor, since youre so curious about my past, why not ask me directly?"

I lowered my head. "I wasn't prying, Mr. Hayes. It was for work."

"Even for work, you have my personal card. You could have contacted me."

I bit my lip. "...It wasnt necessary." I realized this wasnt three years ago. He was the powerful Ethan Hayes, not the insecure boy whod crave my kisses after being scolded.

The Williams family was struggling. Without Ethan's support, Chloe wouldnt dare target me so openly. Perhaps those two years were a shameful memory he wanted buried. I turned to leave.

"Stop." He stepped out of the car, blocking my path. "Ms. Taylor, can we talk?"

I clutched my bag. "What do you want to talk about, Mr. Hayes?"

He smirked. "Work. Is that acceptable?"

Over the next few weeks, Ethan met with me twice to finalize details for the conference. Finally, he handed me a document. "This major tourism project hasn't been announced yet. It's a direct collaboration with the state. You can announce it at the conference as your exclusive scoop." I took it, thanking him.

Mark, hearing about this, urged me, "Mr. Hayes seems to like you. Why not subtly mention Chloe's sabotage?" I edited the script, smiling faintly. "No. Would he really upset his fiance for a random reporter?"

The day of the conference arrived. The venue was packed. Ethan's seat remained empty. Under the spotlight, I announced Hayes Corps upcoming partnerships.

Suddenly, a reporter yelled, "Where did you steal this confidential information?!"

I frowned. "My collaboration with Hayes Corp is entirely legitimate."

"Legitimate? You slept your way to the top! You have the nerve to say that?!" He shouted. "I have proof!"

Chloe walked onstage, staring at me, sighing dramatically. "Anna Taylor, it's understandable you'd be attracted to Ethan. I wanted to spare you, but youre forcing my hand." The screen behind me switched from the presentation to explicit photos... of me. "These are the photos you sent him, you knocking on his hotel room door in a slip at midnight, and security footage of you and your boss checking into a hotel." The screen changed again, showing me entering a hotel with my boss. "Youre a habitual offenderD"

The room erupted. The doors burst open. Ethan strode in, his gaze sweeping across the room, passing over me without stopping. My heart sank. The spotlight glared on me, a public execution. Murmurs filled the room. "Disgusting! A disgrace to journalism!" "She should be fired!"

I stared at Ethan, watching him turn to Chloe. "What did you just say?"

Chloe teared up. "Ethan, youve been tricked! She pretended to be an interviewer to steal confidential information, to harm Hayes Corp. Even this hosting gig she slept her way into it!"

Ethan paused, looking at me. "Do you have anything to say?"

What could I say? I saw the triumph in Chloe's eyes. It was absurd. We were sisters, only two years apart. After our mother died, we should have been each other's only family. I smirked. "I want to say this, Mr. Hayes: Your fiance is lying. I only had professional interactions with you, nothing personalD"

"Nothing personal?" Ethan interrupted. "You gave me a ring. Aren't you going to take responsibility?"