The reporters swarmed me the moment I stepped out, their cameras flashing like a storm. “Mrs. Gibson, your husband just announced your divorce publicly. Any comment?
”
“Marilia is the real daughter. You stole her place for twenty years. Don’t you feel guilty? ”
Before I could speak, Roger answered for me.
“You were never good enough for me. I never touched you because you disgust me. ”
I laughed, then splashed champagne right in his face. “You never deserved me.
”
I ran into the rain. Marilia’s fans knocked me down onto the street. “Go back to your slum. ”
For five years, I’d worn old-lady clothes and ugly glasses.
I played dumb, pleased everyone. And what did I get? Betrayal. Humiliation.
A failed marriage, a family that never gave me warmth. Before I passed out, I had only one thought. Roger, I’ll make sure you leave with nothing. That’s when a black umbrella cut through the rain and appeared above me.
I looked up and met a sharp, intense gaze. Wayland, my childhood rival. Now the most powerful man in business. “It’s been years, Alexia.
Look at you. What a mess. Did you finally cure that lovesick brain of yours? ”
He lifted me into his arms.
In front of everyone’s stunned eyes, he carried me to his black Maybach. I felt the comfort of a mattress, a high fever pulling me into darkness. In my dream, I went back ten years. “Wayland, why do you even care?
I hate you. ”
“Fine. We’ll never see each other again. ”
That was the last time we saw each other.
A huge fight. He blocked me, I blocked him. My phone rang, pulling me back. It was Roger.
“Alexia, where are you? You’re signing that divorce agreement tomorrow. Stop standing in the way of Marilia and me. ”
“She’s asleep.
Right here, next to me. ”
“What did you say? Who are you? ”
He hung up.
I thought he’d leave, but he turned and sat on the edge of the bed. “Listen. Whatever you want to do, divorce or grind their faces into the dirt, you can use my power, my influence, my money, my connections. Take them.
”
I froze. He was willing to help me? But what right did I have to accept? I was no longer the Alexia who could argue and bicker with him without a care.
“Why? ”
“Because I want to. ”
He stood and walked away without looking back. When the door closed, my heart ached.
He was willing to give, but I didn’t dare take it. We weren’t the same anymore. The fever broke. I walked to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.
Enough. This farce was over. I burned those ugly clothes and glasses and pulled out my best gown and jewelry from the bottom of my suitcase. Then I dialed a number I hadn’t called in years.
“Luna, you finally answered. I heard you’re getting a divorce. Is it true? ”
Luna.
My code name in the financial world. The trader who makes Wall Street tremble. “Divorce is great. Roger never deserved you.
”
I smiled. Roger, let’s see who wins. The day of the divorce negotiation, I walked into the White Dove Club in a red dress. “Alexia.
I heard you fell in the rain. It must have been so cold yesterday. ”
Marilia, the real daughter of the Jenkins family, a famous actress and Roger’s first love. “You didn’t know, did you?
Roger gave me this necklace on your wedding day. It’s a symbol of his devotion. That cherry garden in the backyard was built for me, too. ”
“Roger, are you going bankrupt?
Is this all I get? ”
“The pre-nup is clear. That’s all you’re worth. ”
“You owe me all of this.
”
I owed him? Did I go to the Jenkins family begging to be taken in? Was I the one who refused a DNA test and called myself the real daughter? Did I chase after Roger?
I slapped him. “You! ”
I walked away without looking back. Outside the club, my best friend Ada Douglas was waiting.
“Alexia, we found out a huge secret. ”
“What? ”
“The Jenkins family knew Marilia was their real daughter twenty-four years ago. They adopted you because you and her share a rare blood type.
You’ve been a blood bank your whole life. Every time you donate blood, it’s to save her. ”
So that was it. No wonder they never treated me like a daughter.
“Also, a batch of biotech chips is smuggled out of the Garden of Eden. The most important one is in a crown called the Adam’s Heart. It will appear at this weekend’s charity auction. We need you to get that crown.
Ideally through Wayland. ”
“Why him? ”
“He’s about to become the new president of the Chamber of Commerce. ”
I sighed.
Looks like I had no choice but to get close to Wayland. That evening, I went to the Gibson estate to see Eleanor. The moment I walked in, I ran into Marilia. “Oh, look.
The fake daughter still has the nerve to show up. ”
My heel came down on her toes, and I slapped her across the face. “Shut your filthy mouth. ”
Unfortunately, I saw my scumbag ex-husband-to-be Roger again.
His grandmother Eleanor called him in. “The Chamber of Commerce has a new president. Wayland. You want a position on the council?
Then you need a respectable marriage and wife. Not an actress like that woman. ”
“But I don’t love Alexia. ”
“Love?
Marriage is a business. A lifelong performance. You maximize profit. No divorce.
”
Roger got torn apart. But I would never turn back again. I texted him to finalize the divorce. He replied that he was busy.
I texted again. You’re busy? Sounds like you haven’t been humiliated enough. Roger texted, “Alexia, you think everyone is as worthlessly free as you?
You’re unemployed. ”
I cursed under my breath, but I knew he wasn’t busy. He just didn’t want the divorce anymore. Without a respectable wife, Roger couldn’t climb the ranks.
He was finally tasting the bitter fruit he planted. But did he think stalling would help? I smiled. Roger, you’ll be on your knees begging me to sign.
The moment we walked into the arena, I ran into Marilia again. She was with her gang of useless friends. “Oh, isn’t this my fake sister? Are you here to mess around?
”
I didn’t say a word. One pull sent her tumbling down twenty steps. The whole place erupted. That’s when the crowd parted like the Red Sea.
Wayland arrived. I watched him walk toward me. My heart suddenly beat a little faster. “Wally, can we talk?
”
“Come in. ”
I walked beside him into the arena. Roger and Marilia stared at me from a corner, their faces dark. The equestrian and shooting competition was about to start.
Everyone was placing bets on the favorite, Marilia. “I haven’t placed my bet. Any suggestions? ”
“Pick me.
”
Silence fell. “What did you say? She’s not even on the roster. ”
“Adding one more person is easy.
Take it as a meeting gift from you to me. ”
“How much do you want me to bet? ”
“Everything. ”
“But if you lose, Alexia, the payment is you.
”
My heart tightened. “How to compensate? ”
“Five years. You work for me.
For free. ”
“Fine. ”
I went to change. When I appeared in my riding suit, half my face masked, my name appeared on the screen, and everyone’s eyes widened in shock.
“Black Swan? The legendary female shooter who took Europe by storm five years ago? Ten shoots, ten rings, thirty seconds. After five years of silence, she’s here?
”
“That’s right. I am Black Swan. ”
I mounted the horse and galloped into the arena. Marilia let out a sharp whistle.
My horse suddenly lost control and bolted frantically toward the large barrel. Everyone held their breath. Wayland’s eyes were locked on me. I gripped the horse with my legs, leaned close to its neck.
I let loose over the barrel. I raised my shotgun, angled it just right, and pulled the trigger. Perfect hit. The arena went silent, the screen flashing.
“Thirty seconds. Ten rings. Thirty seconds! ”
“I turned to Marilia and smiled.
Remember the bet? From now on, any arena I’m in, you’re not welcome. Want to back out? Then kneel and apologize.
”
“You insufferable woman! ”
She lunged at me. Security tackled her. I gave her a thumbs up, then turned it down.
Marilia turned livid and kneeled down in front of me with extreme reluctance. Yet this was only the beginning of my counterattack. “Black Swan, what inspired you to come back? ”
“Because I promised someone I’d give this trophy to him.
”
“Who? Which lucky guy? ”
Everyone turned to look at Wayland. His face was blank, but he couldn’t hide the smile.
I walked to him, trophy in hand. “For you. And I need a favor. ”
“Talk.
”
“This weekend’s charity auction, help me get the Adam’s Heart Crown. ”
“After how you treated me, what makes you think I’d help you for nothing? ”
I forced a fake smile. “I was young and stupid, always competing with you.
I’m past that now. I’m sorry. ”
He suddenly leaned in, one hand bracing the wall behind me. I had nowhere to go.
“An apology? Words mean nothing without sincerity. ”
He came closer, his nose almost touching mine. My heart was about to leap out of my chest.
One second, his face was inches from me. I thought he was going to kiss me. The next, he smiled that knowing smile. “You didn’t seriously think I was about to kiss you, did you?
”
I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. Ten years ago, it was the same. He always knew how to make fun of me. “Listen, Alexia.
I don’t need your apology. And you shouldn’t change for anyone. ”
“Then what do you want? ”
“I’ll help you get the Adam’s Heart, but on one condition.
That auction night, your time belongs to me. ”
I nodded in agreement. After that, we went to choose my gown. “This one.
”
He picked a black feathered gown for me, then fastened a sapphire necklace around my neck called Stellar. “Why give me this? ”
“Because it fits. ”
In the mirror, he stood behind me, his gaze intense.
The doors of the charity gala swung open. I walked in on Wayland’s arm. The lights weren’t half as burning as the eyes on me. “Oh my god, who is that?
She’s stunning. Wayland’s date. She’s even more beautiful than that actress Marilia. ”
The reporters who had been crowding Marilia swarmed toward us.
She stood in the corner, her face pale. “I need to mingle. Wait here for me. ”
“Okay.
”
The moment Wayland left, Marilia approached. “You drop the act? You think clinging to him can make you superior? ”
“Come closer.
”
“What for? ”
The next second, I slapped her hard on her face. She bent over, humiliated. “Remember this.
Next time you run your mouth, I’ll cut out your tongue. ”
She slunk away. Then a woman approached, staring at my necklace. “Oh my god, that’s Stellar.
Do you know its meaning? ”
I was confused. “It is born for unrequited love. Symbolizing that someone is willing to guard a lonely star for a lifetime.
”
I froze. Could it be? Wayland had been in love with me for ten years? Before I could recover, an angry voice came from behind.
“Alexia. What did you do to Marilia? ”
Roger grabbed my wrist hard enough to hurt. I used to endure it.
Not anymore. “Let go. ”
“You think you’re something now that you’ve latched on to Wayland? I ought to—”
“Release her.
”
Wayland’s voice cut through like a blade of ice. Roger’s hand dropped instantly. “Roger. Don’t you want that project?
Fine. Alexia, what do you say? ”
He drank until I was satisfied. “You’re crazy.
He’s still recovering. ”
“What, you don’t want the project? ”
I knew Roger couldn’t drink, but I wanted to watch him kneel in front of Wayland. He didn’t even deserve to stand.
Ten shots of vodka. He passed out on the seventh. As they carried him away, he didn’t even dare look at me. The ballroom lights dimmed.
Wayland took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. His hand rested on my waist. The music began. That waltz.
He spun me once. My gown blooming like a flower. “What is Roger to you? Ex-husband?
Or someone you once loved? ”
“Nothing at all. ”
“Have you been well these ten years? ”
“Have you?
”
We fell silent together. As we spun, his chin nearly touched my forehead, his breath so light. “You actually learned to waltz. ”
“I had a reason.
”
“I remember. Coming-of-age ceremony. You promised to be my dance partner. ”
In that moment, my heart skipped a beat.
He really did remember. But that day, I never showed up. Ten years later, tonight, we finally finished the dance we never had at eighteen. The same man stood before me, but everything between us had changed.
On the auction block, the Adam’s Heart blazed under the lights. Roger had crawled back from the hospital, Marilia fuming beside him. “Whatever you want, I’ll bid for you. ”
“That crown?
I want it. One hundred fifty million. ”
Roger glanced at me. His eyes filled with understanding.
“Two hundred fifty million. ”
“Three hundred million. ”
“One billion. ”
The room went dead silent.
The gavel fell. Then Wayland picked up the crown and walked toward me. “Don’t move. ”
He placed the crown on my head.
“Perfect. ”
“Oh my god, Wayland bought it for her. ”
Marilia clutched Roger’s hand jealously, her nails digging into his skin. “Why?
What makes her so special? ”
“Shut up. ”
In that moment, I knew I had won, completely and utterly. “Next up, a piece by the gifted painter Sirius.
Vengeance. ”
Sirius’s Revenge appeared on the big screen. A woman stepping on her husband’s corpse, nestled in the king of gods’ arms, yet gripping a dagger aimed at his neck. The whole room gasped.
And Roger? He stared at that painting as if nailed to the spot. That was me, Alexia Vance, the wife he never truly knew. “Roger, do you know this Sirius?
”
“I saw her sketchbook once. She drew me after every match. She made me look like I mattered. She’s the one I’ve been looking for.
But I never met her. ”
He was talking about me. That foolish girl who anonymously sent him that sketchbook. “Revenge!
By Sirius, opening bid twenty million. ”
“Forty million. ”
“Sixty million. ”
“You think you can compete with me?
Five hundred million. ”
He didn’t even lower the paddle. “No matter how much anyone offers next, I will add an additional three hundred million. ”
“Are you crazy?
”
“I will help you get everything you want. ”
Roger’s face turned ashen. Marilia bit her lip. She knew a woman had taken root in Roger’s heart.
One she could never drive out. The auction ended. As I stepped out of the hall, Roger lunged from the shadows and grabbed my wrist. His eyes were wild, like a mad dog.
“Alexia, don’t get too cocky. You’re just Wayland’s toy. Besides using men, what else can you do? ”
“Using men?
You’ve depended on your family since birth and you’re still useless. My talent, my ability, my money. You can’t even dream of them. ”
“You!
”
“Still here? Need me to call security? ”
Roger slunk away like a defeated dog. Wayland turned to look at me.
His gaze both probing and amused. “Just how many identities and secrets do you have? ”
I smirked and didn’t answer. Surprises?
There were plenty more. “So, what are you planning to do now? ”
“First, finish what I left undone. I want to go back to school, restart my research.
”
“Then go. You deserve better. ”
I took off the gemstone necklace and held it out to him. “I should return this.
It’s too valuable. ”
“Keep it. It’s an apology for leaving without a word ten years ago. ”
He walked away.
I stood there, fingers on the cold gem in my palm, but my heart burned. The next day, I stepped onto the campus I hadn’t seen in years. Dr. White’s office door was open.
When he saw me, his eyes went moist. “Alexia, you finally came back. It broke my heart when you gave up research to get married. ”
“Professor, I’m sorry.
This time I won’t leave again. I want to restart my research. ”
Leaving the building, Roger walked toward me, still wearing that smug look. “Are you here to be a janitor, or to beg me to take you back?
Dream on. ”
I ignored him. The bell rang. The department head stood at the podium.
“Today, I’m thrilled to announce great news. My outstanding apprentice has finally returned and joined our research group today. ”
I smiled disdainfully. Roger’s obsequious look would surely freeze the moment he knew the truth.
I pushed open the door and walked in. Roger’s pupils shrank when he saw me on the podium. “Impossible. How could she be—”
The unsolved problem had hung on the bulletin board for five years.
Everyone said whoever solves it gets into the research institute. During a break, I glanced at it. Interesting. I picked up a pen and wrote down the solution.
I didn’t leave my name. But the next day, the whole campus was buzzing. Someone had solved it. Roger stood before the bulletin board in front of reporters and professors, shamelessly taking credit.
The department head was impressed. “Excellent. The research spot goes to you. ”
Roger smiled smugly.
He didn’t know I kept that scrap of paper. Three days later at the academic assembly, he’d nail himself to the pillar of shame. The academic assembly was packed to the brim. Roger stood on stage, chalk trembling in his hand like a knife that would cut him instead.
The second line he wrote was wrong. Whispers began to spread through the audience. “Your deduction is completely wrong. ”
“Let me start over.
”
The more he wrote, the messier it got. He even mixed up basic algebra. The third line was wrong. “You didn’t even understand the problem, yet you dared to pretend you solved it.
”
All eyes turned to me. I walked onto the stage and took the chalk from his hand. On the blackboard, I wrote the first line smooth as water. The second and the third.
Every step flawless. “Oh my god, this is the real solution. Alexia! ”
“This is my star student.
The research spot goes to you. ”
Roger slunk off the stage, not even daring to look up. After the meeting, he blocked me in the hallway. His eyes vicious as a mad dog.
“You think this means you’ve won? ”
I looked at him coldly. “I never considered you my equal opponent. ”
Roger clenched his fingers until they turned white, forcing his voice out through gritted teeth.
“I’ll destroy you. ”
“Try me. ”
His eyes were like poison-tipped knives. I turned and walked away.
Around the corner, Wayland leaned against the wall. He had heard everything. “Be careful. He’s capable of anything.
Make sure to back up your experimental data. ”
“I know. ”
That night, the lab lights stayed on until three in the morning. I stored all the data in an encrypted drive and made three extra backups.
I thought that was foolproof. The day of the paper evaluation, I stood on stage and opened my PPT. The data page was blank. “You come to an evaluation with no data?
Is this nepotism? ”
The judges whispered among themselves, doubts flooding in like a tide. “Alexia, what’s going on? ”
“Professor, my data couldn’t just vanish.
I request a one-hour postponement. I will prove everything. ”
Offstage, Roger’s lips curled up. He thought he had won.
He didn’t know that for three years, every page of my data was handwritten. I held up that yellowed lab notebook. “Three years, over a thousand pages. Every data point handwritten, every correction annotated.
This is my complete record from the past three years. Please review page by page. If you’re still not convinced, I can demonstrate the entire experimental process live. ”
“Excellent.
Every data point has a numbered backup. This couldn’t be fabricated. ”
“Allow me to show you something. ”
The big screen lit up.
Surveillance footage began to play. Roger’s face appeared next to the lab security guard. In that moment, Roger’s face turned paler than a corpse. The next second, Wayland pushed open the door and walked into the hall.
“I’ve notified the police. All numbered backups will be forensically reviewed. ”
His family’s resources moved like a thunderbolt. The security guard was taken away on the spot.
Roger’s qualification was revoked. “Roger, academic misconduct, colluding with outsiders to destroy experimental data, permanent expulsion. ”
“ALEXIA, I WON’T LET THIS GO! ”
“YOU’VE ALREADY RUN OUT OF CHANCES.
”
As they dragged him out, I turned to look at Wayland. He gave me a slight nod. In that moment, I knew I had never been fighting alone. In the corners out of my sight, Marilia was watching everything in the shadows.
She dialed a phone call amid the crowd. “Do it now. I’ll make Alexia pay. This time, she’s doomed.
”
Overnight, the entire internet turned against me. People called me a fake heiress who craved wealth and luxury, stealing everything from Marilia. The comment section was a cesspool, every word vile. My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, all hate texts.
Wayland walked in carrying hot soup. He didn’t speak, just set it down and sat beside me. “Drink something. Tomorrow, I’ll help you.
”
“Why are you so good to me? ”
“Because you’re Alexia. No matter what others say. ”
At that moment, my eyes stung with tears.
I had always been overly strong-willed, determined to handle everything on my own. I finally realized what it felt like to be taken care of once in a while. The next day, I opened my live stream app. My finger hovered over start.
Wayland stood behind me. “Go back to being the little devil who always got even from ten years ago. Anyway, if you really can’t handle it, just ask me and I’ll block everything for you. ”
I laughed and my nerves relaxed.
“Don’t dream on. I won’t beg my rival. ”
At eight sharp, I pressed live. My palms were sweating.
I barely said hello when the stream started lagging. Garbled text flooded the chat like a virus: “get lost” and “fake heiress, go die. ”
I turned to look at him. He was typing furiously on his laptop, his brows furrowed so deep they could crush a fly.
“Hold on, thirty seconds. ”
I stared at the screen. Every second felt like a year. Thirty seconds later, the chat was back to normal.
His tech team had blocked every attack. I looked back at him. His forehead was covered in sweat. “When did you prepare this?
”
“From the very first second they came after you. ”
My nose stung. So he had been quietly blocking all the knives aimed at me. I took a deep breath and picked up the package.
I tore the tape open. A bloody dead rat rolled out onto the table. The chat exploded instantly. My stomach churned, but I didn’t flinch.
I looked straight into the camera. “They want me to shut up. With threats, with online hate, with this dead rat. But today, I’m telling the whole truth.
”
The chat was full of doubt. I opened my mouth, but no words came. Wayland stepped out of frame and put his hand on my shoulder. “I’m here.
”
I gripped the mouse and showed the bank statements page by page. My phone rang. Marilia. I hit speaker.
“You ungrateful rat. The Jenkins family raised you for twenty years. ”
“A thousand a month for twenty years, never increased. This is your idea of raising me?
Meanwhile, your real daughter spends ten years of my living expenses on one dress. ”
“You’re lying. ”
“And my blood. You take it whenever you want.
”
I rolled up my sleeve and held my scarred wrist to the camera. The chat went silent. Then a flood of “monster” filled the screen. “You failure.
”
Marilia kept screaming, but no one listened. I hung up. Trending number one. “We stand with Alexia.
”
Twenty years of humiliation. Today, I finally breathed free. “Next, it’s Roger’s turn. ”
“You did it.
”
“No. We did it. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it. ”
He reached out and pulled me into his arms.
I rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, feeling safe for the first time. “Wayland, you’ve been so good to me. How can I ever repay you? ”
Wayland cupped my face, his thumb brushing away the tears at the corner of my eye.
“Give me the Alexia from ten years ago. The one who chased after me to argue, who rolled her eyes at me. The you who hadn’t learned to swallow her pride. ”
“But I’m not the same person anymore.
”
“That’s okay. I’ll help you find her again. ”
I froze. He didn’t want repayment.
He wanted me to be me. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. Soft as a falling feather. I closed my eyes, and for the first time, I didn’t pull away.
Roger hid from me for a whole week. He wouldn’t sign, so I went to him myself. Roger saw me in his office, his face turning pale with anger. “What are you doing here?
”
“Bringing you a gift. ”
I put the recording pen onto his desk. Press play. Five years ago, his voice coaxing an underage girl in a private club, crystal clear.
Roger’s face instantly turned white. “How… how do you have this? ”
“Want me to give this to the police, or will you sign?
”
“I’ll sign. I’ll sign. I’ll sign. ”
Roger grabbed the pen, his hand shaking.
“Alexia, we were married after all. Can’t you just—”
“No. I want you to walk away with nothing. One cent short, and this recording goes online.
”
He signed and slumped in his chair. I took the divorce papers and walked out without looking back. That night, I posted on Moments. Just two words: “free now.
”
Wayland liked it. The next second, Ada called. “Congrats on being single. Single party.
I booked the most expensive male escorts. Tonight, we drink till we drop. ”
“Okay. ”
At the party, I got drunk, dizzy.
Someone pushed me to kiss one of them. The door burst open. Wayland stood there, his face dark as a storm cloud. “Let’s see who dares.
”
He threw me over his shoulder. I struggled a bit. He tossed me into the car and drove home. Inside, he set me on the sofa and turned to leave.
Drunk, I grabbed his tie, held his face, and kissed him. That night, he slept on the couch. I tossed and turned. My heart aching and warm all at once.
In the underground garage, the lights flickered. I walked toward my car. Footsteps came from behind. More than one.
Roger stepped out of the shadows, his eyes wild as a mad dog. “Alexia, you ruined me. Today, you’re not leaving alive. ”
They dragged me to an abandoned factory.
The stench of rust stung my nose. “Boss, this chick is gorgeous. Let us have some fun first. ”
“Whatever.
Just keep her breathing. ”
The thug’s hand reached for my collar. I fetched the silver needle in my ring and stabbed it in. He screamed and fell.
Another lunged. I grabbed a pipe and swung at his head. I crouched down and grabbed his gun. At the same time, the scar-faced man pulled out a gun as well.
A gunshot. The scar-faced man dropped. I held the smoking pistol. My hand was shaking, but my eyes didn’t flinch.
Roger pressed a gun to my head. “You ruined me. I won’t let you live either. ”
“Compare shooting skills with me.
Can you really pull the trigger? Your hand is shaking. ”
His finger was on the trigger. Veins bulging.
Outside, hurried footsteps approached. Bang. A gunshot. The door was kicked open.
Wayland stood in the backlight with smoke still rising from the muzzle of his gun. Wayland’s bullet tore through Roger’s wrist. Roger screamed and collapsed, the gun skittering away. Blood splattered on my face.
Wayland walked over and pulled me into his arms. “I’m late. ”
His arms were tight. As if trying to press me into his bones.
“Cut off his fingers. ”
Roger was pinned down. His screams piercing the space. “Wayland, please.
Let me go. I’ll never do it again. ”
“Kneel. Kneel to Alexia.
”
In the end, he knelt, his head hitting the floor. Wayland carried me out of the factory. “Don’t worry about repaying this favor. ”
The night wind was cold.
But his chest was warm. “Wayland. ”
“Hm? ”
“Don’t.
You never have to thank me for anything. But I need you to tell me. Who do you love now? ”
I leaned closer to him and heard his heartbeat.
Fast and heavy. I looked at him and suddenly asked, “Who do you think I love? ”
“Definitely not Roger. ”
I smiled.
Then I asked the question that had been stuck in my throat. “Why did you block me back then? Why did you leave without a word? ”
Wayland was silent for a long time.
His voice very low. “My mother was sick. Mentally ill. She cut off all my connections, including you.
”
I froze. I had never seen Wayland like this. Vulnerable, as if he might shatter. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
”
“Back then, your eyes were only on Roger. If I had told you, would you have believed me? ”
I stayed silent. He was right.
Back then, I couldn’t see him at all. “What about now? ”
“Guess. ”
He didn’t speak.
He just held my hand. Outside, dawn was breaking. My phone lit up. Ada texted.
“Check the news. Jenkins stock is crashing. The legendary Luna made her move. ”
I picked up another phone and logged into Luna’s account.
On the screen, the stock prices of Jenkins Group and Gibson Group were diving. I made a phone call. “This is Luna. I’m shorting Jenkins and Gibson.
I need your capital. ”
“How much do you want to make? ”
“It’s not about money. I want both families destroyed.
”
“Interesting. We’re in. ”
I hung up and looked out the window. This city was about to change.
“What? Multiple institutions withdrawing at once? Who is behind this? ”
“Can’t trace it.
They have top-tier cybersecurity. ”
News spread online. Mystery trader Luna suspected of personal vendetta against Jenkins. The next day at opening, Jenkins stock plunged.
“Who did you people piss off? My stocks are crashing, too. ”
“You dare blame me? If you hadn’t provoked Alexia—”
“What does Alexia have to do with this?
What can a divorced woman do? ”
“This technique… too precise. Every move hits our weakest spot.
”
Then Marilia remembered. Ten years ago, I majored in finance. I graduated top of my class. No.
Luna can’t be her. Wayland had also found something. He placed a photo on my desk. “Is this you?
Luna’s award photo. ”
I looked up and met his eyes. “When did you find out? ”
“Earlier than you think.
Need a hand? ”
He didn’t press. I smiled. “You’re already helping.
Next, they’ll tear each other apart. ”
Just then, I called Marilia. “Want to save Jenkins? Come alone.
”
“Who are you? ”
I didn’t answer. Just hung up. Marilia arrived at the meeting spot, pushed open the door.
I sat on the sofa, coffee in hand. “It’s you. It’s really you? ”
“Surprised?
”
“How can you be Luna? You were just a housewife. ”
“Housewife? You forced me into that role.
Now, it’s time to pay back. ”
I stood and walked toward her step by step. She backed away until she hit the wall. “The name Jenkins is about to become history.
”
“In your dreams. ”
She slammed the door and left. I picked up my phone and dialed. “Keep selling.
The next round of selling begins. ”
Jenkins stock plummeted non-stop. “Buy. Buy.
Whatever it takes. ”
Numbers flickered on the screen. Their wealth evaporating by the second. I calmly hit confirm.
They wouldn’t last much longer. Margin was running out. “Your margin is critically low. Forced liquidation imminent.
”
“No. Give me more time. ”
“Sorry. Automatic system.
”
Forced liquidation. Jenkins stock crashed to an all-time low. Marilia collapsed in her chair. It’s all over.
I opened my account. The profit held steady at nine figures. I picked up my phone and dialed the next number. Next, Gibson.
News reached the Gibson estate. Roger’s grandmother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. Roger watched the screen at the exchange, then dropped to his knees. The doorbell rang.
I opened it. Roger knelt on the doorstep, his forehead pressed to the cold tiles. “Alexia, please stop. Gibson is finished.
I have nothing left. ”
I leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, looking down at him. “Remember what you said when you walked away with nothing? ”
“I…
I said a lot of terrible things. ”
“You said, ‘Alexia, you think you’re something just because you latched on to Wayland. You’re worthless. ‘ Now, who is worthless?
”
Roger’s tears fell. “I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong. ”
In the distance, Wayland’s car sat across the street.
He didn’t get out. He just watched. I turned and closed the door. The finance summit opened.
Industry titans gathered. Security was tighter than an airport. Wayland and I walked in side by side. “I heard Luna is showing up today.
”
“No way. Luna never appears in public. ”
In the corner, Marilia and Roger fidgeted, sweat glistening on their foreheads. “Luna won’t come.
Those trading records must be fake. ”
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome today’s special guest. Let’s welcome the legendary trader, LUNA! ”
I stood and smoothed my dress.
Every eye in the room turned to me. “No. It really is her. ”
“This is Luna?
”
I walked onto the stage. My heels echoed in the dead silence. The big screen lit up, playing Luna’s ten years of trading records. Every trade was proof.
The collapse of Jenkins and Gibson was my design. The images kept rolling on the screen. Marilia’s face shifted from arrogance to sheer terror. “Turn it off!
TURN IT OFF NOW! ”
“Turn it off? When you stole my math competition results and faked your way into college, why didn’t you say stop then? ”
Dead silence.
The click of cameras was like a hailstorm. “And you, Zane. Twenty years. How much blood did you take from me?
”
Zane slumped in her seat. “Today, in front of everyone, I am taking back what’s mine. ”
I pulled up the final trade before today’s opening bell. The profit on the screen made everyone gasp.
“That’s nine figures. ”
“Jenkins halted, Gibson bankrupt. I keep my word. ”
Off stage, Marilia slumped in her chair like mud.
Roger kept his head down, unable to look at me. The room fell silent for a few seconds, then applause surged like a wave. On my birthday, Wayland booked the entire revolving restaurant. Candles flickered, the city glittering beyond the windows.
“Birthday present. ”
He took a small box from his pocket. I opened it and froze. This is a companion ring.
It matches my Stellar. “I have been wearing it since the year you left. ”
“You wore it all this time? ”
“Ten years.
Now, it’s time to return it to its owner. ”
He knelt and held the ring up to me. I reached out, my fingers trembling. The moment the ring slid onto my finger, fireworks exploded outside.
“I love you. Will you marry me? ”
I shyly nodded. “When did you start liking me?
”
“Much earlier than you think. ”
He led me to the window and pointed at a distant star. “That star is called CX 330. A lonely star.
The necklace around my neck was made after it. ”
He held my hand tight. In that moment, I knew I would never be alone for the rest of my life. My ten-year retrospective opened at Amos Gallery.
The crowd surged, reporters swarming. In the corner, I saw a familiar figure. Roger was there, too. He didn’t know Sirius was me.
“Sirius is the artist I admired most of my life. Her paintings once saved me. Have you ever met her? No.
She sent me a sketchbook anonymously back then, and I… I gave it back. ”
I stood in the shadows, watching him coldly, a mocking smile on my lips. He would never know that the person he pushed away was right in front of him.
“Everything is ready? ”
“Unveil the next painting. ”
“Which one? ”
“First love.
”
The curtain slowly rose like a trial ten years overdue. The girl in the painting had a gentle profile, a hairpin in her hair. The very one he had given her back then. “No.
This can’t be. ”
He froze, reaching toward the frame. Security stopped him. I walked over slowly.
“You… you’re Sirius? ”
“Surprised? ”
“That rainy night, the one who gave me the sketchbook, was you?
”
“Yes. And you threw it back in my face in front of everyone. ”
“Farewell” is unveiled. The room fell dead silent.
The face in the painting was Roger’s. He shoved to the front, staring at the name on the sketchbook. “I… I didn’t know it was you.
If I had known—”
“If you had known it was me, would you have treasured it? No. You are just bitter about losing a trophy. ”
“That’s not true, Alexia.
I really—”
“I don’t need your repentance. I don’t care about your regret. ”
He collapsed on the floor like an abandoned doll. Reporters snapped photos, flash bulbs leaving him nowhere to hide.
Outside the gallery, Wayland leaned against the car waiting for me. When he saw me come out, he put out his cigarette. “Feel better? ”
“Yes.
”
“Let’s go home. ”
Roger rushed home and pulled out the torn-then-glued sketchbook. Looking at the pages, tears fell one by one. He clutched the sketchbook and sobbed, saying he missed the best thing.
The doorbell rang. Marilia stood at the door. Hearing what had happened, she was there to comfort him. She told him he still had her, and she would always stay by his side.
“GET LOST! I NEVER LOVED YOU. ”
“What are you saying? ”
“Your eyes look like hers.
Your smile, too. But now the real one is back. You are nothing. Get lost!
”
Marilia left crying. The next day, I had just stepped out of my company building when I saw Roger kneeling at the bottom of the steps. The marble floor was cold, dust smudged across his forehead. “Alexia!
I have completely cut ties with Marilia. Look, here are our chat logs, and here’s proof I blocked her. ”
“You think this clears your name? ”
“I just want you back.
I’ll do anything. ”
“Whether you have cut ties or not has nothing to do with me. I stopped wanting you long ago. ”
I turned and walked away on Wayland’s arm.
Behind me, hurried footsteps. Roger lunged, his fingers nearly touching the hem of my coat. “One more step and I’ll make you disappear from the city completely. ”
Behind me, muffled crying.
Not sobbing, the kind of weeping that wanted to scream but couldn’t. I didn’t look back. Late at night, I left the lab. I opened the car door and started the engine.
In the rearview mirror, a dark figure flickered. Suddenly, roadblocks appeared ahead. Orange cones across the road. I slammed the brakes.
The door slid open and a hand covered my mouth and nose. I struggled, kicked, dug my nails into that hand. “Don’t be afraid. I would never hurt you.
Never. ”
When I woke up, I was in a wedding gown, tied to a cross in an abandoned church. Candles flickered, balloons floated. Roger wore a black suit, a red rose on his chest.
He walked towards me. “Don’t be afraid. Today is our wedding day. ”
“You’re insane!
Let me go! ”
“Smile. Wedding photos. ”
The flash stung my eyes.
I struggled, but the ropes only tightened. “Will you marry me? ”
“Somebody help! ”
His face changed instantly.
“Willing or not, tonight is our wedding night. ”
He pressed frantic kisses to my collarbone. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see his face.
Just then, a loud crash. The church door was kicked open. Against the light, I saw a figure, tall, straight. Wayland rushed in and kicked Roger flying with one foot.
Roger fell to the ground. “Wayland. ”
“I’m sorry. I’m late.
”
“SHE IS MY WIFE! WE ARE GOING TO CONSUMMATE! ”
Police rushed in and pinned Roger down. Handcuffs clicked shut.
“Next life, I’ll find you again. ”
“Don’t listen. ”
“You can’t escape. ”
“I’m here.
”
Outside the church, the red and blue lights of police cars flashed on Wayland’s face. I touched his face. He smiled and swept me up into his arms, carrying me to the car. Wayland took me home and helped me sit on the sofa.
He knelt down and gently lifted my wrist. The rope burns coiled around my skin like a serpent. “Does it hurt? ”
“No, just a little cold.
”
He got up to get a blanket and ointment. When he returned, he draped the blanket over my shoulders. Then opened the ointment and carefully applied it to my wrists. “From now on, no driving home alone.
”
“You’re not my chauffeur. ”
“I am your husband. That’s a husband’s right. ”
I couldn’t help but smile.
He looked up at me. Our eyes met. This time, not drunk, not impulsive, I just wanted to kiss him. His lips were a little dry, but warm.
“Are you sure? ”
“Yes. ”
He froze for a second, then cupped my face and kissed me. The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window.
I reached beside me. Empty. Wayland was frying eggs in the kitchen. I leaned against the doorframe and watched his back.
“When did you learn to cook? ”
“The year you left. I thought if you ever came back, I could cook for you. ”
My nose stung.
I walked over and hugged him from behind, pressing my face to his back. His body stiffened for a moment, then he held my hand. “Wayland. ”
“Hm?
”
“I want to make you breakfast every day. ”
“Promise? ”
“I promise. ”
He kissed my forehead.
Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on us. In that moment, I felt that all the suffering had been worth it. I had finally waited for my sunny day. I thought it was all over.
But Marilia wouldn’t give up. She stopped reporters at the Chamber of Commerce banquet, crying on cue. “Alexia didn’t earn her place in the research institute. She uses Wayland’s money and power.
She is his mistress, trading her body for resources. Those academic achievements were all bought. ”
The news spread across the internet. The comments started calling me academic trash again.
This time, I didn’t panic. “Want me to kill the trending? ”
“No. I’ll go live myself.
”
On camera, I pulled out our marriage certificate and showed it to everyone. “Wayland and I have been married for some time. We are legal husband and wife. Calling me his mistress?
Since when does a mistress get a marriage certificate? ”
“Oh my god, they have been married all along. ”
“She is my wife. Anyone else who tries to slander her will see me in court.
”
Marilia’s face was thoroughly slapped. She hid in a corner grinding her teeth. “Alexia, just wait. I won’t let you go.
”
On the trial day, Marilia was brought to the defendant’s box. She had lost weight. Her eyes like a trapped beast. “Defendant Marilia Jenkins, you are charged with hiring kidnappers, academic slander, evidence forgery, and bribery.
Do you plead guilty? ”
“I’m mentally ill. You can’t sentence me. I have proof.
”
Her lawyer produced a diagnosis claiming she had severe schizophrenia. The judge frowned. “May I submit evidence? These are three independent psychiatric evaluations all confirming the defendant is mentally competent.
The so-called diagnosis was bought for five hundred thousand. ”
“How? How do you know? ”
The room erupted.
The judge struck the gavel. “Defendant Marilia Jenkins, on multiple counts, is sentenced to fifteen years in prison. No parole. ”
“NO, ALEXIA.
EVEN AS A GHOST I WON’T LET YOU GO. ”
“THEN BE A GHOST PROPERLY FIRST. ”
She was put into the police van. When the door closed, I finally let out a long breath.
Wayland took my hand. “It’s over. From now on, no one will dare bully you. ”
The once grand Jenkins mansion was auctioned off and the hangers-on scattered.
I stood in front of the old estate, watching them paste the seal on the door. Childhood memories rushed back. The first time they brought me home, I thought I finally had a family. “What are you thinking?
”
“Thinking about the past. I was so stupid. ”
“Not stupid. You just wanted to be loved too much.
”
I turned and buried my face in his chest. He patted my back gently. “Wayland, thank you for never giving up on me. ”
“I couldn’t bear to.
”
Sunlight fell on us. The dust of the Jenkins estate scattered in the light. I knew it was time to let go of the hate. “Take me somewhere.
”
“Where? ”
“The orphanage. I want to see the children. ”
He smiled, took my hand, and got into the car.
On the day Wayland was officially inaugurated as the Chamber of Commerce president, I accompanied him. Those who once looked down on me lined up to curry favor. “Mrs. Mason, you look beautiful today.
You and Wayland are a match made in heaven. ”
“Thank you. ”
“I heard you are also Sirius? Oh my god, you’re a genius.
”
“You flatter me. ”
They weren’t flattering me. They were flattering the position beside Wayland. I didn’t care anymore.
“Alexia, I was blind before. Could you and Wayland spare Roger? He already knows he was wrong. ”
“The law will decide his guilt.
It’s not up to me. ”
“You! ”
“Madam, please behave. One more word and I’ll call security.
”
She slunk away. Wayland led me out of the banquet hall, but didn’t get into the car. He took my hand and walked me through the garden to the century-old auditorium. “Why are we here?
”
“Do you remember this place? ”
I paused. Of course I remembered. Ten years ago, I competed here in the national math competition and won gold.
He was there, too. “You sat in the third row staring at me. I thought you were looking for a fight. ”
“Not a fight.
I was afraid someone else would take you. ”
I froze. He led me up the steps and pushed open the heavy wooden door. Moonlight streamed through the windows.
In the empty auditorium, there were only the two of us. “Ten years ago, I sat here watching you receive your award on stage. In that moment, I thought, one day I will have you standing beside me. Not as a rival, but as mine.
”
“So, you always picked fights with me? Deliberately made me angry? ”
“Because that was the only way you would notice me. ”
My nose stung.
All those years of arguments and silent treatments, they were his clumsy confessions. “Wayland, you’re such a fool. ”
“Yes. Fool enough to wait for you for ten years.
”
Wayland took me to a villa by the sea. Only the sound of waves. Only moonlight. He opened a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses.
Candles flickered. His eyes brighter than the stars. “You know, ten years ago, I wanted to bring you here. ”
“Why here?
”
“Because you love the sea. You said you wanted a small villa by the ocean to see the sunrise every morning. ”
I froze. That was a casual remark when I was fifteen.
He actually remembered. “You remembered for ten years? ”
“Every word you said, I remember. ”
He walked over and gently unclasped the Stellar necklace from my neck.
Then he lowered his head and kissed my shoulder. “Mrs. Mason, tonight I don’t want to hold back. ”
The next morning, I woke up in his arms.
“Does it hurt? ”
“No. Just too hot. ”
“You want more time?
”
“When did you wake up? ”
“Didn’t sleep. Couldn’t bear to. ”
My fingers traced his brow, his nose, and landed on his lips.
“Flirting with me this early? ”
“I’m not flirting. You’re the one too close. ”
“Alexia, I want a child with you.
”
“What did you say? ”
“I said, I want to be a father. ”
My face burned to my ears. He held my hand, slowly threading his fingers through mine.
“Then let’s start tonight. ”
“Tonight? Why not now? ”
I laughed.
“Go make breakfast. I’m hungry. ”
“Fine. Feed you first, so you’ll have energy tonight.
”
He got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. I leaned against the headboard, unable to suppress my smile. On the day of the tenure ceremony, I stood on the podium in my academic gown. Seated below were my students, colleagues, and Wayland.
“Today, we award Professor Jenkins tenure. Her contributions to bioengineering have advanced the entire field. ”
Applause erupted. I saw Professor White’s eyes redden.
Wayland was clapping, a smile on his lips. “The meaning of science is not to make a few stronger, but to give everyone an opportunity. I was an orphan as a child. Science gave me a second life.
Thank you. ”
I stepped off the podium. Wayland walked toward me with a bouquet of irises. Students started cheering.
“What are you doing? This is a university. ”
“I know. But I want everyone to know that you are my wife and the greatest pride of my life.
”
He leaned down and kissed me. The applause was even louder than before. Three months later, I found out I was pregnant. Two red lines on the pregnancy test.
My hands trembled. Wayland was in a meeting in his study. I couldn’t wait for him to finish. I pushed the door open.
He looked up and saw what was in my hand. “Meeting adjourned. ”
He turned off the computer, walked over, and took the test from my hand. He stared at the two red lines, frozen.
“Really? ”
“Really. ”
He held the test up to his eyes, examining it several times. Then he suddenly lifted me up and spun me around three times.
“I’m going to be a father! I’m going to be a father! ”
“Put me down. I’m dizzy.
”
He carefully put me down. His hand resting on my still-flat stomach. “Yes. I’m going to name him, if it’s a boy, Wayland Jr.
If it’s a girl, Stella. Meaning star. ”
He was no longer alone. Neither was I.
Pregnancy was hard, but Wayland never left my side. He cancelled all business trips and made me breakfast every day. “Open up. ”
“I can feed myself.
”
“No. You’re a protected asset now. ”
I rolled my eyes, but still opened my mouth. He smiled smugly.
A week before the due date, we were at the hospital. He was more nervous than me, pacing the hallway. “I’m scared. ”
“What are you afraid of?
”
“Losing you. Childbirth is too dangerous. Let’s not have more. One is enough.
”
My nose stung. He wasn’t afraid for the child. He was afraid for me. “I won’t.
I’m strong. ”
Contractions hit. I gripped his hand in pain. A few hours later, a baby’s cry rang out.
A girl. Wayland rushed in. He held her, carefully placed her beside me. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“Thank you, Alexia. Thank you for giving me a home. ”
I cried. Not from pain, but because I had finally waited for this day.
On our daughter’s first birthday, Wayland took me to the Maldives. He said it was to make up for our honeymoon. The yacht floated on the sea, surrounded by dark water and a sky full of stars. He carried me to a deck chair.
“Scared? ”
“Not when you’re here. ”
He kissed me from my forehead to my ankles. “Wayland.
”
“Hm? ”
“I love you. ”
He stopped and looked at me. In his eyes were starlight and tears.
“Say it again. ”
“I love you. I have loved you for a very long time. I just didn’t dare to admit it.
”
That night, the yacht drifted for a long time. The sea was calm. Only the sound of our breaths and heartbeats. I smiled in my dream.
The person I hated the most became the one I loved the most. Fate is a strange thing. If you ask me what the luckiest thing in this life is, I would say that rainy night he came to me with an umbrella.
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