Here's the translation into English: "Participating in a variety show, my partner is a popular male star. During the escape room segment, I pretended to be scared and dove into his arms seeking protection. He snorted coldly and pushed me away: 'What are you pretending to be a weak woman for? You usually watch horror movies while eating, right?' I continued to lean into his arms: 'We're this familiar already, you don't have to act like you're not interested in women. Just hold me tight; this is my new character setting.' 'Ex-girlfriend,' he suddenly stopped resisting, tightening his grip around my waist, 'are you trying to flirt with me?'"
Chapter 1
[1]
It was a variety show gig, and my partner happened to be a top celebrity.
[2]
During the escape-room segment, I pretended to be terrified, diving into his arms for protection.
[3]
He scoffed, pushing me away.
[4]
"Cut the act. Weren't you just watching horror films over dinner last week?"
[5]
Ignoring him, I latched onto his arm again. "Come on, we both know each other too well by now.
[6]
Stop pretending to be some distant heartthrob and just play along – this is my new image, okay?"
[7]
His eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he didn't pull away this time. Instead, he wrapped his arm tightly around my waist.
[8]
"My dear ex-girlfriend," he murmured, "are you flirting with me?"
[9]
1
[10]
No one knew about Braeden Marsh and me, not even our closest friends, except for our agents.
[11]
And definitely, no one would guess that I had been the one to end it.
[12]
Back then, he'd just finished a high-profile indie film that went on to sweep up awards. I watched him from my apartment, clapping from my couch as his name flashed on screen. I felt every bit of that gap between us, the raw envy gnawing away at me, reminding me that I was leagues behind.
[13]
Then came the silence. When his schedule finally opened up, I'd imagined we'd be spending more time together. But instead, he locked himself away, barely speaking a word.
[14]
"I'm sorry, Maisie," he'd said, running a tired hand through his hair. "I can't snap out of it yet.
[15]
The role took a lot out of me. Just... give me some time."
[16]
I wanted to understand him. He was a dedicated actor, someone who threw himself entirely into his roles. This was just a phase, wasn't it? Something all the greats went through.
[17]
I should forgive him.
[18]
But why did he have to secretly meet up with that actress from his last film?
[19]
Was he just too deep into his role, or was there something more?
[20]
When my agent sent me photos of the two of them sitting close, heads bent over the same phone, I felt a wave of anger and insecurity take over. The gap between his success and my career struggles only fed my worst fears – I couldn't make myself believe anything innocent about it.
[21]
All I could think about was betrayal and abandonment.
[22]
"Girl, listen to me," my agent told me over the phone. "Forget him. Focus on your career.
[23]
Love is the last thing this industry's built for."
[24]
At 4 a.m., I was still waiting in our downtown apartment when the door finally creaked open.
[25]
I shot up from the couch, every nerve on alert, and leveled a chilly smile at him.
[26]
"Back at last?
[27]
Hope everything went well.
[28]
Don't let me keep you from resting at hers if you're so tired from running back and forth."
[29]
Braeden barely reacted, his exhaustion plain, but he still walked over, arms out to hold me.
[30]
I stepped back before he got the chance.
[31]
"Don't even try touching me, Braeden.
[32]
Gross."
[33]
He stood there, hurt flashing in his eyes as he tried to rein in his temper.
[34]
"Maisie, what the hell is this about? We were just talking about the role. You know how much I get into the character, how important it is to me."
[35]
I wanted to believe him – I really did.
[36]
But it spiraled into an hour of trading jabs and resentments until he'd had enough and stormed out.
[37]
Just before he reached the door, I called after him and declared,
[38]
"Let's end it, Braeden. And just so you know, I'm the one dumping you."
[39]
The only dignity I could retain was being the one to let go first.
[40]
He stopped for a moment, as if gathering himself, but without a word, he left.
[41]
We'd met at a friend's escape room.
[42]
Both being public figures meant that going out and enjoying life anonymously was nearly impossible, but my friend's business had the privacy I needed.
[43]
It was a safe place to blow off steam, maybe even sharpen my acting chops a bit.
[44]
I hadn't expected to meet a fellow actor there, someone who got it like Braeden did.
[45]
Two drama enthusiasts like us hitting it off undeniably made the plot and characters far more vivid and layered.
[46]
It was a crime-solving scenario: I was a psychotic killer, he was the detective.
[47]
Our back-and-forth was electric, like a real-life script, each of us exposing the other's motives, pushing, reacting.
[48]
When it was all over, everyone else had left, but we stayed, still swept up in the story.
[49]
"You were disturbingly good," he'd said, a laugh in his eyes.
[50]
"Honestly, you played that psycho a little too convincingly."
[51]
I laughed, offering my contact info. "Let's team up for the next one and really give them a show."
[52]
But when he scanned my details, he looked up, surprised. "Turns out we're already friends,"
[53]
he said,
[54]
showing me my name saved under "Foodie Friend."
[55]
I'd labeled him "Big Shot."
[56]
With our covers blown, things escalated quickly. We moved from chatting about roles and scripts to opening up about our work, our lives.
[57]
We quickly grew close,
[58]
almost as if "there were no secrets left in showbiz by the end of the night."
[59]
It wasn't long before he started showing more than friendship, and I wasn't about to play coy. We began dating.
[60]
He was way more popular than I was, with ten times my workload, and since our time together was limited, I started following him on his travels whenever I could.
[61]
I always tried to keep it discreet, though. I didn't want to risk impacting his career, and, honestly, my own pride was a factor too.
[62]
I felt more like his hidden
[63]
lover than his girlfriend.
[64]
Braeden thought this secrecy was unfair. He suggested going public a few times, but I always shut it down with some polished excuse.
[65]
Eventually, he found other ways to make up for it, grounding me with little gestures that made me feel secure.
[66]
For instance, he knew I loved Snoopy, so despite his usual minimalist style, he redid his bedroom in Snoopy's classic colors, filling it with memorabilia – even the bedsheets.
[67]
And when I wasn't high-profile enough to wear designer gowns to events, he quietly arranged for me to get one anyway, carefully checking to ensure no one else would show up in the same outfit.
[68]
There were countless moments like these, thoughtful and understated.
[69]
His affection was more of a gentle, constant flow than a dramatic storm – steady, warm, and always present.
[70]
After the breakup, I spiraled, lost my drive, and spent months moping at home. My agent finally snapped, railing at me,
[71]
"You've seen the mess in this industry up close, haven't you?
[72]
All that gossip you love to eat up? But now it's your turn, and you're crumbling over a guy. Aren't you afraid he's laughing at how pathetic you look right now?
[73]
You weren't even that popular to start with, and once you're older and less marketable,
[74]
you'll barely be a shadow next to him."
[75]
Her words hit me like a lightning bolt in the dark, shaking me awake.
[76]
I sobbed, shouting back, "Fine, then help me up! I'm going to work my butt off, earn a fortune,
[77]
and make sure no one can ever look down on me."
[78]
I threw myself into my career, and eventually, things started going my way.
[79]
Sometimes I'd wonder if the roles and gigs that came my way were thanks to Braeden's help,
[80]
but I'd quickly dismiss the thought.
[81]
Braeden hadn't tried to get me back, and whenever we crossed paths, he treated me like a stranger – cool, distant, not even a glance my way.
[82]
2
[83]
After finishing two back-to-back dramas, my agent lined up a new gig on a dating show to boost some buzz around the last show's release by playing up the chemistry with my former co-star.
[84]
But right after joining the crew, I got an update: the other actor had dropped out, and the replacement was none other than Braeden Marsh.
[85]
So now, all the carefully scripted "romantic moments" we'd planned with the last co-star were set to play out with Braeden instead.
[86]
I was panicking, so I ducked into a corner and called my agent. "Did you hear about the cast change?
[87]
Braeden's my partner now. What are we supposed to do?
[88]
There's no way we can stand up to all the speculation!"
[89]
She sounded thrilled, though. "Are you kidding? This is jackpot-level news. Just him showing up next to you guarantees we'll hit the trending pages.
[90]
I'll talk to
[91]
the assistant first."
[92]
As the call cut out, I felt totally off-balance.
[93]
Suddenly, a shadow fell over me, and Braeden's voice sounded from above.
[94]
"Worried someone's going to dig up your deep, dark history of using people for fame and cash?"
[95]
He was standing too close, and my heartbeat spiked, leaving me at a loss for words.
[96]
In the next second, he stepped forward, pinning me lightly against the wall, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at me.
[97]
The years of action scenes had left a roughness to his grip; his fingers, calloused from training, gently teased at my neck, sending a strange, unsteady feeling through me.
[98]
"Maisie," he murmured, "I think you owe me."
[99]
My pulse raced, but I shot back as always, refusing to be intimidated. "Braeden, is twisting things around all you've learned these past years?
[100]
If you want to keep up this back-and-forth, I'm all for it.
[101]
Might as well thank you now for the attention boost."
[102]
Braeden's payback came fast.
[103]
At the kickoff dinner that evening, I was working the room like any rising star should, chatting and networking. Meanwhile, Braeden sat back at the head of the table, dressed head-to-toe in black, playing it cool with the director.
[104]
The stark contrast between my busy flattery and his indifference was evident.
[105]
"Mr. Marsh, if there's anything you're not satisfied with, just let us know. We'll handle it however you need,"
[106]
the director said.
[107]
Braeden gave a brief nod.
[108]
"And as for your co-star," the director went on with exaggerated courtesy,
[109]
"is there anyone else you'd prefer to work with? Her standing might not be quite on par with yours."
[110]
My ears perked up as I froze mid-conversation, straining to hear what he'd say about me.
[111]
"Really?"
[112]
Braeden shifted in his seat, crossing his legs and sending a glance my way.
[113]
"I don't think so. Why don't you ask her yourself?"
[114]
I tensed, hoping the director would just let it go.
[115]
But of course, he didn't.
[116]
"Maisie," he called over,
[117]
"why aren't you over here showing Mr. Marsh some respect? Get over here!"
[118]
Pasting on my best forced smile, I walked over. Once I got close, I tilted my head just enough for Braeden to see my frustration under the surface, but I kept my tone sugary sweet.
[119]
"Mr. Marsh, looking forward to learning a lot from you."
[120]
Braeden shifted away with a look of disdain, his gaze darkening.
[121]
"If you can keep things respectful."
[122]
I... what?
[123]
Apparently, the director picked up on some hidden tension, because he quickly stepped in and nudged me aside.
[124]
"No need to worry, Mr. Marsh. I'll keep an eye on her."
[125]
Braeden smirked, his cool face momentarily softening into something brighter, almost dazzling as he spoke to the director,
[126]
"You just keep tabs on her, that's all. I'm pretty sure she's the only one who could cause any 'trouble' for me."
[127]
It was vague, with just enough flirtation and ambiguity to raise some eyebrows.
[128]
"Mr. Marsh,
[129]
you're exaggerating."
[130]
The director laughed, but then turned back with a curious look.
[131]
"So... are you two already close?"
[132]
"Of course,"
[133]
Braeden replied smoothly.
[134]
"No,
[135]
not at all,"
[136]
I said at the same time,
[137]
but our answers were completely opposite.
[138]
The atmosphere shifted,
[139]
with the director looking at us both with that knowing smile.
[140]
3
[141]
Once filming started, a minor issue arose –
[142]
a female celeb ditched the script and tried to pair up with Braeden, of all people.
[143]
Seriously?
[144]
The director, clearly enjoying the tension, decided to capitalize on it, adding a game segment where the winner got to partner with Braeden.
[145]
The game? A watermelon-eating contest, with me and the girl racing to finish first.
[146]
Right before we started, I shot Braeden a playful grin.
[147]
"Popular as ever, aren't you?"
[148]
Braeden raised an eyebrow, all proud.
[149]
"Eating is your forte, go on, impress me."
[150]
His attitude fired me up to do the opposite.
[151]
After all, the other guy looked decent enough, so why not partner up with him?
[152]
I didn't always need the biggest spotlight, right?
[153]
Sometimes a girl's got to stand on principle, even if it costs her a few followers.
[154]
The game began, and that other girl went all in, sleeves rolled up, practically inhaling her slices.
[155]
I dug in, too, shoveling huge bites without any care for appearance.
[156]
When I got to the last piece, I went all out, feigning a coughing fit,
[157]
successfully letting her snag the win.
[158]
She wiped her mouth and flashed a triumphant grin at the camera.
[159]
"I did it! Now I get some exclusive time with the leading man. I'm amazing!"
[160]
The director threw an awkward look at Braeden and then at me, unsure how to salvage the moment.
[161]
He had rigged the game from the start.
[162]
My slice of watermelon was smaller than hers, with fewer pieces too, but thanks to the camera angle, it wasn't obvious at all.
[163]
but the trick backfired.
[164]
I clutched my chest, paused to "recover," then offered my competitor a round of applause,
[165]
"Wow, you nailed it. Hats off!"
[166]
Braeden's gaze sharpened, watching me closely.
[167]
Ignoring him, I headed over to the unchosen rookie who was clearly feeling uncomfortable and extended a hand. "Guess it's you and me, then.
[168]
I promise I won't be dead weight."
[169]
Cayden Collins, who had just debuted, was clearly the typical boy-band type – dressed trendy and full of youthful energy.
[170]
His shy smile was sweet and genuine as he replied,
[171]
"I'll do my best.
[172]
Thanks for giving me a chance."
[173]
This kid sure knew what to say. He understood I was helping him by choosing him, so his gratitude only made my little scheme feel guiltier.
[174]
But Braeden wasn't one to be outdone.
[175]
He slipped out of the frame, leaned over to whisper something to the director, and within minutes, the other girl's manager had been called over,
[176]
gesturing wildly in an intense conversation with her.
[177]
It was clear it wasn't good news.
[178]
In this show, except for Braeden, no one dared to anger their manager.
[179]
When she returned, she walked straight to Braeden and apologized.
[180]
"I'm so sorry for
[181]
wasting everyone's time."
[182]
Cayden and I exchanged a knowing glance.
[183]
Clearly, the teams were getting rearranged.
[184]
The watermelon scene? Scrapped.
[185]
We re-shot the pairing segment to match the script exactly.
[186]
As we finished, Braeden leaned down, using his height to his advantage to whisper in my ear,
[187]
his voice tinged with a bit of hurt.
[188]
"So... you really didn't want me, huh?"
[189]
A tiny pang flickered in my chest, and I found myself scooting an inch away to put some distance between us.
[190]
Throughout the day, I caught him sneaking glances my way, and with the director loving Braeden's close-ups, I felt the constant pressure to keep my facial expressions in check, praying I wouldn't slip up and give something away.
[191]
After wrapping, I was removing my makeup when I finally asked,
[192]
"Seriously, why do you keep looking at me?"
[193]
Sometimes, even when everyone was playing games together, he would fixate on me, as if his gaze was glued to me.
[194]
"Can't help it. Bear with me."
[195]
He stood behind me,
[196]
fingers pressing gently into my neck in that familiar way from when we were dating.
[197]
I glanced toward the door, heart pounding, to make sure it was closed and the curtains drawn before relaxing.
[198]
"Okay, enough.
[199]
Time to go back to
[200]
your own room."
[201]
The last scene had been Braeden walking me to my room, but now the crew was gone, and he was still here, lingering.
[202]
What, so people would start wondering if something was up between us?
[203]
As if anyone would believe a man and woman alone in a room were just discussing lines.
[204]
In the mirror, I caught his gaze.
[205]
"We've got time. I'll stay a while longer."
[206]
I reminded him,
[207]
"Braeden, we broke up."
[208]
He scoffed, his face hardening in an instant, and stormed out, the transformation as quick as flipping a switch.
[209]
Watching him leave, I called after him. "The best exes act like they're dead, you know!
[210]
Look into it,
[211]
Braeden."
[212]
He halted, then left even faster.
[213]
"Fine,
[214]
I'm dead."
[215]
I sighed.
[216]
He couldn't say nice things but didn't want to be rejected either.
[217]
Did he think everyone would fawn over him just because of his looks?
[218]
After finishing my makeup removal, I was lying in bed when there was a polite knock at the door – three precise taps, not too loud or too soft.
[219]
Opening it, I found Cayden standing there.
[220]
Fresh-faced without makeup, he looked even more innocent, his large, clear eyes shining with an untainted sincerity.
[221]
"Ms. Stewart, I brought you some hometown snacks. I was too shy to bring them out during filming since they're just in these plain packages,
[222]
but trust me, they taste amazing,"
[223]
he said, holding out a crinkly brown paper bag. Inside were several vacuum-sealed packs of jerky, pretzels, and spiced nuts. His gesture felt so genuine that I couldn't help but smile.
[224]
This kid was refreshingly straightforward.
[225]
"Are you from Yupluize too?"
[226]
I asked, taking the bag.
[227]
He nodded, looking pleased.
[228]
"Yeah, we're both Yupluize folks."
[229]
"Well, if I'm going to eat this, drop the 'Ms. Stewart' and just go with 'Maisie.'
[230]
You called me that on set anyway,"
[231]
I said.
[232]
He rubbed his neck awkwardly. "That's actually my manager's idea – said I should go for the 'boy-next-door' look.
[233]
But calling every woman by her first name feels, I don't know...kinda over the top?"
[234]
He seemed at a loss for words,
[235]
so I chuckled and patted his shoulder.
[236]
"With your looks, don't worry. The 'boy-next-door' image suits you just fine."
[237]
Then, just as I glanced to the side, I caught a glimpse of someone peering around the corner. I waved for him to head back to his room quickly.
[238]
After closing the door, I shook my head in disbelief.
[239]
Was Braeden really sneaking around eavesdropping?
[240]
4
[241]
After mentally berating Braeden for who knows how long, I finally drifted off to sleep.
[242]
In my dreams, I found myself back to the early days when Braeden and I first moved in together. He'd been so awkward and careful, his every move cautious, afraid to hurt me.
[243]
His face had blushed a fierce red, yet he'd stubbornly insisted he was confident and knew what he was doing.
[244]
The only thing stronger than his self-doubt had been his pride.
[245]
Slowly, we'd worked up to that vulnerable moment, but then, just as things were heating up, he'd stopped. Hovering above me, his eyes had softened, and he whispered,
[246]
"Maisie, I don't know why, but I suddenly feel like crying."
[247]
Me – who was already crying –
[248]
was speechless.
[249]
Why did he feel like crying? Was his reason the same as mine?
[250]
I woke up just as the sun was breaking over the horizon, feeling disoriented and lost as the dream faded.
[251]
After a quick freshening up, I headed out for a morning run to clear my head.
[252]
At the corner where I was stretching, a familiar voice broke through the foggy dawn.
[253]
"Morning," Braeden said, jogging up beside me in gray workout gear.
[254]
"Guess you didn't sleep well, either?"
[255]
The way he said "either" reminded me –
[256]
Braeden and sleep had a long, complicated history. Insomnia often gripped him harder than anyone else.
[257]
When under stress, he'd isolate himself, sometimes even lash out, though he'd never hurt others, instead directing it all inward.
[258]
Gathering myself, I forced a smile.
[259]
"Hate to disappoint you, but I slept great."
[260]
He broke into a slow jog, his messy hair bouncing with each step.
[261]
"Sure, sure. Fine, you win. Let's go, then."
[262]
A couple of laps later, our running group had grown.
[263]
Even the young rookie Cayden had joined us,
[264]
looking incredibly fresh, his youthful complexion glowing and his movements fluid and graceful.
[265]
his expression dark.
[266]
"Keep staring,
[267]
and I'll pluck your eyes out."
[268]
I smirked.
[269]
"Oh, is someone jealous of my eye for beauty?"
[270]
Without warning, he hooked his arm around my elbow, stopping us mid-run.
[271]
The rest of the group came to a halt, eyes fixed on us with growing curiosity.
[272]
Embarrassed, I pulled away and forced a smile.
[273]
"Mr. Marsh, is there something I can help you with?"
[274]
Closing his eyes, he seemed to gather his composure before saying,
[275]
"Maisie, I twisted my ankle. Mind helping me back to the hotel?"
[276]
My jaw dropped. This guy could lie without a hint of shame!
[277]
Before I could refuse, he added,
[278]
"Or are we really so distant now that even this is too much?"
[279]
With everyone's curiosity practically bursting, I quickly offered my support, worried about what he might say next if I didn't.
[280]
Braeden's acting had always been top-notch, and his exaggerated limp looked convincing enough. If I weren't walking right next to him, catching his smug little grin, I'd have bought it too.
[281]
The second we got back to his hotel room, his phone buzzed with a call from the director, expressing dramatic concern.
[282]
"Are you alright? Do we need to delay filming so you can get a full check-up?"
[283]
I sat nearby, rolling my eyes so hard they almost got stuck.
[284]
This guy could really put on a show.
[285]
When the call finally ended, Braeden flopped onto the bed and patted the space next to him.
[286]
"Want to take a nap?"
[287]
That was it – I unleashed a whole tirade, giving him a piece of my mind for being so shameless.
[288]
But he just lowered his gaze, his tone suddenly quiet and vulnerable.
[289]
"Maisie, I haven't slept well in ages. Just... stay here. Please?"
[290]
I fell silent. I couldn't bring myself to outright deny him, but I let my silence say what I couldn't.
[291]
He sighed, rising from the bed and moving to the sofa instead.
[292]
"Fine. You take the bed, I'll take the couch. Just... stay."
[293]
I'd wanted him to be vulnerable, to let his guard down. But now that he was, I felt torn and unable to cope. It felt like pain and anger were twisting inside me, unspoken and unresolved.
[294]
How had we come to this?
[295]
How did we let it get this way?
[296]
I couldn't speak, and afraid I'd start crying, I kept my head down and quickly left the room.
[297]
Not far down the hall, I accidentally bumped into someone, catching the clean, fresh scent of their cologne.
[298]
Looking up, I was met by Cayden's concerned face, his large, sincere eyes brimming with worry.
[299]
"Maisie, were you... did someone hurt you?"
[300]
he asked softly.
[301]
I sniffed, and before I could answer, he frowned and pushed past me, storming towards Braeden's room in anger.
[302]
"No."
[303]
Panicked,
[304]
I grabbed his hand.
[305]
The contact startled him, his body going rigid and his ears flushing pink before he even turned to look at me.
[306]
Quickly, I released him. "I was just talking to Braeden, you know? About how tragic it is that someone his age is already starting to lose it mentally.
[307]
Just don't think too hard about it. This industry is a mess, but if you stay true to yourself, it won't ruin you."
[308]
He scratched his head, smiling shyly, looking almost too sweet to be real.
[309]
Resisting the urge to tease him, I said goodbye.
[310]
But not two minutes after I returned to my room,
[311]
a message from Braeden popped up.
[312]
"I can't stand people who throw their weight around."
[313]
I instantly knew what he meant.
[314]
It was a warning not to get too close to Cayden, or he'd make things difficult.
[315]
The cryptic nature of his words would probably throw anyone else off, but I understood perfectly.
[316]
And I knew exactly how to give him the right reminder.
[317]
I replied, "We all become what we hate eventually.
[318]
Even you."
My boyfriend went bankrupt and wants to break up with me. I don’t agree. He said, "Well, are you brave enough to get married to me?"
Do you believe in love at first sight? The moment I first met Mingyuan, I had that feeling. I cautiously accommodated him, maintaining his pride with my humility—warm yet hypocritical, like the fake flowers welcoming guests at a restaurant’s entrance. Until one day, I was utterly exhausted and chose to give up. I encountered another person during a time of chaos in my life. "So I showed up." To be honest, he awakened my desires. He saw through my games with words, understanding that I was greedy, selfish, and prone to avoidance, yet he still held my hand tightly, as he always did. I received a constant stream of messages from Mingyuan, but they no longer mattered to me. I should be someone with a strong capacity to endure and process my emotions. During the time I was Mingyuan's girlfriend, I tried my best to dissolve negative feelings within myself—without confiding or disturbing anyone. I once tried to act cute, hoping he would comfort me, thinking that just a few kind words would suffice. But he looked at me with great difficulty, saying, "I really don’t know how to comfort you. The ways of comforting girls are just tricks of scumbags; I don’t want to be like them." At that moment, I thought to myself that it was normal for a straight guy not to know how to comfort someone, and I could slowly teach him. The boy I liked would love me in his own way. The blindness of love made me completely overlook the obvious logical error in that statement. Until this moment. Last night, late at night around midnight, sharp pain in my lower abdomen jolted me awake from a rather unsettled sleep, shocking my nerves. Menstrual cramps. I was breaking into a cold sweat, curling up in bed in the hot summer, tightly closing my eyes, hoping that if I just held on, it would pass. The endless pain dulled my reason; this time, the intensity of the cramps seemed more severe than ever before. I struggled to get out of bed and, to avoid waking my roommate, stumbled around in the dark searching for ibuprofen. It should be fine now. I comforted myself with that thought. But the pain didn’t subside with the medication; in fact, I felt a churn in my stomach. In a hazy moment, I remembered the doctor's advice: it’s best not to take ibuprofen on an empty stomach and to take it half an hour before cramps start... The sound of me vomiting in the bathroom woke my roommate. She turned on the light, just as I was stepping out. She was startled by my state and nearly called for an ambulance, "Oh my God, your lips are so pale." She poured me a cup of hot water and waited with me until the pain slowly faded. When I woke up the next day, I momentarily felt as if I had been reborn. I hesitated for a long time, holding my phone, but I still wanted to tell Mingyuan about it. He was very busy with work and didn’t like being disturbed, so I didn’t dare call him and chose to send a message instead. I was really feeling a bit unwell, wanting some comfort, even just from Chatime. As dusk approached, he finally replied. "What should we do?" "Go to the hospital." When I saw the message, my emotions were somewhat flat. At that time, there were a thousand kilometers between us, and I knew that distance made care seem pale and powerless. As a modern, independent woman, I also shouldn’t be that fragile. But he, it seemed, had never cared. He had never comforted me or offered much consolation. All of this, I had never taught him. By sheer chance, I scrolled back through our chat history. The time had always...
That night at the graduation farewell dinner, he had his new girlfriend, the campus beauty, in his arms while everyone around was teasing him to introduce me, his childhood sweetheart, to someone. He glanced over at me sitting in the corner and said to his group of friends, "This silly big girl has a face that looks like someone owes her money. Who would want her?" I shrank back into the shadows, afraid that others would see the tears I was suppressing. An ugly girl doesn't have the right to cry; that was the first lesson I learned when I became his childhood sweetheart.
I woke up in the middle of the night and felt someone next to me. In the moonlight, the man dressed lightly appeared in my bed again.
Here's the translation of your text into English: "My stepson's son and I secretly had a romantic relationship for a while. It ended in a particularly ugly way. Later, when he was drunk, he cornered me in the bathroom and said, 'I’m just someone who loves being tortured; we’re meant to torment each other until we grow old. What are you going to do about it?'"
Here's the translated text in English: --- My best friend’s younger brother is such a cocky guy. The first time we met, I accidentally walked in on him getting out of the bath, and he just tossed a shirt over my head. My friend tried to ease the situation: “This is my sister's beautiful friend, isn’t she pretty?” He shot me a cold glance and said sharply, “Really ugly.” Hmph, just a cocky guy, right? I’ll show you, big sister can handle this! After a period of caring for him with all my heart and little details… I gave up. He remained as arrogant as ever, even refusing to call me “sister.” Just two days after I gave up, he sent me a message for the first time— Cocky guy: Is this a case of pursuing by pretending to let go? Cocky guy: Sister. 1 I went to my friend’s house to drop off something and unexpectedly bumped into a handsome guy just getting out of the bath. He was tall and had long legs, with visible muscles, and the little fabric he had was barely covering essential parts. Before I could take a good look, I was covered by a shirt. My view was blocked, and only then did I realize what happened, unable to help but scream. My friend came out upon hearing the commotion. I pointed at the handsome guy, now wrapped in a towel: “Who is that?” My friend: “My brother.” Me: ?? Wait a minute, I remembered her brother as a short, dark kid! My friend turned to the handsome guy, trying to ease the awkwardness: “This is my sister’s beautiful friend, isn’t she pretty?” He coldly looked at me: “Really ugly.” After saying that, he turned and went inside. Me: … Wow, turns out he’s a cocky guy! Me: “How old is he?” My friend looked apologetic: “My brother… is twenty, and he went through his rebellious phase pretty late.” I stared at my friend and squinted: “As long as he’s of age.” My friend had a knowing smile and immediately sent me her brother's WhatsApp: “Help me put him in his place.” 2 The cocky guy's name is Mu Wang, he’s in his junior year at T University, and apparently, he’s quite a prominent figure at school. Indeed, he has the qualifications to be a cocky guy. I became even more interested and started “friendly” exchanges with Mu Wang on WhatsApp. Me: “Brother, wanna grab a meal together sometime?” Mu Wang: “Who are you?” Me: “Your sister’s friend, the one who bumped into you while you were getting out of the bath.” He didn’t respond for a long time. Me: “?!” !!?? That little brat deleted me? I quickly found my friend: “Your brother deleted me, hurry up and make him add me back!” My friend: “He doesn’t listen to me; you’ll have to talk to him yourself.” Me: “How can I talk to him when he’s deleted me?” My friend: “Do you play League of Legends? He’s playing ranked with his classmates tonight; I’ll give you my account.” Waaah, my good friend, I’m so grateful for you. That night, when I was on the mic in the game team and heard a voice that wasn’t my friend’s, Mu Wang’s classmate was surprised. “It’s not Mu Wang's sister, huh?” a soft-voiced boy asked, “Who are you, sister?” I softened my tone: “I’m Mu Wang’s sister’s friend…” “Oh, oh, can you support, sister?” “I can.” “Then just lay back; we’ll carry you.” I cried; what a treasure of a brother! Mu Wang is like nothing compared to this! I need to change my target! Then Mu Wang played as marksman, and I, as support, had to stick with him. Mu Wang: “Support, go check the bush.” I happily went over. Then I got gang-beaten by a bunch of big guys hiding in the bush and died. Mu Wang: “Support, don’t throw.” Me: ? Weren’t you the one who told me to check the bush? After that, similar incidents happened many times, and I seriously suspected that Mu Wang was trying to mess with me. --- Feel free to ask if you need anything else!
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
It was a big day for Camilla. She looked forward to marrying her handsome groom. Unfortunately, he abandoned her at the altar. He never showed up throughout the wedding. She was made a laughingstock in front of all the guests. In a fit of rage, she went and slept with a strange man on her wedding night. It was supposed to be a one-night stand. To her dismay, the man refused to let her be. He pestered her like she had stolen his heart on that night. Camilla didn't know what to do. Should she give him a chance? Or just stay away from men?
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."