Heart of Vengeance

I was handcuffed by staff and led to the memory exposure trial platform, where a global livestream began.

Being a hopeless romantic was a capital offense here.

The whistleblower would receive a hundred million dollars.

My three boyfriends stood on the plaintiff's side, staring at me without a trace of affection, their eyes burning with a desperate hope that the judge would sentence me to death immediately.

That way, each of them could claim a hundred million dollars.

I felt a pang of sadness as I looked at the three of them and spoke slowly. "If you wanted me dead, you could've just told me. I'd have bought sleeping pills and split my assets equally among you. By putting me on this trial stand, it must be because you love me so much that you want the whole world to witness our love."

As soon as I finished, the big screen erupted with comments.

"Did I hear that right? She'd actually die for them? If that's not a hopeless romantic, I'll eat my hat live."

"Holy crap, this is beyond hopeless romantic-it's pathetic devotion."

"What a waste of her face. She's an embarrassment to women."

"No need for a trial. This is hopeless romantic cancer."

On the platform, the judge turned to my three boyfriends with a stern tone. "Are you certain you want to accuse Elaine Briggs of being a hopeless romantic? If the trial confirms her guilt, she faces execution, and each of you gets a hundred million dollars. But if it's proven false... you'll face the consequences of false accusation."

My three boyfriends answered in unison, without a moment's hesitation.

"Yes, we accuse Elaine Briggs of being a hopeless romantic!"

"Yes, we accuse Elaine Briggs of being a hopeless romantic!"

"Yes, we accuse Elaine Briggs of being a hopeless romantic!"

The judge's gavel fell, signaling the start.

"The trial begins. Please call the first plaintiff, Javier Higgens, to the stand."

Javier Higgins, my first love, was my childhood neighbor.

I always adored his eyes, so clear and bright.

But his gaze toward me was always cold.

Just like now.

Javier stood across from me as the staff retrieved his memories with a device.

The big screen flickered, showing the first time Javier met me.

I was only nine. His mom, fresh from abroad, brought him over and placed cookies in front of me. "You must be Elaine. You're so pretty. We're neighbors now. I'm good friends with your mom. You can call me Leyla. This is mu son, Javier. When you grow up, you'll be my daughter-in-law."

Javier didn't even glance at me. He snorted arrogantly and said with disdain, "I'd never have such an ugly wife."

In my childhood years, I always trailed behind Javier.

Until I turned eighteen.

Javier would tell anyone who'd listen, "Elaine? She's just a pathetic follower. She's obsessed with me. I tell her to go east, she wouldn't dare go west. I tell her to grab a chicken, she wouldn't touch a dog."

The screen flashed through memories.

At our engagement party, Javier showed up with a girl named Lilly Lawson and approached me. "Lilly's not feeling well. Let's cancel the engagement party."

I cried, eyes red, and asked, "Javier, did I do something wrong?"

Javier shoved me aside impatiently and left, holding Lilly's hand.

Lilly leaned weakly against him. "Javier, is this really okay?"

Javier scoffed. "It's just canceling an engagement. What's the big deal?"

Because of this, Javier's dad beat him senseless when he got home. "If you ever betray Elaine, I'll skin you alive and deal with that Lilly Lawson too."

Javier, bruised and battered, came to me.

I cried even harder when I saw him, my eyes swollen from tears.

He pulled me into his arms and explained, "Elaine, I only see Lilly as a sister. She's had a tough life. If it weren't for her, my dad's company would've gone under. You don't want to marry me and end up homeless, do you? I promised you a big house."

I stopped crying, my face full of innocence. "You mean it? You care about her just for my sake?"

Javier patted his chest and swore, "Of course. You're the most important person to me."

I believed him and finally smiled.