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My Boyfriend Cheats at Night, His Twin Sleeps with Me
NovelShort
Hoàn thành
Ariadnie Elizabeth was the number one beauty in the capital—bold, dazzling, a red rose in full bloom. She had men falling at her feet, and the line of suitors chasing after her could stretch from Ho...
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第1章
Ariadnie Elizabeth was the undisputed beauty of the capital—bold,dazzling,a red rose in full bloom.Men fell over themselves for her,and the line of suitors chasing after her could have stretched from Houston all the way to France.But after she met Rasper Stallone,she settled down.
They had been dating for three years.When she accidentally found out she was pregnant,she could barely contain herself.All she wanted was to share the surprise with him.
She had just reached the door of the private room when she heard someone say,“Bro,Ariadnie’s birthday is next week.Is the big surprise ready?”
“Yep,”Rasper answered,his voice low and slightly drunk.“The gift I prepared for her is something she’ll never forget for the rest of her life.”
A soft,happy smile curved Ariadnie’s lips as her hand moved to her belly.
For three years,no matter how many women threw themselves at him like moths to a flame,his eyes had only ever held her.She believed—he must be planning to propose.
Suddenly,the room erupted in harsh laughter.
“Bro,Ariadnie isn’t just gorgeous.She’s got a killer body,too.Think she’d puke blood if she found out the one who’s actually been sleeping with her for the past three years is your twin brother—and you even recorded tons of videos to release on her birthday?”
“That’s nothing.If she knew the dance competition that sent her sister into a mental breakdown and left her in a coma was something you personally rigged—just so Reagan could win—she’d lose it even more,right?”
Ariadnie’s mind went blank.A roaring filled her ears.
Every word stabbed into her heart like a blade—swift,precise,brutal.
“Bro,since you’re the one trying to screw her over,and you’re the one who begged me to come back and pretend to be you—for three years—my back is about to snap.How do you plan to compensate me?”
“Redmond,don’t act like some martyr.If I didn’t look different from Rasper,you think it’d ever be your turn?”
Ariadnie staggered back a few steps.Through the glass window,she saw a man sitting beside Rasper—someone who looked exactly like him,identical except for a tiny tear-shaped mole at the corner of his eye.
Their voices kept replaying in her head,tearing her apart from the inside.
“Redmond,tell the truth.After sleeping with her for three years,you didn’t fall for her even once?”
“Fall for her?”Redmond let out a cold laugh.“A woman with that kind of reputation?I don’t care how pretty she is;she disgusts me.If it weren’t for Reagan,my brother’s first love,I would’ve never touched her.”
“Damn!You’re the man,bro!”
Laughter exploded again.
Someone couldn’t hold back and asked,“Rasper,you’ve had a crush on Reagan for years.Why not just confess already?”
Rasper’s expression turned cold.“Reagan is an illegitimate child.Ariadnie’s bullied her her entire life.I’m settling this score for her first.Once everything’s done,I’ll confess.”
“Damn.The golden boy of Houston is actually a hopeless romantic.You stared at the eldest Miss Elizabeth’s face for three years and didn’t catch feelings at all?”
Rasper seemed to smile.His tone was indifferent.“In my eyes,she’s not even worth a single strand of Reagan’s hair.”
Ariadnie’s fingers trembled.She could barely stand.
Her heart felt like it was being sliced apart piece by piece.Breathing hurt.Existing hurt.
Reagan was the illegitimate daughter Ariadnie’s father had brought home after Ariadnie’s mother died giving birth.
So even before the marriage,he already had another woman.
From that day on,everything she had thought was a happy life had been built on lies.
Her father and stepmother favored Reagan in every possible way,suffocating her and Amina,her older sister.
Amina had been quiet and gentle,always backing down.Ariadnie had been the one who fought back.
But to the outside world,everyone called her vicious by nature,accusing her of bullying her“younger sister.”
Depression swallowed her whole.She drowned herself in nightlife—drinking,partying,trying to numb herself.
It was Rasper who had walked into her life and pulled her out of the mire.
That year,she had been drunk at a bar when someone drugged her.Reagan’s friends had surrounded her,ripping at her clothes and yanking her hair.
“With garbage like you,you dare compete with Reagan?Just die already!”
Rasper had appeared like a hero,draping his coat over her shoulders.His voice was sharp and terrifying.“Who gave you the guts to humiliate her like this?”
He had stomped on the ringleader’s fingers.“Do it again,and I won’t let you off.”
He had been the first person who ever treated her that well—the first person she had ever loved.
Looking back now…she realized that even that rescue was probably part of his plan.
Everything had been a setup.
For Reagan,the woman he really loved,Rasper had pushed Amina into abyss—and for Reagan again,he had delivered Ariadnie to another man’s bed.
Inside,the conversation went on.
“I played with her for three years.Now,I’m finally free…”
“You and Rasper still look a little different if you look closely—especially that mole.She never noticed?”
Redmond snorted.“She does whatever I say.I always turned the lights down,and sometimes we’d play with blindfolds.She acts like a proper lady in public,but in bed,she’s as tame as a kitten.I even recorded videos of her on my phone,and she never noticed.”
Ariadnie’s heart clenched.Her nails dug deeply into her palm.
“Hey,after you dump her,let me have a turn,yeah?”
Rasper exhaled smoke and didn’t answer.
“What,feeling reluctant?”
“Why would I be?”Rasper sneered.“If you can catch her,she’s all yours.”
“And you,Redmond?”
Redmond chuckled.“I’m bored already.If you don’t mind the filth,be my guest.”
The room broke out in laughter again.
Ariadnie's breath caught in her throat.
She never imagined that the man who claimed to love her was actually plotting everything to win the love of her stepsister.
Ariadnie's hands shook violently.She bit her hand tightly,trying hard not to scream.
Ariadnie gritted her teeth.
Since they betrayed her,she wouldn't let them have it easy.
She grabbed a bottle of strong liquor,shoved her hair tie inside,and lit it.The moment the flame caught,she hurled it into the private room.
Within seconds,panicked screams exploded from inside.
She didn’t even look back.
Stepping out into the heavy rain,she dialed her stepmother’s number.Ariadnie's red lips curled into a mocking smile,her eyes cold and resolute.
“I’ve decided,”she said.“That useless playboy from the Paytons…I’ll marry him.”
第2章
Her stepmother’s voice crackled through the phone,full of surprise.“You finally came around?That’s great.We’ll hold the wedding next week—”
“Don’t rush,”Ariadnie cut her off,her tone icy.“If I’m marrying in place of your precious daughter,I deserve something in return.”
“I want the five buildings the Elizabeths own in the south of the city.And I’m taking my sister with me to the Paytons,”she said plainly.
Her stepmother exploded.“What did you just say?Those five buildings are worth a billion!I don’t care if you take your sister or not,but five buildings?That’s outrageous!”
Ariadnie let out a cold laugh.“If you don’t agree,then let Reagan marry that boy instead.”
Her stepmother ground her teeth.In the end,she could only spit out,“Fine.I’ll handle it right away.”
The Elizabeths and the Paytons had been mortal enemies for years—one controlling the south side of the city,the other the north,always at each other’s throats.
Now the Paytons were stronger,and her father needed their support.When the Paytons proposed a marriage alliance,if Ariadnie refused to go,the one marrying in would be the daughter they treasured most—Reagan.
They couldn’t bear to send Reagan into danger,so they set their sights on Ariadnie.
After hanging up,Ariadnie thought back to the night she had first met Rasper.It had been raining just as heavily as it was tonight.
That night,she had been drugged,and he had“saved”her—picked her up and carried her away without touching her.
When she woke up after a night on an IV drip,the first thing she saw was his pretty,doe-like eyes,almost stealing her soul.
“Hey,you’re awake?Why are you blushing?Don’t tell me you like me?”
From that day on,they had been together.
In the daytime,he was cold as ice,treating her politely but distant.At night,it was like he was addicted—holding her,wanting her again and again…
She used to think that was just his personality.
Now she knew—he hadn’t even been the same man.
“Ariadnie,you really are pathetic,”she murmured,a mocking smile tugging at her lips.
She should have known—aside from her mother,who died young,and the sister lying unconscious,no one in this world had ever truly cared about her.
She lit a slim cigarette.Smoke curled around her,blurring the redness gathering in her eyes.
Then her phone rang.It was the hospital.
“Ma’am,please come quickly.Your sister…she’s in critical condition!”
She flagged down a cab and rushed over.
When she arrived,the doctor’s face was grave.“Multiple organ failure…We’ve done everything we can.”
Her sister lay in the bed,pale as paper,her vitals dropping rapidly.
Ariadnie grabbed the doctor’s hand.“Isn’t there anything—anything at all—that can save her?”
The doctor sighed.“Just yesterday,the hospital received a batch of new medication.It might help the patient,but…
“The hospital is managed by Stallone Corporation.We need Mr.Stallone’s signature before we can use it.”
Ariadnie’s voice shook.“I’ll call him right now.”
Her hands trembled as she dialed Rasper.
The first call—he declined it.
The second time,he finally picked up,sounding impatient.“What is it?”
Over loud music,she heard Reagan whining beside him,“Rasper,I’m drunk…I feel awful.”
Ariadnie’s heart tightened painfully.She rushed to speak.“My sister’s organs are failing.Please,you need to come sign the approval—”
Before she could finish,he hung up.
The third time,after a long wait,he picked up again.
“Rasper,I’m begging you—come sign for the medication!”
The moment she spoke,soft,breathy gasp drifted through the line,followed by Reagan’s coquettish voice.“Not so hard…”
Rasper chuckled low.“You’re uncomfortable?”
Tears instantly welled up in Ariadnie’s eyes.Hot streams slid down her cheeks.Her voice broke.“Rasper!My sister is dying!Can you just—”
Her knees gave out,and she collapsed to the floor,shaking uncontrollably.“Can you please save her?”
One second.Two seconds.Three.
The machines beside her beeped wildly.
What she got instead was the cold,mechanical tone of a call ending.
When she dialed again,all she heard was a cold,impersonal message.
“The number you dialed is busy…”
Whatever light had been left in her eyes went out completely.She couldn’t hold back anymore—she broke down,sobbing uncontrollably.
Her sister was dying…and Rasper was in bed with Reagan.
Drowning in despair,Ariadnie clutched her sister’s ice-cold hand,praying over and over,“Please live…I can’t lose you…”
Five years ago,her sister had been chosen by the school to enter the national dance competition.She had been gifted,a rising star in the making.
But right before the competition,a rumor exploded online—claiming she had an improper relationship with a teacher.
The teacher’s wife accused her publicly.Classmates mocked her.Even their father cursed her,calling her disgusting and cheap.
Her sister had cried,fought,but never given up on the competition.
Every day,she had practiced for hours.
Until one night,on her way back from the practice room,she had been dragged into an alley and assaulted by a group of thugs.Photos of the attack had spread across the internet.
The school revoked her qualification and replaced her with…Reagan.
Afterward,Amina lay on the hospital bed,expressionless.She didn’t even cry.When no one was looking,she jumped from the rooftop.
Tears blurred Ariadnie’s vision.The pain in her chest felt like it would crush her ribs.
Her sister had been her lifeline—the one who raised her after their mother died,who cared for her,protected her,stood beside her every time she needed someone.
She prayed all night until her tears ran dry.
And then—a miracle.
It was as if her sister heard her prayers.Amina’s vitals stabilized.
Ariadnie finally exhaled,but her eyes were dark with hatred.
“Amina,I swear…everyone who hurt us will pay in blood.”
Just then,a message popped up on her screen.
She looked down.It was from the Paytons’notorious playboy—Reid Payton.
[You finally agreed to marry me?]
Everyone thought the Paytons had proposed the marriage just to crush the Elizabeths.
No one knew that the true ruler of the Paytons—the man everyone feared,the ruthless Reid—was already wrapped around her finger.Over the years,Reid has been pursuing Ariadnie,but Ariadnie has been in love with another scumbag.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed him.
“The wedding has to follow my terms.And the Stallones and Elizabeths will pay,”she said calmly,as if discussing the weather.
“No problem,”Reid replied.His deep voice carried a hint of satisfaction.“Anything you want,I’ll do.I told you long ago—Rasper doesn’t deserve you.”
She paused.“What I’m about to do…the Stallones won’t forgive.You—”
Reid laughed softly.“Baby,don’t worry.You have me.”
After hanging up,she opened her notes and wrote three lines.
[First:Termination of pregnancy.Say goodbye to the deception and betrayal of the past.]
[Second:Delete the video on Redmond’s phone.]
[Third:Make the Stallone brothers and Reagan pay in blood.]
第3章
When Ariadnie left the hospital,a message popped up on her phone.
[Ma’am,the painting your late mother created,the one you asked us to keep an eye on,will be auctioned today at 3 p.m.in Ballroom 7A at the Galleria Grand Hotel.]
Her eyes lit up.Ever since her stepmother moved into the family,that painting had been donated to a charity auction.After changing hands many times,it vanished without a trace.
Today,it finally reappeared before her.
It was the last painting her mother ever made.
She remembered her mother painting it—talking gently to her and her sister while humming a tune.
All of that had been recorded on a chip hidden inside the artwork.
For a moment,she could almost see her mother’s warm smile and the little flower tucked behind her ear.
Bringing home this painting might even help her sister recover.
Inside the ballroom,crystal chandeliers lit the hall as bright as daytime,and the room was filled with elegantly dressed socialites and powerful families.
The moment Ariadnie walked in,she spotted Reagan standing in the center of the hall in a white dress,smiling sweetly and looking innocent.
Next to her were the Stallone brothers,their eyes practically glued to Reagan.
“Ariadnie.You’re here,too?”Reagan saw her and immediately hurried over,looping her arm through hers with an overly sweet smile.“Why didn’t you tell me?We could’ve come together.”
Ariadnie pulled her arm free and said coldly,“Stay away from me.”
Rasper and Redmond came over right away.Rasper’s expression darkened.
“Hey,how can you treat Reagan like that?”
“Reagan,since when were you two that close?”
Ariadnie stared directly at him.
Rasper froze for a moment,but before he could say anything,Redmond stepped in to smooth things over.
“Reagan was my classmate in college.I introduced her to my brother when I got back to the country.You’re probably his girlfriend,right?I’m Redmond,his twin brother.”
Countless nights tangled together flashed through Ariadnie’s mind.But she forced down the wave of disgust rising in her chest.
“I can tell.You two look…pretty average.”
Rasper’s face sank even further.He grabbed her arm.
“Hey.What’s with the attitude?”
Ariadnie yanked her arm back,her voice cold.
“Because I feel like it.”
If it weren’t for the video still sitting in Redmond’s phone,she would’ve ripped them apart on the spot.
Finally,the auction started.
Uninterested in dealing with them any longer,Ariadnie sat down.She was here for one reason:her mother’s painting.
Once seated,the first item was brought onto the stage.The starting bid was 500,000.
The painting showed the soft silhouette of a woman,with two small children chasing after her.
Ariadnie’s eyes warmed.Without hesitation,she raised her paddle.
“One million.”
What she didn’t expect was that Reagan also lifted her paddle.
“Two million.”
Ariadnie looked at her,and Reagan only smiled brighter.
“Ariadnie,what a coincidence.I really like this one,too.”
Then she leaned closer,whispering so quietly only Ariadnie could hear.
“I remember Dad doesn’t give you much allowance.You can’t outbid me.”
She continued,“When I buy it,should I cut it up with scissors for fun…or burn it in the fireplace?”
Since she was ten,their father had given Reagan a monthly allowance of one million.
Meanwhile,she and her sister barely scraped by on what their mother left behind.
But now…
Ariadnie raised her paddle again.“Four million.”
Reagan froze for a second,then quickly raised hers.“Five million!”
Ariadnie let out a cold laugh and lifted her paddle again.“Ten million!”
Reagan’s face went ghost-pale.Her fingers twisted into the fabric of her dress.
Lowering her voice,she hissed,“Where’d you get that kind of money?Don’t tell me you’re like that cheap sister of yours—sneaking around and selling yourself.
“I made sure to enjoy those photos before spreading them,you know.Your sister was so stupid she even actually tried to kill herself.
“She turned herself into a comatose patient,and for the last five years,I’ve made sure the caregivers‘took very good care’of her.”
Just as the auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel,Ariadnie’s eyes flooded with red.She couldn’t hold back any longer and slapped Reagan across the face.
“You damn wicked witch!”
The moment the words fell,Rasper rushed forward to shield Reagan,and Redmond charged over as well.
“Ariadnie!Apologize!”
第4章
A flush of dark red flooded Ariadnie’s eyes.Her fingers curled in on themselves,nails digging deep into her palms.
“Apologize to her?Keep dreaming!”
Reagan bit her lip and covered her swollen cheek.“Sister,I just like the painting as much as you do,that’s all…”
Ariadnie’s gaze was pure,undisguised hatred.“You knew perfectly well it was something my mother left behind!”
“I really didn’t know…”Reagan sobbed.“Rasper,Redmond,you believe me,don’t you?”
Rasper’s expression darkened.“Of course,we believe you.”
He loosened his tie,his voice sinking.“I’m going all the way!”
The guests erupted into murmurs in an instant.
“What’s going on?Isn’t Ariadnie his girlfriend?”
“Did he finally see her true colors and get tired of her?”
“It was only a matter of time.Look how unreasonable she is—she even hit her own sister in front of everyone…”
The comments echoed painfully in Ariadnie’s ears.She clenched her teeth and demanded coldly at Rasper,“I told you—this is my mom’s final piece.You really want to help her take it from me?!”
Rasper’s face didn’t shift.His tone stayed flat.“You hit her first.Since the painting means so much to you,give it to Reagan as your apology gift.”
Delight flashed instantly across Reagan’s face.The corners of her eyes and brows were smug.“Oh,Rasper,you’re really the best!”
Rasper said nothing,but the softness in his eyes when he looked at her said enough.
Redmond shot Ariadnie a glance,his voice dripping with mockery.“You’re not like certain people—vicious to the core—who deserve anyone treating them well.”
Ariadnie watched the painting get handed to Reagan with her own eyes.Her heart felt like a giant hand was squeezing it tight,crushing the air from her lungs.
Anything Rasper wanted,she never stood a chance.
Reagan’s smile grew deeper.She lowered her voice.“I told you,you’ll never beat me.”
After the auction ended and the crowd dispersed,Ariadnie stopped Reagan.She forced down the rage burning in her chest.
“Reagan,this painting means nothing to you.Name a price—I’ll buy it.”
Reagan’s smile turned cruel,gloating spilling through every word.She dragged a long nail over the painting.“It’s so beautiful.Why would I sell it to you?Unless…”
Ariadnie clenched her jaw,fighting the urge to strangle her.“Unless what?”
Reagan lifted the painting high,acting as though she might smash it.“Unless you kneel and apologize to me.Admit you’re nothing but slut,beneath me in every way.”
Something inside Ariadnie jolted.In the end,she exhaled.“F-Fine.”
Without a second of hesitation,she dropped to her knees.Her back stayed perfectly straight.Her voice trembled,but she forced the words out—each one slicing flesh off her heart.
“I’m sorry.I’m…a slut who’s inferior to you in every way.”
Her blood felt like it was screaming,but all she could see was her mother’s gentle smile.
‘Just hold on.Just a little longer.’
As long as she could get her mother’s painting back,it would be worth it.
Reagan laughed so hard she almost bent over.Holding the painting,she walked to the champagne tower.Then she suddenly let go and covered her mouth lightly.“Oops.”
The painting crashed into the glasses.Champagne and shattered crystal exploded everywhere,splashing across the canvas and ruining everything.
“Oh no,what should I do…”Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction even as she feigned innocence.“I really didn’t mean it…”
She stayed exactly where she was,waiting to savor Ariadnie’s reaction.
Ariadnie felt the blood drain from her entire body.Stumbling forward,she picked up the painting from the wreckage.
It was destroyed beyond recognition—just like her mother,her older sister…and like her.
She gently brushed off shards of glass,blood streaming from her fingers,but she didn’t feel the pain.
A familiar voice suddenly echoed from the painting—her mother’s voice,soft and warm,breaking apart into static.
“Mom loves you both.”
“Mom…lo—…”
The voice dissolved into a sharp crackling sound.
Huge tears splashed onto the back of her hand.The ache in her chest rushed through her entire body,making her tremble uncontrollably.
Reagan admired her absolute ruin,lips curling with delight.“For a worthless painting,you beg and grovel?You’re just as useless as your mother.”
Ariadnie shot to her feet and shoved Reagan hard.Her voice shook.“Shut up!”
Reagan fell to the floor but kept laughing.“When your mom died,she was still calling your names.”
Ariadnie froze where she stood,as if struck by lightning.
A terrifying possibility surfaced in her mind.
With that,the last string in her heart finally snapped.
第5章
She gently set the painting down,her eyes completely lifeless.
Suddenly,she grabbed the shattered champagne glass beside her and lunged at Reagan.The jagged edge sliced across Reagan’s fair cheek,and Reagan panicked instantly,gripping Ariadnie’s wrist with both hands and struggling as hard as she could.
Ariadnie was using a lot of force.Just as the glass was about to reach Reagan’s neck,something slammed into her.
It was Rasper.
He kicked Ariadnie off Reagan and stepped protectively in front of her,fury burning in his eyes.His voice was cold.“Ariadnie!Are you out of your mind?”
Redmond hurried to help Reagan up,looking at Ariadnie with nothing but disgust.
“Bro,hurry up and teach this crazy woman a lesson!She was trying to kill Reagan!”
Tears streamed down Reagan’s face as she curled into Redmond’s arms.“She suddenly snapped and grabbed the painting.She said if she couldn’t have it,then I couldn’t either.I was so scared…”
Rasper’s expression grew colder.He looked down at Ariadnie from above,his voice heavy.“So you really are exactly what they said—vicious and unreasonable.”
Ariadnie scoffed stubbornly,lifting her chin even as her eyes reddened.“She destroyed the painting on purpose!She forced me to kneel,and then—”
“Enough!”Rasper cut her off,irritation flashing in his eyes.“Reagan is kind and innocent.She would never do something like that.But you?You’ve always pushed her around.”
He waved a hand at the bodyguards behind him.“Throw her onto the champagne tower.Give her a taste of her own medicine.”
Ariadnie clenched her teeth,her voice rough.“Every word I said is true!”
A trace of hesitation flickered in Rasper’s eyes until Redmond spoke up.“Everyone knows you lie without blinking.”
Reagan added,voice trembling,“Ariadnie…how could you accuse me of that?”
Whatever hesitation Rasper had disappeared immediately.He turned,lifting Reagan into his arms,his tone cold.“Stay here and think about what you’ve done.”
With that,the bodyguards threw Ariadnie onto the floor scattered with broken glass.She looked like a discarded rag doll.
Pain spread across her entire body at once.She struggled to her feet,clutching the ruined painting tightly as tears streamed down her face.
Her breathing turned sharp and uneven from the pain.She had just reached the main doors when she realized they were locked.
She collapsed to the floor,a searing ache tearing through her chest.
“Rasper…your heart is really that cruel.”
Suddenly,she saw flames rising from the wooden stage in the center of the hall.Her heart lurched.
“Help!”
She pounded on the door with all her strength,screaming until her voice turned hoarse.
“There’s a fire!”
The hall was lavishly decorated,and the flames spread quickly.With each crackling burst,thick smoke filled her lungs.
She fumbled for her phone,but there was no signal.All she could see were the messages Reagan had sent earlier.
[Thanks to you,I finally know how much Rasper cares about me.]
[It’s just a small cut on my face,but he booked an entire floor of the hospital and even brought in specialists for me.]
[But you?Does anyone even care whether you live or die?]
Ariadnie’s vision blurred.The moment the fire scorched her arm,she snapped back to alertness.
She couldn’t die yet.
She carried the hatred her mother and sister left behind.Even if she died,she had to drag those people down with her.
She slammed her shoulder against the door again and again,her eyes fierce and unwavering.
Just before she lost consciousness,she fell into a warm embrace.Someone scooped her up,his voice full of heartache.
“I’ve already ordered people to move against the Stallones.Anyone who lay a hand on you—I won’t let a single one of them walk free.”
第6章
When Ariadnie opened her eyes,she was already in a hospital room.
The sharp smell of disinfectant lingered at the tip of her nose.She looked around—there wasn’t a single person there.
It felt as if the man she’d seen before losing consciousness had been nothing more than a hallucination.
Lowering her head,she caught a faint cedar scent on her clothes,and her heart eased.
‘It was him.’
Remembering what she needed to do next,and the wedding that was just around the corner,she immediately pulled out the IV from the back of her hand,checked herself out of the hospital,and headed home.
When she got home,the place was completely empty.
Scrolling through Reagan’s Instagram Stories,she saw that Rasper and Redmond were busy cheering her up—buying her jewelry,even booking out Disneyland for her.
A stabbing pain pierced through Ariadnie’s chest,like thousands of needles driving straight into her heart.
She looked down at her arm.The burn wrapped under gauze radiated heat and pain,keeping her from falling asleep.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before a heavy body suddenly crashed onto hers,the strong smell of alcohol making her frown.
The man’s voice was hoarse,dripping with lust.“Babe…”
Ariadnie froze.The moment she snapped back to herself,she used all her strength to push Redmond away.
“Still throwing a tantrum?”His expression turned cold.His tone was impatient.“It was your fault.I just locked you up for one night.Nothing happened to you,did it?”
Ariadnie’s cold gaze settled on the tear mole at the corner of his eye.Suddenly,she laughed.
“You know I hate the smell of alcohol.Couldn’t you at least take a shower first?”
Thinking she’d finally calmed down,Redmond looked satisfied.He took off his clothes and went to shower.
The moment the water started running,Ariadnie grabbed his phone.She tried several passwords with no luck until Reagan’s birthday flashed through her mind.
The phone unlocked at once.A knowing glint flashed across her eyes.
‘So Rasper isn’t the only one who likes Reagan…’
She quickly opened the photo album and deleted every video on both the phone and the cloud.
Just as she was about to exit,she accidentally noticed a hidden folder in the cloud.When she opened it,her pupils constricted sharply.
Those were intimate videos of Reagan and Redmond.In front of a hotel window,on the stairwell of a skyscraper,in an airplane lavatory...
She hadn’t expected Redmond to gift her something this valuable.In that case,she will replace the evidence they used to try to destroy her at her birthday party with these videos.
Without a second of hesitation,Ariadnie transferred all the data onto her own phone.
By the time Redmond came out wrapped in a towel,he was mostly sober.He dimmed the lights first.
“Babe,you should cover your eyes later…”
Before he could finish,Ariadnie’s stomach twisted violently.She rushed into the bathroom and gagged.
When she stepped out,Redmond was on the balcony making a call.
“Bro,could Ariadnie be pregnant?I don’t want this kid.”
After a while,he replied,“Alright,I’ll figure out a way to take care of it.”
When he turned around and saw Ariadnie’s cold expression,a chill shot through him.
“Babe…did you…hear anything?”
Ariadnie quietly stared at his face.A moment later,she spoke softly.
“No.”
A flicker of guilt flashed in Redmond’s eyes.“Something urgent came up at work.I need to head out now.”
Ariadnie showed no reaction at all.“Okay.”
The next morning,just as she stepped out the door to go in for an termination of pregnancy surgery,a speeding sports car suddenly came straight at her.
She saw the vicious,unhinged look in Reagan’s eyes.
A loud crash followed as the car rammed directly into Ariadnie.She was thrown hard onto the ground.
Struggling,she reached into her bag for her phone—only for Reagan,who had already gotten out of the car,to kick it out of her hand.
“Go die!”
Not long after,Ariadnie lost consciousness completely,collapsing in a pool of her own blood.
第7章
When Ariadnie regained consciousness through the stabbing pain,the doctor beside her said,“Fortunately,the baby in your womb is safe.”
He asked gently,“Do you want us to inform your family?”
Ariadnie’s lips were drained of color.“No need.I don’t have a family.”
The doctor had just walked out when she heard Reagan’s choked voice outside the room.“I really didn’t mean it,Rasper.The brakes failed…You won’t blame me,right?”
Rasper’s cold voice followed.“I don’t blame you.”
Ariadnie forced herself upright and rushed to Reagan,swinging a slap across her face.
“You deliberately hurt me and then fled the scene.I’m calling the cops!”
Reagan looked utterly shocked,trembling all over.“It’s all my fault.The brakes malfunctioned…It’s all on me…”
Ariadnie raised her hand again,but Rasper grabbed her wrist in a vice-like grip.“Ariadnie,she said she didn’t do it on purpose.It was an accident.There’s no need to be so aggressive.”
“I’m aggressive?”Ariadnie let out a cold laugh.“She tried to fucking kill me!”
Tears filled Reagan’s eyes,making her look pitiful.“It’s all my fault.Ariadnie,you can hit me or punish me however you want…”
Ariadnie’s pale lips curled into a cold smile.“No wonder—you’re the daughter of a mistress.You really know how to put on a show.”
Reagan burst into tears and bit her lip hard.“A-Ariadnie…How could you say that about me?”
Ariadnie turned away,grabbed the water pitcher from the bedside table,and splashed it straight over Reagan’s head.
“Just looking at you makes me sick!”
Rasper clamped down on her arm,squeezing hard enough to crush bone.“Enough!”
Ariadnie didn’t back down.She looked him dead in the eyes.“I want her in jail!”
She picked up her phone,but Rasper snatched it away.His gaze was cold as ice.“She hit you,yes,but she’s still your sister.You’d really send her to jail?You don’t need to file a report.No one in all of Houston will take this case.”
Gripping the hem of her dress until her fingers hurt,Ariadnie finally asked,“Rasper…After three years,what exactly am I to you?”
He lowered his gaze,voice low.“Of course,you’re my girlfriend.Don’t worry.I’ll punish her.”
He explained,“I won’t let her leave the house for a day.”
Ariadnie suddenly laughed and laughed until tears spilled down her face.
“That’s your idea of punishment?”
His brows tightened.“Enough.Just rest here for the next couple of days.I’ll take her home first.”
The day she was discharged,Ariadnie walked straight out of the hospital and got into a cab.
Soon,she realized the route was wrong.“You’re going the wrong way.”
But the driver didn’t respond.
A chill ran through her.She tried to open the door,but it wouldn’t budge.
The next second,the driver slammed on the brakes,whipped around,and jabbed a syringe of anesthetic into her arm.
Then,her vision went black.
When she opened her eyes again,her hands and feet were tied tightly.Before she could make sense of anything,a bucket of ice water crashed over her head.
The freezing cold shot through her entire body,making her curl up involuntarily.
A second bucket followed,the sudden splash startling her.Then a third.
Her blood felt like it had frozen solid;her body shook violently.
But she bit down on her lip,refusing to scream.
By the time the ninety-ninth bucket poured over her,her mind was barely conscious,drifting into darkness.
“Sir,I’ve done what you ordered.”
A man’s voice echoed from somewhere far away.
On the other end of the phone,a familiar voice replied,“Good.She must’ve learned her lesson by now.Send her back.”
Ariadnie’s heart clenched;she recognized the voice.It really was Rasper.
Just because she poured a pitcher of water on Reagan,he had someone dump ninety-nine buckets of ice water on Ariadnie.
In the end,completely drained of strength,she passed out for good.
第8章
When Ariadnie woke up,she found herself in her bedroom.Her whole body was burning up,and a sharp cramp twisted through her lower abdomen.
Just as she tried to sit up,Reagan pushed the door open.
Holding a bowl of soup,Reagan smiled triumphantly.“You splashed a pitcher of water on me,so Rasper punished you by dumping ninety-nine buckets of ice water on you.Girl,you’re really pitiful.”
As soon as she finished speaking,she set the bowl down,her tone dripping with contempt.
“I made this soup just for you.Drink some to nourish yourself.Even if you don’t drink it,that bastard in your stomach still needs it.
“I’ve known all along about everything Rasper has been doing for me.I’ve just been sitting back and watching the show.So?Did his brother sleep with you well?”
She scooped up a spoonful of yam and brought it to Ariadnie’s lips.
“He said you’re wild in bed,willing to do anything,in any position—”
Before she could finish,Ariadnie’s gaze turned cold.She raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face.
Then,without hesitation,she dumped the hot soup all over her.“You shameless woman,you're just as shameless as your mother!You know I’m allergic to dairy and still did this to disgust me!Are you brain-damaged?”
“I know—you’re about to marry into the Paytons with that bastard.Everyone knows that playboy is a madman.”
Her smile turned sweet and vicious.“Rasper said he wants that kid in your stomach gone.I told him no.I want to watch you and Reid tear each other apart like dogs.”
“Your mom couldn’t beat my mom,”she added.“Your sister couldn’t beat me.And even you—you’re nothing but useless trash.”
Just as Ariadnie lifted her hand,Reagan slapped herself several times,then dropped to her knees,crying pitifully.
“It’s all my fault…I shouldn’t have appeared in front of you…”
The next second,Rasper rushed into the room after hearing the commotion.
His face darkened with anger as he helped Ariadnie up.His eyes were sharp as knives.“Ariadnie!Don’t go too far!”
“If you still won’t learn your lesson,”he warned,“you’re staying locked in this room.You’re not allowed out until you apologize!”
Ariadnie didn’t speak.She just stared at Reagan,who was curled up in Rasper’s arms with a faint,satisfied smirk.
As the door locked behind her,her eyes turned empty.
This was the man she had loved for three years.How laughable.
She always thought that when the heartache reached the point of spasms,she would break down crying.
But only now did she understand—when your heart is truly dead,you can’t shed a single tear.
She knew today was the day Rasper planned to humiliate her in front of everyone and the day he meant to confess to Reagan.
The entire villa was empty except for her.
She grabbed an ashtray and smashed the window to pieces.Then she poured strong liquor into every corner of the room,lit a cigarette,and tossed it inside.
By the time she climbed out,flames had started spreading.
Her heart was completely calm.
“Rasper,this is my first gift to you,”she muttered.
Just then,Reid sent a message.[Tonight is our wedding banquet.I’m coming to pick you up.]
Right after that came Rasper’s message.
[Today is your birthday.Reagan has forgiven you.I’ll pick you up tonight.]
Ariadnie let out a cold laugh.Afraid the show won’t run without its main character present?
She wondered what expressions Rasper and Redmond would make once they saw the surprise she prepared for them.
They wouldn’t know she’d already secretly replaced the video in their shared cloud folder.
She blocked all of Rasper’s contact methods,then replied to Reid.
[I’ll be waiting at the hospital with my sister.]
She got up,packed her things,and drove to the hospital.
Just as she arrived and was about to undergo the termination of pregnancy,the lights flickered.A chilling sense of dread rose inside her.
Her eyelid twitched violently.She took a step toward the operating room,only to be stopped by her sister’s attending physician.
“Ma’am,your sister…Something’s happened!”
Ariadnie rushed to the ward.The doctor said her sister needed to be transferred immediately.
Ignoring the heavy pain in her lower abdomen,she followed her sister into the ambulance.
But halfway there,the entire road ahead was blocked.The ambulance couldn’t pass.
The driver got out to check,then returned.“Ma’am,the people blocking the road said Sir Rasper ordered it closed for some kind of confession ceremony.They won’t let us through…”
Panic clawed at her.A warm liquid suddenly trickled down her thigh,blood dripping onto the floor.
Her face turned ashen,but she didn’t spare a second for herself.She ran to the guards blocking the way.
“I’m Rasper’s girlfriend.Please.Please let us through.”
The guard looked her up and down,scoffing.“You?Sir Rasper’s girlfriend is right inside.Who do you think you are?”
A stabbing pain shot through her abdomen,and she collapsed to her knees with a heavy thud.
“I’m telling the truth…My sister—she’s dying.Please…”
Seeing her like that,the guard grew uneasy and grabbed his walkie-talkie,only to be cursed out on the other end.
“Everyone knows Sir Rasper’s girlfriend is Ma’am Reagan.Get rid of that woman already!”
Dizzy and fading,Ariadnie heard the driver’s panicked shout,“Ma’am!Your sister!S-She doesn’t look good.”
Her entire body turned cold.She crawled desperately to her sister.
“Amina…don’t…don’t leave me…”she sobbed.“It’s all my fault.I was blind.I loved the wrong guy!”
Her vision blurred as fireworks crackled in the distance and voices carried through the night.
“Wow,Sir Rasper is so romantic.He must really love Ma’am Reagan.”
“What about her eldest sister?”
“She has a terrible temper and acts wildly.Who cares if she lives or dies?”
Ariadnie scraped her fingers against the pavement.All hope drained out of her as darkness swallowed her consciousness.
When she woke again,she was in the hospital.
Her phone showed over a hundred missed calls.She shared her location with Reid.
Half an hour later,she stepped outside and saw a black Rolls-Royce pull up.
She got in.Her phone buzzed.It was the lawyer’s message.
[Ma’am,the five buildings have been successfully transferred to your name.]
She looked at Reid beside her,her voice cold.
“The plan can begin.At the birthday dinner that Rasper and Redmond prepared for me,I want them and Reagan to fall into the abyss together!”
Reid looked at the woman before him with unwavering eyes and smiled slightly:"I'm also starting to look forward to their downfall."