The Twin Deception

After getting together with Alexander Grayson, I heard his twin brother say: "Brother, let me pretend to be you and play with Emma for a while." Alexander replied indifferently: "Sure." I pretended not to know and dated the fake Alexander. But when Alexander saw the marks on my neck, he went insane. Gripping his own brother's throat, he demanded: "Who gave you permission to touch her?!"

Chapter 1

Late at night, I had just finished showering when Alexander's message came through. It was the address of an upscale private club. My grip on the phone tightened. Perhaps seeing that I hadn't replied, Alexander sent another message: "Don't keep me waiting too long, Emma." I sighed and replied: "On my way." I quickly dressed and stepped out of the bathroom, only to find my stepfather standing outside the door. His cloudy eyes held a nauseating desire. "All dressed up after a shower? Going out somewhere?" He moved closer, cigarette in hand. I stepped back, creating distance: "Alexander wants to see me." At those three words, my stepfather stopped, fear flickering in his eyes. I took advantage of the moment to push past him and grab the door. "Shameless bitch. Think having Alexander Grayson as your protector means I can't touch you? Using him to threaten me." He spat venomously behind me. I turned back to glance at him coldly: "Do you dare?" I slammed the door shut, the sound mixing with his curses in my ears.

Chapter 2

The club was lavishly decorated, with guests dressed in expensive attire. In my hoodie, I looked completely out of place. A server had just led me to a top-floor private room when I heard voices inside. "Brother, I heard Emma treats you really well?" "Let me pretend to be you and play with her for a while." As soon as he said this, a chorus of jeering erupted: "Damn, Sebastian, you're openly stealing your brother's girl." "You don't get it. That Emma is so pure—making soup for Alex, coaxing him to take medicine. Who could resist that gentle care?" "Would the young master Grayson really give her up?" "Come on, Alex and Sebastian have such a good relationship. It's not like they haven't done this before." ... After the jeering died down, Alexander's deep voice finally responded: "Sure, consider it a welcome-home gift." His voice carried casual amusement. The jeering grew louder. As the person involved, I felt nothing. I smiled at the embarrassed server and pushed open the door. I had initially approached Alexander only for the Grayson family's protection. So I wouldn't be bullied at school or coveted by my stepfather at home. When someone's safety hangs by a thread, all they want is to climb out. It doesn't matter who throws them the rope—the rope will be discarded in the end anyway.

Chapter 3

The wealthy young men in the room whistled when they saw me. Arrogant and superior in every way. I wore my gentle smile and walked toward the center sofa. Alexander and Sebastian sat together, watching me with unreadable expressions. Like predators waiting for prey to enter their cage. The twins had identical faces—the same pale complexion, the same devastating good looks. "Emma, you're here." A hand reached for me, pulling me down beside him. I looked at that face and smiled coldly inside. Though Sebastian and Alexander looked identical, their auras were completely different upon closer inspection. Alexander was brooding and oppressive. Sebastian was rebellious and malicious. But it didn't matter to me. I didn't care if he was Alexander or Sebastian. As long as he could help me safely finish my exams and leave this rotten home. I naturally took Sebastian's hand, as if I truly mistook him for Alexander. Sebastian was pleased by my action. After intertwining our fingers, he pointed to the person beside him: "My brother, Sebastian." I saw Alexander frown at this title, but he quickly returned to normal, nodding at me as if meeting for the first time. I politely greeted him, then looked at Sebastian with loving eyes: "Alex, I bought hangover medicine on the way. Want to take one?" I had said this to Alexander many times before. Every time he drank, I would prepare hangover medicine. After taking him home, I would make him stomach-soothing soup. Sebastian looked at the medicine in my hand, his eyebrow twitching, and smiled: "Sure, feed it to me." In my peripheral vision, I saw Alexander holding an unlit cigarette, lost in thought. I brought the medicine to Sebastian's lips and fed it to him.

Chapter 4

After several rounds of drinks, someone suggested a game. "The three of clubs and six of clubs kiss for thirty seconds." One of the guys waved his king card, giving orders. Sebastian and I both revealed our cards. "Oh, we got the couple." The guy was a friend of the Grayson brothers, aware of this boyfriend-swapping game, and was now playing along. Sebastian grabbed my chin and was about to kiss me. A loud crash came from beside us. Alexander had suddenly kicked over the coffee table and stood up, looking down at us: "I'm tired of drinking. Let's call it a night." Sebastian stopped at my lips, his eyes turning cold. After a long moment, he let go and pulled me up: "Right, I forgot Sebastian just got back from abroad. We should end here." Sebastian looked at Alexander's dark expression and continued acting. Before leaving, I gently pulled Sebastian's open jacket closed: "It's windy and cold outside. You just recovered from a fever—don't catch cold." I said this while Alexander stood directly behind his brother, staring at me intently. He had been sick with fever a few days ago, and I had gone to his house to take care of him, coaxing him to take medicine and making soup and porridge. "Emma, let's go home." Sebastian was stunned for a few seconds before gently pulling me into his arms. As we left, the silent Alexander spoke: "Emma." I stopped and turned back, looking at him like a stranger. Alexander's brow furrowed, his voice deepening: "Who do you like?" I lowered my eyes to hide the fleeting mockery, then looked up at Sebastian beside me: "It's Alex. The person I like is Alexander Grayson." Sebastian's expression grew colder with my words. But he still had to continue the act.

Chapter 5

Alexander thought I loved him deeply. Everyone around him thought I loved him deeply. But they didn't know this was just an elaborate deception I had crafted specifically for Alexander. For survival, to crawl out of that sewer-like rotting home. If illness hadn't taken my father, I would have been a girl who grew up in comfort and love. Though I lost my mother very young, my stepmother had always been good to me. She would make me sweet cookies, tell me stories, and cover for me when my father scolded me for being lazy. I thought I would grow up happily like this. But on my twelfth birthday, my father collapsed at home and was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After a year of treatment, he still left us. I remember that day in the hospital, my father holding my hand and wiping away my tears: "It's all daddy's fault for not letting Emma have her twelfth birthday cake." "Next year when you turn thirteen, daddy won't be able to celebrate with you. You won't be angry with daddy, will you?" I cried so hard I couldn't breathe, only able to whimper and shake my head. I didn't want birthday cake—I just wanted my father. If I could, I would trade all my future birthday cakes for my father's health and safety. But the gods didn't hear my prayers, and life's bell still tolled its final note. His last words to me were: "You must live well, Emma." Life's dark clouds seemed to fly over my head from that moment. My stepmother used my father's remaining inheritance to try business, but was swindled out of everything. I became the biggest burden. My grandfather, who favored sons over daughters, didn't want me. My maternal grandparents had long passed away. My only remaining family was my stepmother, who no longer loved me.

Chapter 6

"What are you looking at? I won't support you. Who told your father to die so young!" My stepmother cursed as she pushed me away, getting into a taxi without looking back. Ignoring my scraped knees, I crawled up and chased after her crying: "Mom, don't abandon me. I'll be good, I won't eat much." I don't know how long I chased before the car stopped. I saw my stepmother's eyes were red with both hatred and helplessness. So I began living with my stepmother in mutual dependence. Later, she remarried. The man was ten years older than her. This marriage became my hell. On the first night we moved in, the locked door to my room was opened with a key by that man. When I ran to tell my stepmother, I received a slap. "Don't spread lies. He's just worried you might kick off the blanket and catch cold. If you dare ruin my marriage, get out!" After that, I would barricade my door with the desk every time I returned to my room. Then stand by the bed in the dead of night, holding scissors and watching the door being pushed. Once. Twice. Three times. Until the person outside gave up and the sounds gradually faded. School became my only refuge then. No disgusting stepfather, no cold and indifferent stepmother. But after a mock exam, this refuge also became hell. I had just celebrated getting first place when I was dragged into the bathroom and doused with cold water. I was held down and couldn't fight back. The ringleader was a pretty transfer student named Lily. "Emma, because of you I got second place. Do you know how badly I was beaten at home?" Lily grabbed my chin, looking at me like a mouse. Slaps fell as Lily's companions counted like an execution countdown. Long and torturous. When I reported this to the teacher, I only got: "Lily is an excellent student. She wouldn't do such things." "Students should be understanding and tolerant of each other's conflicts." In that moment, I knew it wasn't that Lily wouldn't do it—the Morrison family was too powerful for them to dare intervene. Leaving the office, I saw a boy walking toward me surrounded by a crowd. Judging by everyone's reaction, they all seemed afraid of him.

Chapter 7

I came home in wet clothes to find the man who was supposed to be traveling with my stepmother. His gaze slithered over my body like a snake's tongue. It made me sick. "Emma, what happened to you?" The man grinned. "Don't call me that!" I snarled, looking around for my stepmother. "What are you looking for? That woman isn't home. She went on the trip." "I told her there were some business issues to handle and had her wait for me at the destination." The man stood up and approached me step by step. I fumbled in my backpack for the box cutter I'd recently bought. "Emma, you're getting more beautiful." His gaze grew deeper. As if unable to restrain himself, he lunged at me. I slashed the blade hard, and blood poured from his forearm. "Little bitch!" The man howled in pain. "Touch me again and I'll kill you. I don't mind fighting you to the death." I put the blade back in my bag and ran out. I had lied to the man—I cared very much about my life. Because I had promised my father I would live well. Suddenly, I thought of the boy I'd passed during the day. I seemed to hear them call him Alexander Grayson. An idea gradually sprouted in my mind.

Chapter 8

I began secretly observing Alexander. Collecting all kinds of information about him. I waited outside the bar Alexander frequented for several days until I finally found him drunk. He sat on a chair outside, smoking and lost in thought. I straightened my school badge, making sure my name was visible. Then I bought a sobering candy and approached him. "You look really uncomfortable. This is sobering candy—would you like one?" Alexander looked up, his dark eyes deep. Seeing he didn't respond, I smiled and took his hand, placing the candy in his palm: "Don't worry, it's sweet." He looked me up and down and took a drag of his cigarette: "Wearing a school uniform to hang around bars?" I blushed slightly and said softly: "No, I came because I was worried about you." Alexander leaned back and laughed mockingly: "Following me?" I pretended to be embarrassed and nodded: "Sorry, I just didn't want you to feel sick from drinking." Alexander's smile was dark and unreadable: "Like me?" I bit my lip and nodded again: "Yes, I like you. I'll be good to you." Alexander's smoking hand paused. He stood up and walked closer, his fingertip lifting my school badge: "Class 3, Emma Chen." "I'll give you a chance." He said it carelessly. Before I could react, I was kissed. When I was nearly suffocating, Alexander let me go: "Next time remember to breathe. Go home and don't come here again." With that, he turned and went back into the bar. The shy joy on my face gradually disappeared. I wiped my mouth. Then I curved my lips into a satisfied smile. Mission accomplished.

Chapter 9

When Lily surrounded me with her gang again, Alexander appeared. The abandoned storage room door was kicked open. Alexander stood behind his bodyguards, his expression ice-cold. It was the first time I saw Lily so panicked and disheveled, kneeling on the ground and being slapped repeatedly. "Lily, you should know to check who owns a dog before beating it." Alexander held me close, looking down at Lily dismissively. Yes, beating a dog. From beginning to end, Alexander only saw me as an obedient pet who would be good to him. When he drove me home, we happened to encounter my stepfather returning from the hospital where he'd gotten his wound treated. Seeing me get out of the luxury car, he grabbed my hair: "Shameless bitch! Acting so pure in front of me when you're just a whore!" "Today I'll..." The rest of his words were cut off as a bodyguard grabbed his wrist. My stepfather cried out in pain and let go of my hair, then was kicked to the ground. He was beaten until he wailed continuously. He ended up in the hospital for a month. I calculated the time until exams. I worked hard to act out my love for Alexander, my kindness toward him. During this time, I turned a blind eye to Alexander's ambiguous relationships and intimacy with others. I didn't want his love anyway. Gradually, I became the person who stayed by Alexander's side the longest. There were even rumors that Alexander had developed real feelings for me. Until today. They finally realized Alexander never had real feelings. I was still just a pet he could give away at will in his eyes. But I didn't care. Because soon, I could leave them all behind.

Chapter 10

"Emma, you've been distracted this whole way." Sebastian's voice suddenly broke through, pulling me back from my thoughts. I looked at the upscale apartment building ahead and put on a confused expression: "Alex, did you move?" Sebastian seemed displeased with this title, his grip on my hand tightening: "Yeah, I have many properties." As soon as we entered, Sebastian pressed me onto the sofa: "Emma, what were you thinking about while walking?" I answered obediently: "I was thinking about what kind of stomach-soothing soup to make you tonight." Sebastian's dark eyes softened: "Emma is so good." He took my hand and kissed the inside of my wrist. "Emma, who am I?" His voice was hoarse. "Alex, you're Alex." "Ah! Why did you bite me?" I suppressed the mockery in my heart and feigned pain. Sebastian's fingertip traced the bite mark he'd left on my wrist and continued asking: "Emma, who am I?" I bit my lip and said softly: "You're Alex." "Ah, why did you bite me again?!" This time Sebastian bit my neck, like a hunting beast. —Ding dong. —Ding dong. The continuous doorbell rang with urgent insistence. Sebastian gritted his teeth and went to answer it. "Why are you here?" Alexander silently pushed past Sebastian and walked straight toward me. "The game is over." Alexander stopped in front of me and said coldly to Sebastian. "This is no fun." Sebastian laughed wildly. Alexander didn't want to waste words. He pulled me up from the sofa. The bite mark on my neck was exposed to his view. Alexander froze, his eyes filling with ominous shadows, like the calm before a storm. Eerie and sinister. Before I could react, there was a loud "bang" against the wall. Sebastian was slammed against the wall by Alexander, who gripped his throat: "Did you forget all the rules during your years abroad?" "Who gave you permission to touch her?!"

Chapter 11

The out-of-control, violently hostile Alexander was one I'd never seen before. Sebastian seemed surprised too. After a few seconds of shock, he curved his mouth maliciously: "Brother, why so excited? Weren't you the one who sent her to me?" "Don't play the good guy now." Alexander's arm muscles bulged with tension. After a few seconds, he silently released Sebastian. Sebastian rubbed the red marks on his neck while waving at me: "Hello there, Emma. Let me reintroduce myself—I'm Sebastian Grayson." No panic at being exposed, no embarrassment at being the deceiver. Just calm, indifferent laughter. Alexander stepped forward to block my view, his eyes dark and unreadable as he looked at me. I couldn't read the emotion in his eyes. But I immediately knew what emotion I needed to perform. I looked up at Alexander, tears falling uncontrollably, but my words weren't accusatory. Instead, I asked him softly: "Did I do something wrong? Don't you want me anymore?" Alexander's back seemed to stiffen for a moment. I saw his Adam's apple bob. Then I was pulled into a warm embrace. "I'll take you home." Alexander's voice was low and gentle. But inside, I was celebrating—this crisis seemed to have passed. Looking up over Alexander's shoulder, I saw Sebastian's smile gradually cool, his dark eyes unfathomably deep as he stared at me. As Alexander led me out, he glanced at Sebastian, who still stood in place: "Like I said, the game is over." "Don't go near her again." Sebastian returned to his rebellious demeanor and shrugged: "I can't guarantee that." Alexander's mouth curved slightly, his eyes filled with disdainful arrogance: "You can try." Sebastian leaned against the table with his hands in his pockets, smiling innocently: "Brother, don't be so fierce. We've played like this before—you never cared." "Shut your mouth." Alexander's voice carried a warning. Sebastian raised his hands in mock surrender: "Fine, I won't say anymore. Game over means game over. It's no fun once it's exposed anyway." Then he snapped his fingers at me: "Emma, remember—my name is Sebastian Grayson. Don't get it wrong next time we meet." Alexander's patience was exhausted. Not wanting to waste more words on his crazy brother, he led me into the elevator.

Chapter 12

Once in the elevator, Alexander's driver brought the car to us. As soon as we got in, Alexander raised the partition. Isolating the back seat. A wave of unease washed over me. When Alexander's hand reached toward me, I instinctively grabbed it hard, looking at him with cold, disgusted eyes. It was an undisguised revulsion toward Alexander's touch. This was a self-protective instinct born from long-term dangerous environments. I realized my disguise had slipped in the silence. Just as I was thinking of a reasonable explanation, Alexander spoke: "What, afraid I'll hit you?" "Have I ever hit you?" No anger, no questioning—just a trace of helpless laughter. I stared for a few seconds, then shook my head and let go. Alexander pulled me closer and cupped my face to expose my neck: "Let me see if he bit through the skin. Maybe we should get you a rabies shot." Hearing him call his own brother a dog, I couldn't help but laugh softly. I noticed Alexander's hand pause. I looked up to find him staring at my face quietly. I blinked in confusion. After a few seconds, I heard Alexander sigh very softly and stroke my hair: "Emma, things like this won't happen again." I put on my obedient act again and nuzzled against Alexander's palm. After tonight, I decided to stick with Alexander as my rope. Sebastian's madness made him too risky to use as a lifeline.

Chapter 13

After Alexander drove me home that day, the next day someone delivered a diamond necklace, and then he didn't contact me again. I knew this was his compensation for that incident. Every time I'd caught him being intimate or ambiguous with other women before, he'd give expensive gifts. Like giving a pet some treats—simple charity could placate everything. I hid all those jewelry pieces carefully, planning to sell them all before leaving to convert them into sufficient savings. While thinking this, I submitted my completed transfer application to the office. "Emma, it's almost senior year and graduation. Are you sure you want to transfer after this semester?" The homeroom teacher frowned, speaking earnestly. I nodded: "My uncle should have spoken with you about the transfer. The school there is also very good. They've reviewed my test scores and competition results from previous years and agreed to let me transfer in." "My uncle also feels that as my only remaining family, he can take better care of me if I'm nearby." "You know my stepmother and stepfather don't really care about me." The teacher didn't say anything more—after all, no one had ever come to my parent-teacher conferences. My stepmother and stepfather's phones were always unreachable. After leaving the office, I went to the bathroom, took out my silenced phone, and returned a missed call. After a brief musical tone, a mercenary male voice answered: "Hey, Emma, your uncle has arranged the transfer. When are you sending the money?" I gripped the phone, my face showing cold laughter. This man used to fawn over my father when he was alive, then immediately distanced himself when my father got sick. When I had nowhere to go, he coldly watched me and told me to get lost. "You're not thinking of backing out, are you? Emma, do you know how many connections I had to use to arrange this for you?" "If it weren't for Austin needing money urgently, I wouldn't bother with your affairs." The man continued babbling. Austin—my uncle's worthless son who got into trouble and needed compensation money. "If you won't help with my affairs, then your son can go to hell. Don't act high and mighty with me. I'll send the final payment when I feel like it." I laughed mockingly and hung up. Cutting off the man's curses. Sunlight streamed through the window into the quiet bathroom. Dust motes danced continuously in the light, as if trying to chase the illumination. Like people running forward, trying to escape.

Chapter 14

As the final bell rang, I finished the last problem. I had just packed up and left the classroom when I saw the flashy guy standing outside the door. I recognized him—he was the one who whistled that day in the private room. I was about to ignore him and walk on when he blocked my path. "Emma, why are you pretending not to know me? I came here specifically to find you." The guy smiled lecherously. "What do you want?" I looked at him expressionlessly. His eyes lingered on my face before he realized: "Do you know Alexander is getting engaged?" Engaged? Alexander hadn't mentioned it to me. No wonder he hadn't contacted me these past few days. This was actually good—I had been planning how to leave anyway. Now I didn't need to think about it. "Heartbroken? Don't worry. If Alexander doesn't want you, I can take you." "I can give you everything Alexander gave you." The guy reached for the hair falling by my ear. I coldly swatted his hand away and sneered: "Sorry, I haven't become desperate enough for that." "You're too disgusting a dish for me to stomach..." —SLAP! A sharp slap cut off my words. Burning pain spread rapidly across my cheek. "What do you think you are to put on airs with me?" "Just a stray dog thrown away by Alexander. I'm being charitable by wanting you." "Even if I dragged you away by force today, who would care..." The guy's expression grew more unhinged as he stepped closer. Just as I was reaching for the box cutter in my bag, a sinister low voice suddenly rang out: "Who are you planning to drag away, Tyler?" Tyler instantly froze. Seeing who it was, his face changed: "Al... Alexander?!" Sebastian's smile deepened as he stood beside me, amusement in his eyes: "Scared stupid? Look at me carefully again." Tyler swallowed hard and squinted: "Sebastian?" Sebastian clapped appreciatively: "Congratulations, correct answer. Let me think what reward to give you." Tyler's face went pale as he backed away: "No... no need..." "Ah!!!" His words became a piercing scream. Sebastian had somehow pulled the box cutter from my bag and swiftly kicked Tyler down, driving the blade deep into the hand that had just slapped me. The blade pierced clean through from back to palm, flesh splitting open. Sebastian twisted the blade twice more. As Tyler's screams grew more agonized, he slowly stood up and pressed his expensive shoe against Tyler's face: "Now who's the stray dog? Hmm?" Tyler's face was nearly deformed under the pressure, his mouth incoherently begging for mercy. Sebastian tilted his neck to look at me, then bent down to Tyler with a smile: "Forgive you? Sure. Bark like a dog at her twice, and I'll let you go." Sebastian raised an eyebrow at me and applied more pressure with his foot. Tyler looked at me. After a long moment, he weakly opened his mouth: "Woof, woof, woof." I took in Tyler's miserable state without feeling much satisfaction. Instead, exhaustion washed over me. Wasn't Tyler's appearance today, and the things he said, all because of what I had caused? Wasn't it because I had bent my own spine, willingly putting that dignity-destroying invisible collar around my neck and offering the chain to Alexander with both hands? If Tyler was the villain humiliating me, then I was the true culprit who slaughtered myself. I was the one who handed this knife to everyone around Alexander. The setting sun dyed the empty hallway crimson, falling on me like divine punishment. If my father saw this, he would be very disappointed too.

Chapter 15

"What's wrong? Scared silly?" Sebastian squeezed my hand. I looked at him with vacant eyes. I felt Sebastian's warm fingers brush against the corner of my eye as he spoke with unclear meaning: "How did you get scared to tears?" I was crying? When did I start crying? I blinked. Tyler had already been carried away, and Sebastian's bodyguards were cleaning the blood from the floor. I suppressed my emotions and stepped back to avoid Sebastian's hand: "What are you doing here?" Sebastian stared at his empty hand for a long moment before looking at me: "Wow, you're so heartless. I just helped you, and you're being so cold to me?" I pressed my lips together, wariness in my eyes. Sebastian put one hand in his pocket and returned to his careless demeanor: "Just came to see you. What else would I be doing?" "I've been confined by my brother, and he even has people watching me. I finally escaped today. In a few days, he's going to ship me abroad again. It's not too much to see my sweetheart before leaving, right?" He spoke teasingly, his eyes playful. I frowned at his flirtation and silently tried to walk around him. Sebastian grabbed my hand, his expression darkening: "Emma, I'm thinking about whether to take you with me or find a place to lock you up." "You like my brother, don't you? I have the same face as him. Maybe if you stay with me long enough, you'll fall for me." He laughed softly again: "Or maybe eventually you'll mistake me for my brother, taking care of me like you took care of him, being good to me like you were good to him." "Emma, I like the way you looked at me when you thought I was my brother, not this cold way you're looking at me now." Psycho! I cursed silently. A bad feeling rose in my chest. Sebastian was even crazier than I thought. He would definitely do what he threatened. Just as I was thinking of how to escape, Sebastian's tone changed again, seeming to sigh helplessly, so soft it was like a whisper. "But why did you cry just now? Why did you look so pitiful?" I was confused by Sebastian's constant mood swings. As I puzzled over what he meant, my head was gently patted: "Let's go. I'll take you home." Sebastian looked at my hair, now a mess from his patting, smiled, and turned around.

Chapter 16

In the car ride back, Sebastian was unusually quiet. Just as I was grateful to finally not have to deal with his words, he spoke: "Emma, stop thinking about Alexander. You have no future with him. This arranged marriage was decided by grandfather. No one can disobey his orders." His eyes darkened as his thoughts seemed to drift far away: "His son and daughter-in-law were forced together the same way. They both had people they loved and tried to resist, but in the end were forced to become a bitter couple. One went mad, the other died." "The woman jumped from the building in postpartum depression, her blood staining the entire courtyard red. The man went crazy at the sight." "Leaving behind twin brothers to grow and rot in that cold mansion." "Even if Alexander wanted to resist, grandfather has ten thousand ways to make him obey." "What do you think his fate will be?" Sebastian's mouth curved in what was both mockery and bitterness. This was the first time I'd heard about the Grayson family's past. The first time I learned about Alexander and Sebastian's parents' story. It was like someone pulling back that gorgeous velvet curtain to reveal a rotting, foul corner. I was thinking about how to respond when an emergency brake jolted me back to attention. The car had been forced to stop. "He came pretty fast." Sebastian returned to his usual rebellious manner, hands pillowed behind his head, watching someone get out of the car ahead. Alexander stepped out wearing a black suit, as if he'd just come from some banquet. Elegant and noble. If you ignored that face dark enough to suggest murder. The car door was opened, and Alexander's cool hand pulled me out, his gaze falling on Sebastian inside: "I told you not to go near her again." Sebastian casually brushed at nonexistent dust on his clothes: "You came so fast. Hasn't your dinner with Miss Morrison ended yet? Are you that afraid I'll take Emma away and lock her up?" "You really know me well, brother." "But breaking up grandfather's arranged dinner—have you thought about the consequences?" Alexander didn't get angry. Instead, he showed a smile full of oppressive force: "Are you tired of the free life and want to come back to the Grayson house to be a chained dog?" Sebastian's pupils contracted, his face turning ugly. Alexander placed his hand on the car door, looking down at his brother like a king: "If you don't want to come back and be chained, then remember what I said. Stay far away, or I don't mind letting you experience that feeling too." With that, Alexander straightened up and slammed the car door shut. The driver immediately drove away.

Chapter 17

Alexander looked at the still-visible handprint on my face, his breathing becoming heavier: "Does it hurt?" Does it hurt? That question left me somewhat dazed. It felt like I hadn't heard those three words in a long time. My throat tightened unexpectedly, and after a moment I said softly: "It hurts." Like abandoning the pretense of obedient understanding, abandoning those sweet, touching words. In this moment. "Good. I'll get revenge for you." Alexander gently held me, his voice rumbling through his chest as he spoke. I felt this warmth and gently closed my eyes. The crimson of sunset was gradually swallowed by the deep blue of approaching night. Alexander's phone kept vibrating. Seeming to carry dissatisfied anger. But he ignored it, walking me to the somewhat old apartment building stairs: "Emma, I might not be able to see you for a while." "I need to handle some things. Once I'm done, I'll come find you. Will you wait for me?" The dim light made his eyes flicker between bright and dark. I showed my usual obedient smile: "Okay." I turned and climbed the stairs. I knew Alexander was still watching me. Emma, will you wait for me? No. Alexander, I won't wait for you. I looked at the flickering stars in the sky, climbing the steps one by one.

Chapter 18

With the final exam bell, the semester was officially over. I bought my ticket to Boston and was packing when I realized there really wasn't much to take. The day before leaving, I finally waited for my stepmother, who hadn't been home for days. Seeing me come out of my room, she sat on the sofa without even lifting her eyelids. I stood in front of her, blocking her view of the TV. "Move." My stepmother frowned impatiently. I placed the bank card in my hand on the table. My stepmother finally looked at me: "What's this? Want money? Don't have any!" I smiled: "This is for you. Consider it a thank-you fee for not abandoning me back then and supporting me through school." During our time of mutual dependence, though she often cursed and complained, when she saw me envying others' new clothes, she would use her meager salary to buy them for me. During high school entrance exams, she learned from other parents to make fish soup and chicken soup for me. Once when I was getting an IV in winter, I still remember how she warmed the IV tube for me. But people are complex and always changing. I came back to myself and continued: "I've completed the transfer procedures. I'll be moving out from now on. Our relationship ends here." —CRACK! The remote control was violently thrown, hitting my forehead. "Now you want to leave?! And giving me money—how much money could you possibly have..." "One million." I casually stated a number. My stepmother's tirade stuck in her throat as she stared at me wide-eyed. "You... where did you get so much money?" After a long moment, my stepmother found her voice. "Alexander Grayson gave it to me." I saw my stepmother's confused look and realized she didn't know about Alexander's existence. That time when my stepfather was beaten and hospitalized, he had only lied that it was revenge from business competitors. She didn't care about anything in my life. I sighed and said frankly: "A man." —SLAP! Another heavy slap fell the instant my words ended. Much more painful than Tyler's slap. So painful my heart clenched. "Emma, have you no shame! Have you no shame!" My stepmother screamed at me with a twisted face. As if looking at something filthy. I hung my head and laughed softly, the laughter growing louder until my shoulders shook. Finally, I was laughing through tears. "Shame? What's that? Can it save lives?" I raised my head to meet my stepmother's eyes. "Shame? Could it stop my stepfather from harassing me, stop him from trying to break into my room every night?" "Could it stop him from constantly trying to peek at me in the shower?" "Could it stop him from looking at me with those disgusting eyes and plotting against me?" I stepped forward with each sentence, forcing my stepmother back onto the sofa. Looking down at the defeat on her face and her struggle: "You... don't spread lies. He just... he just..." "Just wanted to care for me? Just wanted to get closer to me? Is that what you want to say again? Do you really think that? If so, why are you always reluctant to come home? Are you afraid to face me?" I laughed mockingly, as if wanting to tear apart all these hypocritical masks. Revealing the horrifying white bones beneath. "You've ruined yourself! You've ruined yourself! You've degraded yourself!" My stepmother cried as she spoke, her voice hoarse. "What do you mean ruined? Being slapped and doused with dirty water at school, nearly being assaulted at home—that's what ruined means." "And this isn't degradation—I call it survival." "Besides me, no one would save me, right?" I used my fingertip to brush away the hair on my stepmother's face that was wet with tears, my tone mocking. If I didn't find my own rope, I would be swallowed by this stinking swamp. Then gradually rot away. But I wasn't willing. I had promised my father I would live well. Since heaven wouldn't give me a way to live, I'd find one myself.

Chapter 19

I calmed my emotions and straightened my stepmother's somewhat disheveled collar: "Take this money. If possible, divorce him." "Find a new place and live well. Stop letting him force you to drink with those leaders he wants to curry favor with." After saying this, I patted my sleeves and prepared to leave. "Did he... did that Alexander bully you?" "Do you like him?" I didn't turn around, staring at the door handle and smiling: "He never bullied me. Actually, he treated me better than you all did." I remembered once fainting in front of Alexander from low blood sugar. After that, he had his housekeeper send nutritious stews to school every day. Once while watching a movie, I casually mentioned that the female lead's dress was pretty. The next day, a more expensive and beautiful dress would be delivered to me. Though he wasn't a good person, he wasn't bad enough for me to hate him. Though I didn't hate him, I didn't love him either. "Love isn't in my considerations. I just need my plan to succeed." "I need his money, his protection, but not his love." After saying all this, I felt relieved as I pushed open the door. Then... I crashed into a pair of familiar eyes. It was Alexander, whom I hadn't seen for almost two months.

Chapter 20

The air seemed to be sucked out instantly. Only suffocating breathlessness remained. I blinked and forced a defeated smile: "Did you hear everything?" Alexander pulled me up the stairs to the open rooftop. He still said nothing, just silently approached me with oppressive intensity. He looked thinner, with bloodshot eyes, as if he hadn't rested well in a long time. I was about to speak when he kissed me almost savagely. Like a beast tearing at its prey. I tasted blood in my mouth. Just when I thought he would destroy us both, Alexander released me and buried his head against my neck. "So this is how you look at me when you're not acting." His voice was hoarse. I felt the tickling sensation of hair against my neck and turned my head to create distance. "Why aren't you talking? Are you planning to just deceive me and leave?" Alexander's words carried viciousness. I replied without hiding: "Yes, so are you planning to get revenge?" My heart calculated what to do if Alexander really wanted revenge. Just as I was frantically thinking of countermeasures, Alexander laughed softly, then sighed: "Do you have enough money?" What?? My brain seemed to stop processing. Like a machine with jammed gears. Alexander straightened up and cupped my face: "Is the money enough? Do you need me to transfer more?" "No, it's already enough." I came back to myself and refused without thinking. The things Alexander had given me, I'd sold them all. Even after giving my stepmother a million, there was plenty left. "Really? Enough for you to eat well, live well..." "Alexander, let's end this here." I interrupted him, looking at him seriously. Alexander fell silent, then the black electronic watch-like device on his wrist began flashing. "What's that?" I stared at the blinking red light. "A monitoring and tracking device grandfather gave me." Alexander curved his mouth with bitter meaning. With his words, honking came from below. Looking down from the rooftop, the narrow alley was filled with three black sedans. Four bodyguards in black suits stood outside each car. "I made a deal with grandfather to see you one last time. Time really flies." Alexander said while bending down to kiss the corner of my mouth, completely ignoring the people below. "Take good care of yourself, Emma. We're not finished yet." After saying this, the bodyguards had already reached behind him. They took him away.

Chapter 21

The day after Alexander left, I also began my new journey. I returned to Boston, where I'd grown up. I successfully entered a new school. I changed my phone number and deleted all my old accounts. My new desk mate was a lovely girl. With her companionship, I happily spent the last semester of high school. The brief encounter ended with graduation waves, each of us disappearing into the sea of people. The day I got into my dream university, I bought the flowers my father used to buy me every birthday. I went to the cemetery. I held up a beer and made a toasting gesture in the air. "Dad, I got in. I did what I promised you—I've been living well." Saying goodbye to all the past, living out a new self. I would live with genuine warmth and real smiles in the sunlight. After college graduation, I applied for graduate school abroad. During my two years studying overseas, I met many interesting and talented people. I also made warm, wonderful friends. On graduation day, my advisor asked if I wanted to stay and continue research at the institute. I shook my head: "I'm planning to return home. The domestic pharmaceutical research institute has already accepted my application." I studied continuously, hoping to research better cancer treatments. This was the goal I set for myself the day my father left. After the graduation party ended, I waved goodbye to everyone, humming as I walked home with light steps. Then... I saw a man leaning against a car. After more than six years, his shoulders had broadened and he'd grown taller. His features were sharper, having shed his youthful air for an invisible oppressive presence. The cigarette glowing red in his hand flickered as smoke drifted around him, and he slowly looked toward me. "Emma, long time no see." It was Alexander. Even though we no longer had contact, I could hear discussions about him everywhere. When I graduated high school, I heard talk of his engagement. In college, I heard about him entering Grayson Industries. At college graduation, I heard about him taking full control of Grayson Industries. My first year abroad, I heard about him forcing many Grayson Industries veterans out. This year, I heard about him calling off the engagement. His news was everywhere—phones, computers, newspapers. But now, that face appeared vividly before me.

Chapter 22

Looking at the man sitting on my living room sofa, I frowned. I had almost sprinted to my front door, unlocked it, and tried to slam it shut immediately when Alexander's hand wedged in, followed by his entire body. "As your guest, could I get a glass of water?" Alexander leaned naturally against the sofa as if he were in his own home. "I don't have water. If you want some, go home and drink it." I sat on the sofa across from him, staring. "That's too far." Alexander rested his hands on his knees, smiling at my retort. "What do you want?" I had no interest in small talk and cut straight to the point. Alexander's appearance inevitably made me recall everything from before. As if pulling me back into that unbearable time. Alexander looked at me under the warm indoor lighting, his eyes seemingly filled with indissoluble moisture: "Emma, I'm now the head of Grayson Industries. I have control over everything Grayson-related." "So what, you're planning some delayed revenge?" I stared at him, feeling invisible spikes rising all over my body. Alexander lowered his gaze and was quiet for a moment before saying softly: "What I want to say is, you can continue using me as a stepping stone or rope. I can give you much more now." I threw the pillow in my hands at Alexander's face: "I don't need it. All I need is for you to stop disrupting my life. Get out." Alexander caught the pillow and curved his mouth: "So you do have a temper. That's good." Before I could explode, Alexander spoke first: "Let me stay one night. I'll leave tomorrow." "Emma, let me look at you a little longer. I can sleep on the sofa." Alexander was bathed in warm light, looking at me with sorrowful eyes. I looked away coldly: "If I say no, will you leave?" "No." Alexander answered honestly. "..." So this question was completely meaningless!

Chapter 24

After washing up, I came out to find Alexander, also freshly cleaned, watching a movie on my projector. Whose house is this exactly?! Seeing me approach, he pulled me over: "Watch a movie before bed." I was about to get up when I found I couldn't break free from Alexander's grip. "If you don't watch the movie, I'll just keep holding your hand. Wherever you go, I go." I gave up struggling and sat beside him. The changing light from the movie cast our faces in shifting shadows. "Alexander." I called his name softly. "Hmm?" He looked over against the light. "After tonight, can you stop looking for me? I don't want any more connection with you." "Seeing you makes me remember that time, makes me see that undignified, stray dog version of myself." "So please stop dragging me back into past pain." The pain in my eyes reflected in his pupils. As if his eyes were also stained with pain—otherwise why did I see his eyes redden? The movie's ending credits slowly played. As if announcing that everything had reached its final chapter. Just when I thought this conversation would end without resolution, I heard his voice: "I'm sorry. I didn't know I caused you so much pain. I promise I won't appear again." Then he curved his mouth, clearly smiling but his eyes filled with bitterness: "Can I watch over you while you sleep tonight? I'll just sit beside you." "One last look—let me see enough." My eyes stung with dryness. I remained silent under his gaze. Alexander really did as he said, sitting on the floor beside the bed, tucking in my blanket. "Need me to pat you to sleep and tell you a bedtime story?" Alexander leaned against the bed, smiling gently. I shook my head under the covers. "Alright then, good night." Alexander turned off the light for me. Silence spread in the darkness. After a long time, so long I was gradually falling asleep, I dimly felt my hand being gently held. Then I heard an unclear voice: "Emma, have you thought about me these past few years? Even for just a second." "These years, I often couldn't sleep well. I had to fight grandfather, fight the old-timers at the company. Sometimes I felt so tired." "I would think it would be nice if you were here, but then feel glad you weren't—those old foxes wouldn't have troubled you." "Emma, I actually came to see you secretly many times. I watched you compete with classmates, watched you hold up trophies giving acceptance speeches, watched you gather and take photos with friends." "I was so happy—you were living well, taking good care of yourself." "I used to think my Emma was a soft flower. Now I know my Emma is a tall, unbending birch tree." "Emma, I once said we weren't finished." "But today you looked at me with such pain, talking about your suffering. Just a second before, those eyes were sparkling with joy at the dance." "Emma, smile more. I won't appear in front of you anymore." In my haze, I felt a warm touch on my forehead. And a drop of moisture. Was there a leak? Or was someone crying? I drowsily wondered, then sank into deeper darkness.

Chapter 25

When I woke up, Alexander was already gone. As if he'd never been there. I busied myself with returning home, trying hard to push his image from my mind. The day before checking out, I specially made small cakes to give to my landlady. She was a Chinese woman in her forties. When I'd been looking for housing, I posted a rental request, and she contacted me directly. The house was very new, as if no one had lived there before. It was spacious and I loved the overall arrangement. I swallowed hard and said I couldn't afford it. But she offered an incredibly cheap price. So cheap I wondered if something was wrong with the house. After she repeatedly assured me nothing was wrong, I gave in to the absurdly low rent. She lived in the building next to mine. She often brought me food, basically covering all my dinners and late-night snacks. She was also very patient in helping me learn the area and integrate into local life. She'd mend buttons on my clothes and teach me to make novel desserts. Over time, we really did feel like we were depending on each other in this foreign land. The landlady was on the phone when she answered the door. Seeing me with the cake, she froze. Then I heard Alexander's voice from the phone: "Yes, you've done well these two years. After she returns home, I'll give you another sum." The call ended. "..." I stared silently at this woman who had cared for me like a mother. In the living room, the woman gave me an awkward smile. "I am indeed sent by Mr. Grayson. He found me before you came here. The Grayson family has business interests here too. I'm the manager of their properties in this area." "The house you rented from me..." I seemed to realize something and asked tentatively. "That house... was also bought by Mr. Grayson before you arrived. He specifically chose one close to your school with good decoration and environment. The interior arrangement was also done by Mr. Grayson personally." With each word the middle-aged woman spoke, my heart jumped. All my thoughts gradually formed a line. No wonder when I first saw that house, I loved it immediately. Whether the decoration style or the furniture and appliances inside. They were all things I liked. The sofa?! The bed?! I remembered—when I was at Alexander's house before, I'd said his sofa was too soft and the bed too soft. Uncomfortable, gave me backaches. But the firmness in this house was just right. I'd also told him I liked warm-colored arrangements because they looked cozy. And this house was warm enough to make you never want to leave. "What else?" I looked at her and took a deep breath. The middle-aged woman rubbed her hands: "The meals I made for you were all nutritionist-planned." "The birthday cakes I brought you these two years were actually made by Mr. Grayson himself." "I also reported daily on your eating habits and late-night study sessions." Listening to her continuous revelations, I felt inexplicable waves surging in my heart. Wave after wave, unable to stop. After the middle-aged woman finished, she paused for a few seconds, then looked at me pleadingly: "You promised to keep this secret. Mr. Grayson repeatedly warned me not to let you discover this. Please..." I forced a stiff smile: "Don't worry, I won't tell Alexander." The middle-aged woman sighed in relief and patted her chest. She glanced secretly at the small cake on the table. I smiled and pushed the cake toward her. Just as I got up to leave, the woman called out: "Miss Chen, there's one more thing I thought I should tell you." "Mr. Grayson actually comes every month. After you go inside, he watches from far away, stays all night, then leaves the next day." I didn't respond to the woman's words and left silently.

Chapter 26

Walking out of the airport back home, the familiar scent in the air enveloped me. I quickly reported to the Medical Pharmaceutical Research Center. I became part of the research team. "Hey, did you know? Apparently Ming'an Group invested a huge sum in us as research funding." "Really?" "I overheard it secretly." "Isn't the Ming'an Group CEO that Alexander Grayson guy?" "That's him!" ... In the lab, everyone whispered about the latest gossip they'd gathered. My hand paused while doing experiments. Alexander was indeed keeping his promise—he hadn't contacted me or appeared before me again. But I could still feel his presence. When I closed the curtains at night, I'd habitually look downstairs. If I looked carefully, I could see a black sedan parked in a corner not far away. And recently, a whole row of breakfast and late-night snack shops had opened downstairs from my building. Diverse varieties, nutritionally balanced, but ridiculously cheap prices. And the flower shop on the corner—every time I passed, someone would cheerfully pull me over for a raffle. Always first prize, always receiving different exquisite flowers daily. The several broken streetlights at the community entrance had all been fixed too. Obviously his handiwork. I sighed softly. "Emma, what's wrong? Problem with the data?" My senior saw this and came over. "Senior, do you know that's practically a curse?" I looked at him wearily. My senior quickly spat three times, then said mysteriously: "Emma, senior recently heard about a temple where prayers are very effective. I don't tell just anyone." "Shouldn't we believe in science?" I squinted at him. "When data doesn't work, you can believe in mysticism too." My senior looked like a man of experience. "Thanks, senior, but I've never believed in gods since childhood." I politely declined his kindness. "Then what do you believe in? God?" I smiled at senior and continued my experiment. I only believe in myself. From beginning to end.

Chapter 27

On a rare day off, I bought fresh flowers to visit my parents. The rain made the cemetery even more solemn. I looked at my parents' photos and talked for a long time. As I was leaving, I encountered the cemetery's elderly caretaker. I came every year and had greeted him several times. He looked at me, then at the headstone, confused: "How come that young man didn't come with you?" "These two years when you didn't come, he came in your place. Each time bringing the same flowers as you." "Once I asked him what his relationship to you was. He said you were his beloved, studying abroad." My feet seemed nailed to the ground, unable to move. At the same time, my phone showed a news alert: "Ming'an Group head Alexander Grayson in car accident on Jing'an Bridge, currently in hospital for emergency treatment." Car accident? Emergency treatment? I stared at the screen, looking at the report showing the deformed crashed car and Alexander covered in blood being lifted into an ambulance. My heart felt like it had a huge hole with countless cold winds pouring in. The rain grew heavier, thunder rumbling like mournful wailing. My rain-splashed sleeves grew cold. Strangely, I felt that coldness seemed to seep into my body and bones. For some reason, I thought of the day my father left. I seemed to hear that terrible death knell again. My hands began shaking uncontrollably. I instinctively wanted to call Alexander, only to realize I no longer had his number. I had no way to contact him. He seemed about to disappear from my life completely, just as I'd asked.

Chapter 28

The Grayson family blocked all news. No one knew Alexander's actual condition. Some speculated he was dead, others that he was in a vegetative state... As time passed, the speculation grew wilder. Amid increasingly outrageous rumors, I finally encountered Sebastian, whom I hadn't seen in ages. He stood at the research institute entrance in a black windbreaker. His formerly rebellious face had matured over time. "Want to talk?" He smiled at me. We entered a nearby coffee shop. He looked at me for a long time before slowly saying: "Why have you gotten so thin?" My gaze moved from the coffee on the table to his face, about to speak. He seemed to know what I wanted to ask and spoke first: "The situation isn't good. Still in emergency care." "Could happen any time..." Sebastian didn't finish the sentence, just quietly watched me. My hand gripping my sleeve gradually tightened with his words. My throat was too dry to speak. Sebastian took in my expression as if stabbed with pain: "I've been thinking these years abroad—if I hadn't left then out of fear of grandfather's control, would I have met you first?" "Would you have been good to me like that, would you have shown that sad expression for me when something happened to me?" "Instead of being like a pack of hyenas, waiting to divide up the benefits." I looked at him, silent for a few seconds before trying to deny it, but Sebastian stuffed a piece of bread in my mouth: "Don't say it. I don't want to hear your answer." At the same time, Sebastian's phone on the table lit up. I saw the wallpaper. It was a schoolgirl with her hair messed into a bird's nest, shown from behind. From the day Tyler came looking for me. It must have been taken when he dealt with Tyler and messed up my hair as we left school. Sebastian noticed my gaze and turned off his phone. Understanding Alexander's situation, I didn't want to stay longer. I checked the time and stood up: "My lunch break is almost over. I'll go first." "Emma." Sebastian turned to call my name. Seeing me look back, he smiled against the light: "Actually, you were right not to choose me. I couldn't do what my brother did." "Do you know why grandfather didn't trouble you back then? Because my brother threatened grandfather with his own life, saying if grandfather bothered you, he'd immediately slit his own throat." "The Grayson family wanted to raise him as an obedient dog, but ended up raising an ambitious wolf." "During your two years abroad, when he and grandfather were in the crucial power struggle, grandfather secretly sent people overseas, but they were all blocked by his people." "The day he successfully seized power and took control, he said to grandfather and the company executives: if anyone dared send people to find you again, he would ensure they immediately went to meet their maker." "So you see, you were right not to choose me." Before leaving, the last thing I heard was Sebastian's sigh that seemed both sad and mocking.

Chapter 29

After meeting Sebastian, I returned to the lab. I continued experiments in a daze. His words echoed repeatedly in my ears. Everything about Alexander played like a movie reel in my mind. My chest felt inexplicably tight. I didn't know what was wrong. I only knew something seemed to have dropped, some place felt empty. After work, I stood at the community entrance. The breakfast and late-night snack shops were still operating. Walking past that flower shop, I was still pulled over by the girl at the entrance for a raffle. Still first prize, still vibrant flowers. Everything seemed unchanged. But one day I discovered that one of the repaired streetlights was broken again. The first day home, it was still broken. The second day home, it remained broken. ... The tenth day home, it was still broken. I stood there dazed, staring at that lamp. Suddenly realizing with delayed awareness—it might never light up again. The person who fixed it seemed to really be gone. "Sister, why are you crying?" In my confusion, my hand was gently tugged. I looked down to see a little girl with pigtails. She handed me a somewhat wrinkled tissue. Was I crying? I touched my cheek and felt wetness. "Rourou, why did you run off?" The little girl's mother came over, shot me a wary glance, and quickly pulled the child away. The surroundings returned to quiet. I slowly crouched down. Unable to control my sobbing. I didn't know why. But I felt that terrible sadness had consumed me. As if this world held only me again. No home to return to, no path ahead.

Chapter 30

"You don't believe in gods because you have no desires." "But how can someone go through life without desires?" When my senior saw my reaction, he said this. I never expected it would prove prophetic. I stood before the great hall, looking at the Bodhisattva's lowered brows, compassionate and merciful. Watching the worshippers kneel devoutly, whispering softly. I learned from them, kneeling and pressing my palms together. Incense smoke curled upward through the sea of humanity. After visiting hall after hall, I came to the prayer site my senior had mentioned. "I heard that temple requires kneeling in worship first, then going to the prayer site to get a red cloth, write your name and wish on it, and hang it on the tree. Very effective." My senior's mysterious and excited voice echoed in my mind. After receiving the red silk, I held the brush but couldn't write for a long time. A young monk with pressed palms looked at me and smiled compassionately. I lowered my head in return, then looked down and wrote my name and wish on the red silk. When people have desires, they develop longings. After the final stroke, I hung the red silk on the tree. The silk fluttered, revealing the undried characters: "Only wish for Alexander Grayson's peace and health." In the breeze, the red silk flew like fire. Like a beating heart carrying countless sincere prayers. I walked down the mountain against the wind. Clouds stretched endlessly like the mortal world. The Bodhisattva lowered her brows, watching the coming and going of all beings. I suddenly remembered what I'd said on my first visit to see my father after transferring schools: "Dad, I deceived someone. He's not a good person, but he was the best to me during that time." In the sea of humanity, looking back, that person had long disappeared in the waves. I sighed and looked away, preparing to continue down the mountain. But when I raised my eyes, I saw Alexander standing on the steps below. His eyes smiled as he gazed at me from afar.

THE END