The past was like a dagger lodged in my heart, and every time I revisited it, the pain was sharp and unrelenting. My parents were renowned experts in biopharmaceutical research. At its peak, Rivers Biotech, the company they founded, was the uncontested leader in the industry. Their names frequently appeared in major news outlets, often accompanied by the glowing title, "The Pioneers of Biopharmaceutical Innovation."When I was seventeen, they developed a groundbreaking drug aimed at treating genetic disorders. The early trials were highly successful, drawing attention and admiration from across the industry. But tragedy struck when the drug moved to the final clinical phase. The first group of patients who received the treatment all died of drug toxicity. What followed was an onslaught of damning evidence aimed squarely at my parents. Accusations of greed and fraud surfaced. Rumors swirled that they had substituted cheaper ingredients to cut costs, carried out inhumane human
Norman pressed his forehead gently against mine. "Everything with Rivers Biotech happened so suddenly. Your father barely had time to respond. The last email he sent me was just thirty minutes before he died. "I was ready to return the moment I got the news. But unfortunately, the heir of the Carter family at the time discovered my identity. He saw me as a threat to his position and sent people to intercept me.”"He had me beaten to the brink of death…" Norman’s voice darkened, trailing off. I hesitated before asking softly, "Were you badly hurt?" Norman let out a bitter laugh, the corner of his lips twitching with self-mockery. "I suffered a head injury. When I woke up, my mental capacity was reduced to that of a five-year-old. Ridiculous, isn’t it?" I looked straight into his eyes, their dark depths holding nothing but unfiltered sincerity. At that moment, the promises and the strength of the boy I’d once known came flooding back with startling clarity. After a few beat
In the following days, I quietly monitored the internet. As expected, certain accounts began resurrecting the old corruption scandal surrounding Rivers Biotech. With the help of a few influential bloggers, the story quickly gained traction, making headlines across major platforms. Julian didn’t bother sending me any more threats. He knew I’d understand the message loud and clear. Perhaps, as always, he was perched on his pedestal, waiting for me to cave, to beg for forgiveness. But this time, I refused to give him the satisfaction. I ignored him entirely, right up to the day of my wedding. Of course, Julian wouldn’t let things go so easily. He arrived at my wedding uninvited, bringing Averil with him as if he had every right to be there. Norman’s expression darkened. "Mr. Ford, I don’t recall your name being on the guest list." Julian smiled coolly. "Is it really so inappropriate for an ex-husband to stop by and offer his congratulations to the bride?" Though his w
My original goal was simple: to make those responsible for my parents’ deaths experience the full force of public disgrace. The Rivers Biotech scandal had long faded from public memory, with only a few people still recalling the details. If I released the evidence recklessly, it was likely the story would be buried before gaining any traction. But Julian, in his attempt to force my submission, intentionally used his media connections to reignite the scandal, thrusting it back into the spotlight. He had meticulously prepared his narrative, aiming to extinguish any hope I had in one fell swoop. Instead, I used his own momentum against him, striking back with undeniable force when the attention was at its peak. Thanks to Norman’s unmatched efficiency, the wedding proceeded without interruption despite the drama. Meanwhile, Julian and Averil were escorted out by security, only to be immediately swarmed by an army of reporters. Standing amid the microphones and cameras, Julian
As the upcoming tour approached, the dance troupe suddenly revoked my position as the lead dancer. Anxious to get an explanation in person, I lost my footing due to my distracted state and tumbled down the stairs. While enduring the sharp pain and preparing to call for emergency services, a notification popped up on my phone screen: “Redwood Dance Troupe: Welcome our new lead dancer, Averil Wells, and our generous sponsor, Julian Ford."The accompanying photo featured two smiling faces—my husband of seven years, whom I had secretly married, and his pampered mistress. Julian had his arm wrapped around Averil's waist as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Meanwhile, Averil clung to Julian's neck, her face radiating shyness and delight.I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and posted a photo of our marriage certificate in the comments section:"Is your troupe’s new production called the Union of Bastards?"Before long, Julian called me."Victoria Dean, what stupid thing
A mask was tossed over. "Cover her mouth. Stop her from screaming." My wrist was locked in a crushing grip, my legs throbbed with pain, and my mouth was tightly covered. All I could do was let my tears flow helplessly. I could only watch as Julian took my phone, logged into my account, and posted an apology and clarification in my name. "I’ve changed your password and replaced your verification number with mine. For now, just stay out of trouble." When Julian finally looked up and saw my state, he seemed startled. He pushed Hank, away, glaring at him in reproach. "Did you really have to use that much force?" He rubbed my wrist gently. "Does it hurt? If you’d listened earlier, this wouldn’t have happened." I snatched my phone back and reluctantly opened my social media, only to find a post uploaded from my account that read:"I apologize for my earlier comment on Redwood Dance Troupe’s post. I am not married to Mr. Julian Ford. As a fan, I acted on selfish impulses. I also
At nine in the evening, Julian arrived with a bag of fruit."Victoria, I got you some cherries. Want to have some now?"I tossed my phone at him. The screen displayed Averil’s latest post:"I said I wanted sweet-and-sour cherries, and he ended up buying regular ones instead. Hilarious.""Did she not want them, so you decided to throw them my way?"Julian frowned. "Don’t be like this..."He stepped closer, wrapping an arm around my waist in a familiar gesture. "Is this because I haven’t touched you for so long? Are you upset about that?"I shoved him away with all my strength, then made a point of gagging a few times right in front of him.Dark clouds gathered on his face. "Victoria Dean, that’s enough. Stop acting like this.""Acting like what?" My heart ached, tears streaming down my face. "Do you have any idea how many hateful calls I’ve received? Do you know I’ve been blacklisted by every major dance troupe? My career is ruined! Julian Ford, what did I do wrong to deserve this?"I’v
Although his words were vague, they made his stance clear.I exhaled in relief. Over the next few days, I started packing my belongings and handling the necessary paperwork. I didn’t have much—just one suitcase in total. I left behind everything Julian had ever bought for me.It wasn’t because I was virtuous, nor was it because I still had feelings for him. He had cheated, leaving me utterly broken. When my world crumbled, my parents died in disgrace, and I became a pariah hounded by those who blamed me for the children’s deaths, it was Julian who saved me.I didn’t know how he convinced his father, but after that long night kneeling in the rain, he was cast out of the Ford family. At the same time, the relentless attacks against me online suddenly disappeared. He gave me a new name, a new identity, and a new life. He truly caught me as I was falling, staying by my side through the darkest of days. For that alone, I couldn’t bring myself to hate him. All I wanted now
My original goal was simple: to make those responsible for my parents’ deaths experience the full force of public disgrace. The Rivers Biotech scandal had long faded from public memory, with only a few people still recalling the details. If I released the evidence recklessly, it was likely the story would be buried before gaining any traction. But Julian, in his attempt to force my submission, intentionally used his media connections to reignite the scandal, thrusting it back into the spotlight. He had meticulously prepared his narrative, aiming to extinguish any hope I had in one fell swoop. Instead, I used his own momentum against him, striking back with undeniable force when the attention was at its peak. Thanks to Norman’s unmatched efficiency, the wedding proceeded without interruption despite the drama. Meanwhile, Julian and Averil were escorted out by security, only to be immediately swarmed by an army of reporters. Standing amid the microphones and cameras, Julian
In the following days, I quietly monitored the internet. As expected, certain accounts began resurrecting the old corruption scandal surrounding Rivers Biotech. With the help of a few influential bloggers, the story quickly gained traction, making headlines across major platforms. Julian didn’t bother sending me any more threats. He knew I’d understand the message loud and clear. Perhaps, as always, he was perched on his pedestal, waiting for me to cave, to beg for forgiveness. But this time, I refused to give him the satisfaction. I ignored him entirely, right up to the day of my wedding. Of course, Julian wouldn’t let things go so easily. He arrived at my wedding uninvited, bringing Averil with him as if he had every right to be there. Norman’s expression darkened. "Mr. Ford, I don’t recall your name being on the guest list." Julian smiled coolly. "Is it really so inappropriate for an ex-husband to stop by and offer his congratulations to the bride?" Though his w
Norman pressed his forehead gently against mine. "Everything with Rivers Biotech happened so suddenly. Your father barely had time to respond. The last email he sent me was just thirty minutes before he died. "I was ready to return the moment I got the news. But unfortunately, the heir of the Carter family at the time discovered my identity. He saw me as a threat to his position and sent people to intercept me.”"He had me beaten to the brink of death…" Norman’s voice darkened, trailing off. I hesitated before asking softly, "Were you badly hurt?" Norman let out a bitter laugh, the corner of his lips twitching with self-mockery. "I suffered a head injury. When I woke up, my mental capacity was reduced to that of a five-year-old. Ridiculous, isn’t it?" I looked straight into his eyes, their dark depths holding nothing but unfiltered sincerity. At that moment, the promises and the strength of the boy I’d once known came flooding back with startling clarity. After a few beat
The past was like a dagger lodged in my heart, and every time I revisited it, the pain was sharp and unrelenting. My parents were renowned experts in biopharmaceutical research. At its peak, Rivers Biotech, the company they founded, was the uncontested leader in the industry. Their names frequently appeared in major news outlets, often accompanied by the glowing title, "The Pioneers of Biopharmaceutical Innovation."When I was seventeen, they developed a groundbreaking drug aimed at treating genetic disorders. The early trials were highly successful, drawing attention and admiration from across the industry. But tragedy struck when the drug moved to the final clinical phase. The first group of patients who received the treatment all died of drug toxicity. What followed was an onslaught of damning evidence aimed squarely at my parents. Accusations of greed and fraud surfaced. Rumors swirled that they had substituted cheaper ingredients to cut costs, carried out inhumane human
Norman stepped out from behind a nearby pillar. In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to leave me alone and stayed close by. Together, we watched Julian’s car disappear into the distance, both of us exhaling a long breath of relief at the same time. I teased him, "Mr. Carter, you look like you’re in a great mood." His hand hesitated for a moment before settling lightly on my waist. "Of course I’m happy. Because now there’s finally space in your life for me." He paused before adding with a playful grin, "I’ve got my ID and a marriage license application ready. Can I propose to you right now?"I blinked in surprise, my mouth falling open. "What?" Norman’s grip on my waist tightened, and the tension in his jawline made him look impossibly serious—unyielding, even. But I knew better. He was just nervous. "Violet, will you marry me?" Like a magician pulling a trick, he suddenly produced a diamond ring from his pocket. His usually stern eyes softened, carrying a hint of un
Julian’s smile froze. "Victoria, I’m genuinely congratulating you. Can you stop being so prickly?" "Oh, please. I can’t afford to handle Mr. Ford’s ‘congratulations.’" For once, Julian didn’t rise to my taunt. "Victoria," he said after a pause, his tone uncharacteristically calm. "These Louis XIV roses were flown in just for you. Didn’t you say you wanted them before?" I hesitated, memories surfacing. I had mentioned it to him once, a long time ago. Back then, I’d shared the stage with Averil at an event. I was the lead performer, and she was just a backup dancer. After the show, someone brought an extravagant bouquet of Louis XIV roses onto the stage and handed them to Averil right in front of me. That day, all the media headlines revolved around Averil. I, the lead performer, was reduced to her shadow. At the time, I didn’t know Averil was Julian’s mistress. When I got home, I vented to Julian, feeling slighted. His response was less than comforting. He’d scowled, ca
On the grand stage adorned with elaborate designs, Averil, clad in her white "battle dress," danced confidently, completely unaware of what was happening.In the backstage control room, Julian’s gaze was glued to a different livestream.On the screen, a fiery red figure moved gracefully, needing neither lights nor stage effects. Her presence alone transformed the essence of dance into something raw and breathtaking.Meanwhile, the viewership of the show’s official livestream was plummeting. Like Julian, audiences were abandoning it in droves, flocking instead to the private livestream.The comment section was exploding, the scrolling text nearly obscuring the red figure:"Words fail me—this is insane!""Wow, after watching Victoria’s performance, Averil’s just a poor imitation.""Now it all makes sense why Averil claimed Victoria was forcing her to admit to plagiarism—a classic case of the thief crying ‘thief.’""Did anyone notice how Victoria is putting all her weight on one leg? It’s
On the day of the live broadcast, I decided not to let Norman drive me to the studio. As I stepped out of a taxi, Julian wasted no time sneering. "Victoria, what’s this? Couldn’t reel in Norman, or did he toss you aside after getting what he wanted?" I ignored him and moved to walk past, but he blocked my way with outstretched arms. "Victoria, your leg hasn’t even fully healed. You can’t win this dance today.”I met his gaze coldly. "I could beat her on one leg if I had to." Julian let out a derisive laugh. "Looks like I really spoiled you over the years. You’ve completely forgotten your place again."Should I remind you of the past? Back when everyone wanted you gone, and you were so desperate you knelt at my feet, begging me not to leave. You couldn’t even buy a bottle of water without asking my permission. Did you forget all that?" My tone remained calm. "Julian, you couldn’t see or remember all the love I gave you. The only things you held onto were my moments of weakness
Averil did it on purpose.She knew perfectly well that I hadn’t fully recovered from my leg injury, yet she proposed a live showdown, clearly aiming to gain the upper hand from the start.At this point, even if I told the truth, the public wouldn’t believe me. She would steer the narrative, and I’d end up looking like a vindictive sore loser.Averil had calculated everything meticulously except the fact that I had enough video evidence to prove my case.I prepared a post, carefully crafting the caption, and my finger hovered over the "post" button. Just one press and the truth would be out.But then, I hesitated.Exposing her like this felt too simple, too clean. A name like Averil Wells, along with everything she stood for, deserved to be nailed to the wall of shame, not hopping around in front of me like a dying insect.I hit "cancel" instead and typed a new response: "See you on stage."The Dancer Show became the hottest program of the moment, all thanks to the much-anticipated show