I ended up making my boyfriend, Asher Swanson, cry on his birthday. Because the person who shared an uncanny resemblance to him—had returned. 1 When Leland White appeared unannounced, I froze. His familiar features sent me spiraling into memories. Six years overseas, and now here he stood. Asher's expression darkened when he noticed my lingering gaze, his fingers tightening around mine in a silent reminder. I snapped back to reality and shifted my eyes away guiltily. Someone from our group recognized Leland greeted him warmly. "Leland, long time no see! You're finally back. Hey, Leland looks a bit like Asher, doesn't he... " The speaker trailed off, laughter brittle as the unspoken truth hung heavy in the air. "Haha, just a coincidence, right?" "Yeah, just a coincidence. Handsome people do tend to look alike." "Mm, genetics work in mysterious ways." Everyone in the room laughed awkwardly. All eyes kept darting between the two men like spectators at a tennis match. The truth was undeniable—Asher Swanson and Leland White could've passed for brothers. 2 "Michelle. It's been years. And who's 'this?" Leland approached with that familiar polished grace, his smile the same disarming curve I remembered from high school. His attention locked onto Asher's features. "Long time no see, " I replied calmly with smile, introducing Asher, "This is Asher Swanson, my boyfriend." Leland's voice was as elegant and soothing as a gentle piano melody, exuding warmth. "I came straight from the airport when I heard you were here, so I thought I'd drop by to see you," his smile turned apologetic. "Didn't realize it was your friend's birthday party." No wonder there was an unmistakable fatigue between his brows; he must still be adjusting to the time difference. Shouldering past Asher, he went to the bar to pour himself a drink. "Forgive my empty hands," he raised his glass. "Three shots now, proper gift next time." I remembered he once said he couldn't hold his liquor well. "No need, you can't handle alcohol... " Asher's fingers closed around mine, his smile slightly restrained. He was like a hedgehog with its quills raised in alertness. "Michelle, who is this?" At the same time, Leland put down his glass, staring at me intently. My mind raced, and I chose to downplay the situation. "He's my senior from high school, Asher, you've heard of him. Leland White, heir to the White Group." Leland's eyes dimmed. While Asher stared at him with a complex expression. 3 The atmosphere at the party grew increasingly tense. Everyone's smiles looked oddly forced. When the party ended, I realized I'd forgotten my bag. I went back to retrieve it while telling Asher to bring the car around. But as I headed toward the elevator with my bag, just before rounding the corner, I heard Leland and Asher's voices. I froze mid-step. Leland drawled in his typical measured tone, "You know Michelle was madly in love with me back then." "She's with me now." Asher didn't even look at him, but brows knitted tightly. "Really? Then why are you my carbon copy? A knockoff remains a knockoff." Leland taunted. My heart lurched. Had Leland grown this explicit over the years? A fist connected with flesh. Asher spun around wordlessly. Without letting Leland finish the taunt, his fist shot out. I gasped and lunged forward, seizing Leland's arm. "Asher, stop!" I knew Leland had trained in martial arts. The crowd came running at the noise, prying them apart. Half a minute later, I wedged myself between them to halt the confrontation. The tension dissipated as both men regained composure. Leland's demeanor shifted like turning a page. "My apologies," he said with a courteous smile. "I misspoke and provoked Asher." Asher snorted, "Shouldn't I hit back when provoked?" Seeing the onlookers' expressions of curiosity, I shot him a warning look. "You're drunk, Asher." Asher stiffened, his lips parted slightly as he stared at me, but no words came. As we departed, Leland dabbed at his bleeding lip and gave us a thin smile. 4 Inside the car. Asher clutched me close, his face buried in the curve of my neck. His voice cracked with anguish, "Michelle, tell me—what am I to you? What's Leland's place in this?" How could I answer that? My hands shook imperceptibly. I managed a weak smile, rubbing his back in reassurance. "You've got this wrong, Asher." Asher raised his head, eyes rimmed red, searching my gaze for truth. I pulled him into an embrace, my hair grazing his collarbone. Asher always melted at this. "You're the only one, Asher," I whispered against his shoulder. Mid-plea, I felt a dampness on my neck. I jerked back, cradling his face in my palms. Tears rolled down Asher's cheeks in silent streams. 5 Asher and I have been together for five years. Those five years, he'd stood by my side through every struggle—outmaneuvering rivals, ultimately claiming control of Payne Group from my grandfather. From the mocked "unpolished heiress" to Payne Group's undisputed leader. Only Asher Swanson knew the bloodied path between those two titles. Pride ran through his veins like mine. The man who never bent, never shows weakness in front of others—now trembling as tears tracked down his face. Not once in five years had I seen him cry—until tonight. Guilt and tenderness flooded me like broken dam. "You're my person," I murmured, thumb brushing his tear tracks. He jerked away. All the grievances he had suppressed throughout the night came pouring out. "Do I even count as your boyfriend? You couldn't look away from Leland the second he appeared." My lips parted to explain. Asher interrupted me again. "Do I remind you of him? Do you still like him?" "You just look alike, but your personalities are different," I replied. "I don't like him," I added. 6 I thought I had explained everything clearly. But come nightfall, he was still fuming—evident by his refusal to share the bedroom. He dragged out a sleeping mat, spreading it across the doorway. "Asher... " "Leave me alone!" He yanked the covers over his head with a blanket. Biting back a smile, I plucked at the quilt. "But you took the only blanket." His muffled retort came through the fabric. "There's a spare blanket in the closet, go get it yourself." "That one's too thin, I'll catch a cold with it." He knew I hated sleeping with the air conditioning on. Half a minute later, Asher slammed the blanket onto the mattress, turning his back to me without saying a word. I silently laughed, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing against his back, slowly closing my eyes. 7 Lightning split the sky as my phone buzzed at 1 AM, flashing like a warning siren. "Michelle, Leland is drunk and making a fuss, wanting to see you! I'll send you the location, so hurry over. You'd better come. He's two shots away from alcohol poisoning." It was a call from Grayson Knight, a friend of Leland's. I sighed as I looked at my phone. Asher was sleeping soundly next to me, completely undisturbed by the commotion. I opened the door to the private room. Grayson noticed me, his eyes flickering for a moment. "You came, Michelle." He let out a sigh of relief as he helped Leland, who was slumped drunkenly on the sofa, to sit up. After that, he exited the room, closing the door behind him. I took a wet wipe and cleaned Leland's face, then tossed it on the floor, staring at him intently. "What's the play here, Leland?" He seemed to come to his senses a little, "Michelle, please don't leave me, please." I took a step back, "We broke up six years ago." "You promised you'd wait for me, Michelle." Fragments of memories rushed into my mind. At that time, I had just been brought back to the Payne family. After years of dropping out to work, I entered school only to face exams, and my grades were awful. My ill-fitting presence clashed with the campus rhythm. Maxine Payne, with her crew, constantly bullied and mocked me, even encouraging them to spread rumors that I was an illegitimate child. At that time, Maxine and Leland were considered the perfect couple at school, admired by everyone. However, when the whole school turned against me and insulted me, it was Leland who quietly stood up to support and encourage me. Eventually, Leland confessed his feelings for me, and I accepted. But it wasn't long before Leland was sent abroad by his family. Before he left, he asked me to wait for him to come back. I smiled wryly, looking down at him, "Six years—six years for you to return. I can't wait that long." Leland stared at me, his eyes glazed over with longing. His gaze was intense, filled with affection. I wondered what he was looking at. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed my hand. I was taken by surprise as he pulled me into his arms. The heavy scent of alcohol surrounded me as he hugged me tightly. Just as he leaned down to kiss me, there was a loud bang! Suddenly, the door burst open.

I was abruptly yanked out of Leland's arms by someone bursting in. "Bang!" Asher swung his punch without holding back, sending Leland's face crashing to the side. "Asher!" I shouted. Grayson and I were taken aback and rushed to hold Asher back. "Don't stop me." Asher flung my hand away. He stopped, turning around with a fierce, menacing glare. However, as he started to speak, his voice trembled with emotion, softening his fury. "Didn't you say you had nothing to do with him? You abandoned me to look for him?" After shouting, Asher shot a vicious glare at the unconscious Leland on the ground. "You… Michelle, how could you be so ruthless?" He shouted and kicked Leland, then coldly shoved Grayson aside and stormed out. Grayson and I shared confused glances for a moment. "You should take him to the hospital. When he wakes up, fill him in on what happened tonight," I suggested. Then I went after Asher. 8 When I found Asher, he was sitting alone in the living room. Like an abandoned and lonely puppy left out in the rain. "Why is it so dark in here?" I sat down next to him, guilt washing over me. "Don't even think about breaking up with me," Asher rasped. I paused in silence for a moment, then shook my head. "Get our marriage certificate tomorrow," Asher urged. I stayed silent and shook my head once more. Asher's anger surged, and he gripped my shoulders tightly. "What do you mean? After five years together, we still can't get married? We have five years of love." "Yes, we have more than just five years of love." I echoed his words back to him. I leaned in closer and playfully pecked his lips, gently asking, "Asher, can we wait a bit longer?" "How long do you expect me to wait?" He was momentarily startled, then pushed me away coldly. "Six months?" I cautiously watched him. "Ha," Asher let out a cold laugh. But knowing him well, I recognized his concession, so I kissed him again. He pulled me close, as if he wanted to absorb me into him, then kissed me passionately. The heat between us intensified. My fingers tangled around his neck, clumsily kissing his lips. "Michelle," His ragged breath ghosted my neck. "Don't leave me. Look at me, I love you more than he does." "Always, Asher. I love you." 9 The next day, Asher had prepared breakfast for me again, just like always. On my way to the office, I got a call from Joseph Payne, who asked to meet with me. "What do you need from me?" I glanced at Joseph with impatience. "Some people only check in on their family a few times a year." Joseph sat cross-legged, making sarcastic remarks. "Why do you have this attitude towards dad?" Maxine, the biological daughter of my adoptive mother, interjected with her chin held high. "What are you interrupting for?" I shot her a cold glance. Maxine's expression shifted. "Ahem, control your temper." Joseph hit the table lightly. He looked me over. "Leland is back in the country. I heard he still doesn't have a girlfriend. Aren't the Payne Group and the White Group looking to collaborate? What do you think about a strategic family partnership through marriage?" I looked at Joseph with suspicion, not knowing what he was thinking. What benefits did the White Group give him? "I have boyfriend," I coldly replied. "Boyfriend? That poor guy? Break up with him." Joseph scoffed, his tone playful. "I heard your boyfriend looks quite like Leland, didn't they have a fight yesterday? I never expected my daughter would play these games." "He doesn't look like Leland at all," I retorted. Joseph and Maxine both laughed out loud. "Michelle, don't deceive yourself into believing your own nonsense." I couldn't be bothered with them. "If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." "Wait." Joseph cleared his throat and got to the point. "Maxine is about to turn 22, and according to our family rules, she deserves a share of the Payne Group's stock." After he finished speaking, I noticed the undeniable excitement and ambition in Maxine's eyes. So this was what their plan today. "Dad, are you losing your mind? Maxine, ha, she only has the surname Payne. Her real name should actually be Maxine Shawn!" I corrected. Years ago, my biological mother gave birth to me alone in a small hospital due to a car accident, and coincidentally, my adoptive mother Emma Shawn was also giving birth there. Maxine and I were swapped by accident. Maxine enjoyed 16 years of luxury in the Payne family in my stead. Meanwhile, I grew up in the Shawn family, working from a young age, never having enough to eat or wear, and dropped out of school in my first year of high school. It wasn't until I turned 16 that my grandfather found me and brought me back. Maxine desperately refused to return to the Shawn family, creating a scene and begging my biological father, Joseph, to let her stay. In the end, my grandfather brought me back to the old house to raise me, forcefully evicting Joseph and Maxine to ensure they wouldn't be in my sight. Joseph was only skilled in indulgence, so my grandfather didn't leave him any Payne Group's shares, only requiring me to provide him with five million each year for living expenses. As for Maxine... well, my grandfather transferred her household registration back to the Shawn family, yet she stubbornly refused to revert to her original surname. I stared at Maxine coldly, noticing her growing fear. She looked down, clinging to Joseph's arm, appearing pitiful. "Dad." Joseph tapped the table. "Michelle, don't be so greedy. You control 40 percent of the shares. What's wrong with giving some to Maxine?" I let out a derisive laugh. "Why should I share my possessions with such a disgusting person?" I walked over to Maxine. Caught off guard, I slapped her, causing her to stumble. "Understand your own identity, and don't think you can grasp what isn't yours." "You... " Maxine held her face, sprawled on the ground in disbelief. "Joseph Payne, I call you dad out of courtesy, but don't take it seriously. The company is mine, so don't interfere, or don't even mention the five million… and remember, that villa you live in is still under my name." With that, I ignored both of them and swiftly left the villa. 10 "Michelle." At the entrance of the villa, I ran into Leland. "What a coincidence." I held back my earlier anger and smiled politely at him. Leland thanked me gently, "Thank you for coming to see me yesterday." "As long as you're not angry at Asher." I noticed the bruise at the corner of his eye. Asher really didn't hold back. I was about to leave this dreadful place when he unexpectedly grabbed my arm. "Michelle, have we really become this estranged?" I pushed his hand away while glancing around to see if Asher might suddenly show up again. "Maybe you should call me by my full name; my boyfriend gets jealous." I smiled politely at him. The light in Leland's eyes faded. "Michelle, then today let's only discuss business, not personal matters." "Business?" "In regards to the Payne Group's latest project, I'm here on behalf of the White Group to discuss a partnership with you." "Partnership?" I mulled over the word. Three days ago, the chairman of the White Group, Leland's grandfather, passed away suddenly without naming a successor. That must be the reason why Leland returned so abruptly. Currently, within the White Group, Leland and his uncle were in a fierce struggle. To make matters even worse, a major financial discrepancy was discovered within the White Group. In this crucial moment, a partnership between the Payne Group and White Group was clearly not the right decision. Therefore, I offered Leland a polite smile and shook my head. "Please allow me to consider it for a few days." Adults could certainly recognize such a polite rejection. Leland's expression shifted slightly. 11 The car window went up. Before the car started, Leland silently watched my car pull away through the foggy window. "Backtrack from the other side and go around." Before I left the villa complex, I instructed the driver to backtrack and exit through another gate. The entire process took only a few minutes. As we drove past Joseph's residence from a distance, I noticed Maxine sprinting out of the gate to greet Leland. "Tch." 12 A few days later, the Knight Group held a business banquet at the Tranquil Haven Hotel. Of course, I received an invitation as well. The hall was magnificent and resplendent. I made my way to the center of the hall, looking around for familiar faces from the industry. "Good evening, Michelle." Leland approached me confidently, raising his glass. We clinked our glasses together. "Michelle." Just then, Maxine sauntered over, swaying her hips. Why was she here as well? What bad luck! "Oh, Michelle, why didn't you bring your boyfriend? I haven't had the chance to meet him yet. I heard he resembles Leland a lot..." After saying that, Maxine pretended to cover her mouth while laughing dramatically. I shot her a disdainful glance. "Has the swelling on your face gone down?" Maxine's laughter came to an abrupt halt, and her face twisted for a moment. I gave her a scornful look and was about to walk away, holding my wine glass. 13 "Clink!" Just then, a loud noise suddenly came from above. I looked up and saw the enormous crystal chandelier swaying dangerously. "Watch out, the chandelier is falling!" At that moment, I had already moved out of the chandelier's path. Only Leland and Maxine remained standing somewhat in the center. "Get moving!" I hurried back to grab Leland and dragged him, stumbling toward the exit. Moments later, a thunderous crash echoed throughout the hall. Fragments of glass exploded around me, slicing into my bare calves and leaving streaks of blood. I steadied my racing heart and looked up to meet Leland's piercing gaze. "Michelle, thank you." He looked genuinely moved, and his voice held a hint of something unusual. I let go of his hand and shook my head slightly, attempting to calm myself. I turned away from his gaze and noticed that Maxine was mostly unhurt. She was merely screaming, clutching her face where the shards had grazed her. "Michelle, Leland, are you both alright?" Grayson walked over, looking visibly shaken. I shared a calm glance with Grayson before we each looked away. "I'm okay." I lowered my eyes and slightly shook my head. 14 I rejected Leland's offer to take me to the hospital and drove there on my own. After ensuring that no glass shards had embedded in my skin, I quickly applied some ointment and headed straight home. I needed to get home fast; the news of the accident would be spreading everywhere by now, and Asher in the lab would have probably found out. Once I was home, Asher quietly took off my high heels and laid my feet on his lap. "Does it hurt?" "Yes, it hurts," I replied. "If you knew it would hurt, why did you go back to pull him out?" Asher asked. I opted for silence. Asher's expression was complicated as he forced a calm voice. "Aren't you usually chatty? Why are you so quiet now?" "Asher," I tugged at his sleeve, softening my voice. Asher silently pushed me away, his lips twitching as he struggled to form a smile. A smile that was both heartbroken and profoundly painful. "I saw the video. You didn't hesitate at all when you turned around to pull him out..." "Asher, that's not it..." I tried to explain. Asher pressed a finger to my lips, interrupting me. "Do you want to break up with me? Is the promise you made about us getting married in six months still valid?" "No, we won't break up. We will get married." I assured him immediately. "That's good." He tenderly held my face as if nothing had happened and kissed me over and over. "Michelle, stay away from him from now on." 15 "Michelle, it's been six years, and I've realized that I still love you," Leland said. In the café, I stopped stirring my coffee and looked up at Leland, whose face was filled with anticipation. What was he looking forward to? "But I already have boyfriend." Leland's face turned pale. "Michelle, can you give me a chance?" I shook my head. Leland seemed unable to accept it, shaking his head in denial. "Michelle, you're lying to yourself. You can't explain why your first instinct yesterday was to save me, or why your current boyfriend resembles me so much..." "Stop overthinking." I couldn't help but waver, forcibly interrupting him. "I would have gone back to save anyone under that chandelier yesterday!" Leaving those words behind, I hurriedly left the café. Leland's words kept echoing in my mind. How could that be? Leland had only been back for a short while, and those memories of "loving" him were from six years ago. I only loved Asher now. That was true. 16 The Payne Group and the White Group were going to form an alliance. I heard the news while Maxine was flaunting it in front of me. "Dad went to discuss the alliance with Leland yesterday. I'm going to marry Leland. Can you believe it, Michelle?" I briefly looked up from the stack of documents. "Alliance? Does Joseph have the right to meddle in the affairs of the Payne Group? The Payne Group belongs to me, not him." I firmly reminded her, "You can marry him if you want, but don't label it as a joint alliance. Maxine, you have no right to represent the Payne Group!" Joseph pushed open the door and barged in, "Michelle, don't be so tyrannical! I'm still your father." I glanced at the secretary outside, signaling for her to close the door. "Weren't you traveling and looking for lovers all these years? Why suddenly care about the company? Who's been influencing you?" I closed the documents and scrutinized Joseph, pausing briefly on Maxine beside him. Joseph argued, "I'm doing this for Payne Group's benefit! Partnering with White Group is completely harmful!" What did a man who hadn't been involved in company affairs for over a decade knew about directing things here? I scoffed at him, "Do you think the White Group is still the same as it was ten years ago?" At that moment, Leland pushed open the door and walked in, accompanied by an exasperated-looking secretary. It seemed my office had turned into a treasure trove today, with everyone wanting to intrude. Leland looked at me firmly, "I only want to marry Michelle." "What are you saying, Leland?" Maxine looked at him in disbelief. Joseph frowned but then relaxed, as if realizing something. "She has boyfriend. What's so good about Michelle?" I signaled the secretary to call security. The guards, already stationed outside, rushed in and escorted Joseph and Maxine out. "Michelle, I'm your father. Don't go too far!" What a hassle. I quietly rolled my eyes. 17 Leland pushed a document towards me. "What's this?" I glanced at the document, my eyes flickering. "The White Group's equity transfer agreement." I looked at Leland in confusion. "I can't offer you many guarantees, Michelle. This is 20 percent of the shares I hold in White Group," Leland explained. I propped my chin, intrigued by the transfer contract. "I can offer you more than Asher can, and I love you more than he does." Leland suddenly knelt next to me, pulling out a box and opening it to reveal a diamond ring. A ten-carat diamond ring, sparkling brightly. I tilted my head slightly, gazing at him with a complex expression. "Michelle, marry me." "Is the condition for receiving this 20% equity that I marry you?" I diverted my gaze from the diamond ring. "No, it's a gift for you. You can sign now, Michelle." "Are you sure? Giving it to me means you'll have almost nothing left." Leland smiled warmly, "I won't regret giving it to you." I chuckled softly, my eyes curving slightly. "Alright." I picked up the pen and swiftly signed my name. "As for the marriage proposal..." I picked up the sparkling diamond ring. "I'll take the ring, but I need some time to think." "Okay." 18 Grayson walked into the private room. I tossed the diamond ring I was holding to him. He caught it and was startled when he saw it, "What's this?" "The diamond ring Leland gave me. Sell it and transfer the money to me." Grayson was momentarily stunned, "He proposed to you?" "Not just proposed." I waved the equity transfer contract in my hand at him, "He also transferred 20 percent of White Group shares to me." Grayson was visibly pleased, "Is he really that willing?" "Tch." I gave a cold smile. "Willing? How could he not be? He thinks that after pulling off such a grand show, I'll be deeply touched, team up with him to bring down his uncle, and help him take over White. By then, not only this 20 percent share but the entire White Group would be his." I smirked coldly, "Not only that, but he also expects me to marry him. After marriage, once I have a child, I'll 'accidentally' die in an incident, and then even Payne Group would be his." I stared at the equity transfer document in my hand, my eyes brimming with undisguised triumph. It was worth it for Grayson to tamper with that chandelier, creating an opportunity for me to 'risk my life' to save him, making Leland believe that I still loved him. Grayson pressed his lips together, holding the diamond ring, "When will you reel it in?" "It's already begun." "Then what about the promise you made to me..." Grayson asked. I looked at him, "Once I take over White Group, I'll work with you to take down your father's several illegitimate children and help you become the heir of Knight Group." I owed it all to Grayson. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known Leland's true intentions upon returning this time. Not only did he want to use my help to control White Group, but he also dared to dream of swallowing Payne Group. As for that brief high school romance. Did he really think I was that easy to sway? Did he think I couldn't see the disdain in his eyes every time he came close to me with that fake smile? And then Grayson came to me, revealing the truth. Back in their circle, Leland's confession to me was nothing more than a prank orchestrated by him and Maxine out of sheer boredom. Fortunately, I had my own plans to turn the tables and expose their deceit. If Leland hadn't gone abroad and disrupted our plans, he and Maxine would have been ruined by my long-prepared strategy. In any case, I've been aiming to bring down the White Group for years. Whether it was for my grandfather's pursuit of the truth—that Leland's father orchestrated the accident that caused my biological mother's premature labor, leading to me and Maxine being swapped. Or for Asher... 19 I fell back onto the sofa, resting my head in my hands as I quietly watched Asher. "Asher." "What's up?" He lifted his head from the book, his eyes twinkled with excitement. "It'll be over soon. We'll be married soon." This clearly made Asher happy. His eyes sparkled like a sky full of stars. "You're not just saying that to give me a perfunctory response, are you?" He rushed over and hugged me tightly. I tilted my head up to kiss his chin. "When have I ever just said things to give you a perfunctory response?" I wrapped my arms around his neck, staring into the stars in his eyes. "We'll have a grand wedding. And then you'll cook for me every day." "Aren't I already cooking for you every day?" Asher playfully teased me. Little puppy Asher. 20 With the 20 percent shares Leland gave me, along with the shares I had secretly acquired over the years. I quickly became the head of the White Group. After transferring several projects from the White Group to the Payne Group... A month later, the White Group was gone. Their bankruptcy happened more quickly than I had anticipated, and it was partly due to the efforts of the Knight Group and others. "Chairman, Mr. White is trying to barge in to see you," the secretary announced as she opened the door. I waved her off. "Get more security to stop him." The secretary was about to leave. "Wait, " I called her back. "I'll go down." At the entrance of the Payne Group, Leland had become a far cry from the noble young man he once was, looking completely disheveled under the blockade of many security guards. "Michelle! Michelle!" As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, his venomous gaze locked onto me from afar. I leisurely stopped ten meters away from him, my heels clicking on the floor. There was a row of security guards between us. "Is there something you need?" I smiled at him kindly. Leland was trembling with rage. "Why?" "Why?" I echoed, then gave a dazzling smile. "We're both business rivals. You wanted to swallow the Payne Group, and I wanted to take over the White Group. You think you're the only one who can act? How old are you, still playing the love game with me? I've never liked you, you know? Seeing you makes my skin crawl." With that, I turned sharply, my heels clicking crisply on the polished floor. "Michelle, Michelle, I'll kill you!!!" 21 The strong smell of hospital disinfectant. I stood like a stone statue in front of the operating room door. It was only when the doctor came out that I was able to move again. "How is it, doctor?" "The surgery was successful. The car accident caused a mild concussion, so the patient needs to be observed for a while..." The doctor replied. "Surgery was successful... good, that's great." The heavy weight on my heart finally lifted, and I staggered back a few steps. I walked into the hospital room, sat beside Asher, and stroked his short hair, letting tears fall down my face. I remembered the first time I saw him. I actually knew him long before I met Leland. We met when I was just fourteen. He had the same short hair, with big, bright eyes. Since eighth grade, I went to his mom's restaurant after school every day to wash dishes for money. At that time, he was in his rebellious phase, always smiling playfully, looking both charming and annoying. With his good looks, he often asked his mom for pocket money to buy popsicles. He always shared one with me. After washing dishes, I would do my homework under the restaurant's lights. Once I finished, I would help Asher with his homework for the day. He often struggled to write it, his attitude was careless, and he frequently teased me until I would hit him with a book. When my adoptive father got drunk and hit me, Asher would run over to protect me from my adoptive father's drunken rages. Even at the moment he learned I was dropping out, he came over to offer me money for my studies, but I still turned him down. My adoptive parents would cause trouble at school, trying every means to force me to earn money for them. It wasn't until my grandfather found me and brought me back to the Payne family. That year, I returned to school, attending the same one as Maxine and the others. Asher would occasionally take the bus across the city to see me. Until that one incident... Maxine saw that I was gaining more attention from my grandfather and was being brought into the company for tours. And Leland was also trying to win me over... They conspired together, secretly hiring a group of thugs to abduct me to a nearby deserted alley and commit a crime. At the critical moment, Asher showed up and rushed in to save me. He stood in front of me, blocking the blows and pushed me out of the alley while holding off the gang. "Michelle, run!" he yelled. I ran away, and when I returned with help, I found him lying in the alley, covered in blood, as if he were dead. 22 I prayed with all my heart for a miracle to save Asher, willing to pay any price. The heavens answered, bringing Asher back to me. The price was Asher losing his previous memories. We met anew, fell in love again, and it was I who confessed to him. After my grandfather passed away, I fully took over the company, and during this time, Asher, who stayed by my side, became more widely known. People often said Asher resembled Leland, claiming Leland was my true love. Their eyes must have been deceiving them; how could Leland resemble Asher in any way? Somehow, Asher found out about these rumors and started to feel insecure, always thinking he was merely a substitute for me. No matter how many times I explained, he would doubt again, thinking I was deceiving him. But I never lied to him. My true love had always been him, my Asher. Leland was nothing more than a worthless piece of trash. 21. "Miss Payne." My secretary called from outside the door. I turned and gestured for her to be quiet, wiped away my tears, and slowly stood up to walk out. "How is it?" I tried to suppress the hatred in my eyes. "We've found the right lawyer. With the charges of drunk driving at the university gate and attempted murder, the lawyer can get Leland sentenced to at least twenty years." "Good, " I replied softly. Turning to look through the glass at the still-unconscious Asher, my voice couldn't help but carry a chill. "Ensure he's kept behind bars without parole." "Got it, Miss Payne." "What about Maxine?" It was been five years; it was time to take action. The secretary adjusted her gold-framed glasses and handed me a document. "These are her recent activities." 23 "Maxine is pregnant with my child. The company should have a share for your brother in the future too," Joseph said. I hadn't been in the villa for more than ten seconds when Joseph impatiently threw a pregnancy certificate in front of me. I glanced indifferently at Maxine, who stood beside him, smugly cradling her barely noticeable belly. Tsk, just a few months ago, they claimed to be father and daughter, and now they ended up in bed together. However... a hint of amusement flashed in my eyes. I hadn't expected grandpa to keep such a big secret from Joseph; I thought he knew already. "Do you really think the child in Maxine's belly is yours? Do you think you can still father a child?" I scoffed, tossing the certificate back at Joseph's head. "Do you remember that not long after my mother had her car accident, you had one too? That accident ruined your ability to father children. Even if it still worked, you couldn't have kids. Otherwise, why do you think Grandpa never urged you to have another child?" I mocked him mercilessly. "Joseph, you're being made a fool of!" Joseph stood there, stunned as if struck by lightning. I laughed heartily and walked out of the villa. "You bastard, I'll kill you!" I hadn't even reached the door when I heard Joseph's furious roar and Maxine's screams from inside. After being kicked out of Joseph's villa, Maxine had nowhere to go and soon ended up as a mistress to a man in his fifties. Within a month, she was driven out by the man's wife. The last I heard, she somehow got involved with drugs and was sent to prison for scamming someone out of money. 24 A week later, Asher regained consciousness. By then, winter had set in, and overnight, the window was adorned with intricate frost patterns. "Asher." "Yes?" He instinctively curved his lips into a weak smile, responding softly. Tears streamed down my face. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Asher, I've hurt you again." He slowly reached out, his pinky gently hooking onto mine, his eyes as bright as ever, like a sky full of stars. "Don't cry, your eyes are all red." He reached out his right hand to me. Even though he was weak, his voice still brimmed with excitement and joy. "Look what I discovered! Why is there a ring on my ring finger?" His joyful laughter broke through the sadness I brought. I lowered my face to rest against the back of his hand. His hand was warm, unlike my cold cheek. It was this warmth that made me fall for him unconditionally. "I was afraid you'd be angry and leave me, so I thought I'd put a ring on you first, to tie you to me, to keep you by my side." I couldn't leave him. I kissed the ring on his right ring finger. "Asher, let's get married, shall we?" "Yes, let's get married, and be together forever," Asher answered. I lifted my head and gently kissed Asher. At that moment, our hearts beat in perfect harmony.