Chapter 1

Deep inside the plush Maybach, I was utterly lost in Julian’s dizzying kiss.

My clothes were gone, scattered around us, yet Julian remained impeccably dressed. The stark contrast made a blush creep up my neck.

He reached out, pulling my waist closer. A low chuckle rumbled from him. “The privacy screen is up, the driver can’t hear a thing, and wouldn’t dare to anyway. What are you blushing about, huh?”

Watching the usually aloof man’s movements grow more fierce beneath me, I embraced him, my eyes full of love. Just as the tide of pleasure surged, rapidly climbing towards its peak, a sudden, jarring phone ring shattered the moment.

Interrupted like that, Julian’s brow furrowed. But seeing the caller ID, he answered.

I caught my breath, glancing at the contact name. It was Caleb, his closest friend in his circle.

“Julian, you’re insa—”

Julian cut him off, speaking in fluent Italian, “Not convenient. Speak Italian.”

A deep breath echoed from the other end, followed by a long pause before Caleb spoke, also in Italian: “You actually married Serena? What in the world are you thinking?! You went blind saving her back then, and she abandoned you at your lowest point, running off with another man, almost destroying you completely! And now you’re getting back together with her?!”

Those unfamiliar words automatically translated themselves in my mind.

Once I pieced together what was being said, a cold dread washed over me, plunging me into an ice-cold despair.

Julian, however, didn’t notice my abnormal reaction. “If I don’t marry her, her family will force her to marry a man old enough to be her father. I can’t bear to see her suffer that kind of humiliation.”

“What about Vivian then? When you lost your sight, she was the only one by your side. She’s been with you for years, loved you so fiercely, almost giving you her very soul! All of us, your friends, we’ve seen it!”

Listening to the unconcealed fury in Caleb’s voice, Julian remained coldly indifferent. “I’ll find a way to keep it a secret. She’ll never know about this.”

“How long can you hide it? A lifetime? Doesn’t Vivian want to marry you?”

The more he listened, the more irritated Julian became, his tone growing hurried. “Block the news of me and Serena getting married. Don’t tell anyone. In a while, I’ll prepare a fake marriage certificate for Vivian.”

With that, he hung up, not wanting to hear any more of Caleb’s pointless chatter.

Lowering his gaze, Julian tossed his phone aside and continued to claim me.

I trembled uncontrollably. After we both reached ecstasy and started to get dressed, my lips parted, about to speak, when his phone chimed again.

It was a SnapChat notification, a special one.

Julian picked it up, glanced at it, and then told the driver to stop.

“Vivian, something urgent came up at the company. Could you get off here and take a cab home?”

I said nothing, just nodded silently, and opened the car door.

The black Maybach sped away like a black streak.

I stood by the roadside, staring blankly at the busy street, teeming with endless traffic. I couldn’t hold back anymore; tears streamed down my face.

No one knew that to close the distance between Julian and me, I had learned Italian long ago.

So, every word he and Caleb spoke, I understood.

Every single word echoed in my ears, piercing my heart like countless razor-sharp blades.

And long-buried memories, along with my shattered, disillusioned love, surged through my mind all at once.

Julian was a golden boy, born into privilege, while I was a housekeeper’s daughter.

That year, I followed my mom into the Albright family’s luxurious villa and saw Julian gracefully playing the piano in the sunlight.

I had never heard such beautiful music, nor had I ever seen such a handsome boy.

So, with just one glance, the name Julian was deeply etched into my heart.

I never told anyone that I harbored a secret love for someone.

Not just because of the vast social chasm between us, but also because I knew Julian had a girl he liked.

Her name was Serena, his childhood sweetheart, who grew up with him.

He never hid his affection for her, cherishing her like a precious gem, fiercely protective.

Even at seventeen, to save Serena, Julian accidentally lost his sight in a car accident.

But from that day on, Serena vanished into thin air, never setting foot in the Albright household again. She even got a new boyfriend.

The Albright family had more than one grandchild, and Mr. and Mrs. Albright were constantly busy with their careers, with no time to care for their now-blind son.

Julian was relegated to the old estate, utterly alone and forgotten.

I volunteered to move back to the old estate and personally cared for him for seven long years.

When I was twenty-three, I even camped out for three days and nights outside a renowned doctor's office, pleading until he finally agreed to take Julian's case and cured his eye condition.

The tarnished gem regained its brilliance, making a stunning comeback and astonishing everyone.

It only took him a year to return to the top, becoming the heir to Albright Industries.

It was *me* who stayed with him through harsh winters and scorching summers, *me* who comforted him from midnight to dawn, *me* who helped him endure those grueling seven years. And it was *me* he kissed, embraced, and slept with…

But I never imagined that the first thing he’d do after regaining control was to marry Serena, the very woman who had abandoned him!

All these years, I’d worked tirelessly, pushing myself to the limit to keep up with him.

But no matter what I became, Julian's parents always felt I wasn't good enough for their son, repeatedly trying to pay me off and get rid of me.

Julian always argued with his family for me, and I didn't want to let him down, so I never thought about leaving.

Until today.

I didn't want to stay by his side anymore.

So, I wiped away my tears, pulled out my phone, and dialed a number.

“Mrs. Albright, I accept your offer of fifty million dollars. I will leave Julian forever!”

### Chapter 2

On the other end of the line, Mrs. Albright instantly became ecstatic.

“You finally came to your senses? Good. How could a housekeeper’s daughter like you ever be worthy of my Albright heir? Where are you now? Come over quickly, and we can sign the contract.”

Looking at the address she impatiently sent, I gave a bitter, self-deprecating laugh and hailed a cab.

Upon arriving at the coffee shop, Mrs. Albright asked me many questions.

After I answered each one, she showed a satisfied expression and pushed a stack of papers across the table.

“It’s all in black and white. Once you sign, there’s no turning back. I’ll transfer half the money to your account as soon as you sign, and the other half on the day you leave. You must promise that once you have the money, you will never appear before Julian again, understood?”

My eyelashes fluttered as I looked at the truly astronomical sum for compensation on the agreement.

Of course, I wouldn’t appear again.

Not in this life, nor the next, did I ever want to see Julian again.

So, without hesitation, I picked up the pen and signed my name decisively.

Mrs. Albright finally looked relieved. She gathered the agreement, stood up, and delivered one last instruction.

“I’m only giving you two weeks. Go off-grid or leave the country, whatever you prefer. You must find a way for Julian to never see you again.”

“I understand, Mrs. Albright. You have my word.”

After seeing Mrs. Albright off, I returned home.

Making Julian never see me again was simple.

Their powerful family had certain restrictions, making international travel nearly impossible for its members. As long as I immigrated, Julian would never be able to find me again.

After sifting through piles of overseas information for most of the night, I finally decided to immigrate to Australia.

Once decided, I picked up my phone to check the time, only to see a new SnapChat notification.

Tapping it open, it was Serena’s photo dump.

The top three photos were selfies of her holding roses. In the center were three photos of two marriage certificates. Below those were three photos of two hands, fingers intertwined.

I knew that since Julian wanted to keep their marriage a secret, he would never have allowed Serena to post this.

But she had posted it, and she’d set it to be visible only to me, purely to gloat.

I discreetly 'liked' the post.

As soon as I exited, I received a message from Julian.

“Vivian, I’m going on a business trip. I won’t be back for a few days.”

I replied with an ‘Okay’ and put down my phone to wash up.

The next day, I woke up early to handle my immigration paperwork.

Because I was pressed for time, I specifically applied for the expedited process.

The staff promised it would be done within half a month, and only then did I breathe a sigh of relief.

After getting in the car, I scrolled through Serena’s SnapChat again.

This time, Julian’s half-body was visible.

They were holding hands, looking at new homes, and finally settled on a villa in a high-end coastal development.

Just like yesterday, I liked the post.

On the third day, I went to my company and resigned.

After carrying my belongings home, I saw Serena’s SnapChat again, where she was already wearing a wedding dress, with a dazzling diamond ring sparkling on her ring finger.

As always, I liked the post, then buried myself under my duvet.

On the fourth day, I woke up to a fresh update on SnapChat.

This time, the camera was focused on wedding photos hanging in their bridal suite.

I stared for a long while before snapping back to reality.

I liked the post as usual, then put on some makeup and went out for a farewell dinner with my closest friends.

In the evening, I returned with several boxes and threw away everything related to Julian.

All the gifts he had given me over the years, the matching toothbrushes and mugs, the photos we took together…

Nothing was left. It all went into the trash.

By the time I finished, it was late at night.

I was about to turn off the lights and rest when Julian suddenly returned.

He froze the moment he saw the empty room, his brow furrowed deeply.

“Why are so many things missing from the house?”

“I didn’t like them anymore, so I threw them out. I’ll buy new ones later.”

Julian nodded, took off his clothes, tossing them onto the sofa, but his gaze was drawn to a box nearby.

“You resigned?”

He paused, then noticed something else on the coffee table.

“Why did you suddenly take out your household registration book?”

“I was too tired, wanted to rest for a while, so I resigned. And the household book, well, I have some paperwork to take care of.”

I explained everything, putting my things into my bag.

Seeing my composure, Julian didn’t think much of it. He pulled me into his arms, his voice gentle. “I’ve been busy these past few days and haven’t had time for you. Your birthday is in a couple of days. How about I take you to an auction tomorrow to pick out some gifts?”

I didn’t refuse.

The next day, as we settled into our seats in the main hall, I saw Serena.

She sashayed over to us, sitting in the empty seat next to Julian.

All evening, Julian kept his head turned towards me, talking, not sparing her a single glance.

After the auction ended, he didn’t linger, pulling me downstairs.

Before heading home, I went to the restroom.

As I came out, I saw Serena cornered in the stairwell by a group of men, openly mocking her.

“Well, well, isn’t it our Miss Serena? Betrayed Julian back then, and now you’ve fallen so low. Is this karma?”

“I heard your father’s forcing you to marry a decrepit old man with one foot in the grave. You’re still pretty, why not join us? We’d treat you with kindness—”

The rest of his sentence was cut off.

Julian came down the stairs, his face deathly pale. He kicked the playboys, sending them sprawling.

### Chapter 3

Then, he pinned the ringleader to the ground, delivering punch after punch, relentlessly, leaving them bloody and bruised, begging for mercy.

“We’re sorry, Mr. Albright, we were wrong! Please, have mercy on us!”

“Get out! If any of you dare to show your faces in front of her again, you’ll face the consequences!”

His furious roar sent the men scurrying away like terrified mice.

Many onlookers had gathered in the stairwell.

Julian ignored their prying eyes, helping Serena to her feet. “Are you hurt?”

Serena threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face, looking utterly broken. “I twisted my ankle, it hurts so much.”

Julian’s eyes darkened. He scooped her up, pushed through the crowd, and quickly left.

To shield the woman in his arms, he braced his arm, even accidentally pushing me to the ground.

My head hit the hard steps, opening a gash that bled profusely, startling the onlookers.

“Your head’s bleeding! Quick, call 911!”

My face crumpled in pain, cold sweat breaking out all over me.

Warm blood seeped between my fingers, dripping onto my eyelashes, heavy as a thousand pounds.

I watched Julian’s retreating back, unable to turn his head, my mouth filled with a bitter taste.

Before, if I cut my finger while cooking for him, he’d be distraught for ages, insisting on calling a doctor, terrified I’d be left with a scar.

I thought he was making a mountain out of a molehill, but he’d lower his head, kiss my hand, and gently tell me, “Vivian, you’re the apple of my eye. When you get hurt, I feel it more than you. Our life is getting better now; you don’t need to do these things anymore. Your hand will wear my ring one day; scars won’t look good.”

Now, I was injured, and he looked right through me.

And the ring he promised me? It was on someone else’s finger.

The ambulance took me to the hospital.

I registered, saw the doctor, and picked up my medication all by myself, only getting home late at night.

That night, I was in so much pain I couldn't close my eyes, tossing and turned all night.

Julian didn’t come home.

The next morning, I dragged my tired body out of bed to change my dressing and saw Serena’s SnapChat.

It was a video of Julian kneeling, massaging her ankle and applying medicine.

I watched it several times, my eyes red-rimmed, and unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up again, it was dark outside.

My phone on the pillow vibrated incessantly. I answered the call and heard Julian give an address.

“The Riverside Manor, Private Room 703. Come now.”

I hesitated for a moment before getting out of bed.

I washed up and hurried over.

The moment I pushed open the private room door, the first person I saw was Serena.

Her eyes were red, looking pitifully vulnerable like a wronged little bunny.

Julian watched her intently, silent, his face etched with a meaningful, heavy expression.

The room was quiet for a long time before I finally couldn't help but speak.

“Why did you call me here?”

Julian straightened up, clasping his hands, adopting the posture of a man accustomed to power.

“Vivian, were those ruffians yesterday, the ones harassing Serena, sent by you deliberately?”

I froze.

I instinctively glanced at Serena and caught a fleeting flicker of triumph in her eyes.

In that instant, I understood that this was all likely Serena's own doing.

I gave a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. “It wasn’t me. I don’t know them, and I have no interest in doing such a thing.”

Julian's expression didn’t soften with my explanation.

He lowered his gaze, his voice calm. “Vivian, the moment Serena decided to abandon me, I completely let her go. You’ve been with me for seven years; you should know who’s in my heart now. Serena’s family is down on their luck, anyone can step on them, but it shouldn’t be you. You don’t need to make things difficult for her for my sake.”

At that, my heart gave a sharp, painful jolt.

I couldn’t help but remember the nights he’d lash out in pain, the times I’d rushed around with him, seeking doctors and remedies, his silent expression when he was misdiagnosed and told he’d never see again…

A golden boy, losing his sight entirely for a girl.

But those desperate days and nights, those seven whole years, he now lightly dismissed, as if they had never happened.

Finally, I remembered the marriage certificate with his and Serena’s official seals, and my eyes welled up with unshed tears. “Yes, seven years together. How is it that I’m only just finding out who’s truly in your heart now?”

Hearing that, Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

I shook my head, a self-deprecating smile playing on my lips. “It means, I’m just a housekeeper’s daughter. What power or connections do I have to round up a bunch of thugs to bully a rich girl?”

Even though I spelled it out clearly, Julian still didn’t believe me.

I was tired. I took a deep breath and gave up on explaining.

“Since you don’t believe me, then just tell me directly, what do you want me to do?”

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Apologize, Vivian. When you do something wrong, you should say sorry.”

At that moment, Serena, who had been looking pitifully vulnerable for a long time, suddenly spoke.

“Oh, an apology isn’t necessary. If you’re truly sorry, just drink all these.”

### Chapter 4

On the table, rows of amber whiskey bottles sat.

My gaze moved up, landing on Julian, wanting a definitive answer from him.

But the lights were dim, obscuring his expression.

In the boundless silence, I felt a sense of breathlessness.

I gasped, and many past memories flashed through my mind.

When he first moved into the old estate, Julian, unable to see, would numb himself with alcohol every day.

I worried about his health and constantly urged him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen.

Until one time, when he was drunk, he sneered and pushed several bottles towards me.

“Now even a housekeeper’s daughter dares to lecture me. Am I truly a tiger fallen to the plains, bullied by dogs? Fine, if you drink all of these, I’ll listen to you.”

I wanted to tell him that wasn’t what I meant, that I wasn’t lecturing him, I was… worried about him.

So, even though I was allergic to alcohol, for his sake, I didn't hesitate for a second. I picked up a bottle and drank it all.

Within minutes, I was rushed to the hospital.

When I woke up, I saw him sitting by my bedside, his face dark. “*I* was the one who was drunk, not you! You knew you were allergic to alcohol, why would you gamble with your life?”

I only answered with one sentence.

“Because I was worried about you, Julian. Your eyes will see again eventually. Even if they don’t get better, I’ll stay with you for life. So, please, don’t give up, okay?”

From that day on, Julian quit drinking.

For years afterward, not even an empty bottle could be found in the house.

Thinking back, I started to laugh, but tears glimmered in my eyes.

I didn’t explain further. I leaned over, picked up the mustard powder sitting nearby, and poured it into the glass, my voice resolute.

“Just these drinks? How can that show sincerity? I’ll add some self-penalties. Is that enough?”

With that, I picked up the glass, tilted my head back, and poured it down, one glass after another.

The burning, bitter taste spread down my throat, filling my stomach, but never reaching my heart.

It wasn wasn’t until the seventh glass that Julian, unable to bear it any longer, finally called out.

“Enough!”

Looking at the dozen or so unfinished glasses, I smiled.

“Is that enough? Have I completed my apology? Have I pleased your beloved enough?”

Hearing this, Julian abruptly stood up and grabbed my hand.

His usually expressionless face was now dark enough to drip acid.

“You know I don’t mean it like that! Vivian, I told you, Serena and I are completely over. The Albright family disapproves of you, and if you do something so outrageous, people will seize on it. I just don’t want you to be cornered or criticized!”

Julian spoke with conviction, and it all sounded perfectly logical.

But I laughed out loud.

The Albright family disapproved of me, a housekeeper’s daughter with humble origins. But did he really think they’d welcome Serena, who repaid kindness with malice, into their family?

Yet, despite a thousand difficulties ahead, he still married her simply because Serena asked him to, didn't he?

It was all just an excuse for not loving me enough!

I didn’t want to say any more pointless words. I shook him off, turned, and walked away.

Just as I reached the door, my body swayed, and I passed out.

“Vivian!”

Julian’s heart seized. He rushed forward without hesitation, scooped me into his arms, and turned to leave.

Serena quickly grabbed his sleeve, calling out with a sob, “Julian, I feel a little dizzy.”

Julian paused.

But only for a few seconds. He then strode away swiftly, leaving only one sentence behind.

“I need to take Vivian to the hospital. Call my assistant to take care of you.”

When I woke up again, I found myself in the hospital.

Julian, who hadn’t slept all night, finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw my eyes open.

We stared at each other for a long time, saying nothing.

Julian poured me a glass of warm water, handed it to me, tucked in my blanket, then got up to call the doctor for a re-examination, patiently taking note of all the instructions.

He pushed off several urgent meeting requests.

Seeing his assistant waiting by the door, looking troubled, I finally spoke. “You should go. I can take care of myself. These things aren’t your responsibility anyway.”

Julian paused, the hand holding the knife still. His voice was slow. “Everything I do for you is my responsibility, Vivian. Have you forgotten? Back then, you took care of me the same way.”

A flicker of haze crossed my eyes.

Back then, because of his blindness, he was abandoned by his powerful family like a discarded pawn.

Only I taught him Braille, studied with him, took him out to sunbathe, prepared all sorts of delicious food for him every day…

It was like privately possessing the moon; my once gray life became bright as day.

And those seven lost years were some of the most precious, joyful times of my life.

Unfortunately, the moon didn’t belong to me, and I couldn't go back to the past.

In the afternoon, the doctor took me into the examination room.

Half an hour later, a nurse helped me back to my room.

The moment the door opened, Julian was holding my phone, his brow furrowed, speaking in a chilling voice to Mrs. Albright.

“I told you, Vivian and I are truly in love, we like each other. I don’t care about her family background. You don’t need to waste any more effort. I will marry her, and she won’t leave me.”

Hearing the movement, he looked up at me. The next second, Mrs. Albright’s confused voice came through the phone.

“What do you mean, she won’t leave? Don’t you know? Vivian already agreed a few days ago to go abroad…”

### Chapter 5

The words stopped abruptly.

I dragged my faltering steps forward, snatched back my phone, and hung up.

Julian looked at me in astonishment, not understanding why I was so agitated.

“What’s wrong?”

Seeing his clueless expression, I knew he hadn't heard Mrs. Albright's entire conversation.

I breathed a sigh of relief, looked away, and tried to make my voice sound calm. “Nothing. I just don’t want you all fighting over me anymore.”

Indeed, the Albright family had been constantly arguing about Julian and me, always trying to break us up, and he had fought with them several times.

Hearing me say that, Julian didn’t suspect anything further. He then asked about my test results.

“The doctor said there are no major issues. I can be discharged.”

After returning home, Julian didn’t go out much for the next few days, staying by my side.

I wasn’t as lively and cheerful as before, often sitting in a corner, lost in thought, looking unenthusiastic.

Julian couldn’t figure out why. He hugged me, wanting to coax me, but I got up and went to the bedroom.

“I’m not feeling well. I’m going to rest for a bit.”

Watching my retreating back, Julian seemed surprised.

He thought I was still dwelling on the apology incident last time, so he asked his assistant to prepare a surprise.

On my birthday, he specially hosted a banquet to celebrate.

Out of respect for Julian, most people in his circle attended.

In front of him, they were civil to me.

But the moment he left, they would gather, whispering and judging, their gossip never-ending.

“If it weren’t for Julian, I’d never come to a housekeeper’s daughter’s birthday party. It’s so degrading to even say!”

“I wonder what Julian sees in her. Look at that cheap and tacky, reeking of poverty vibe. It’s suffocating!”

“Julian truly is a man of honor. If it were me, I’d just pay her off. If he really marries her, it’ll disgrace the Albright family name!”

Despite being the guest of honor, I stood alone, unnoticed.

Listening to the undisguised insults and mockery from all directions, I felt utterly exhausted.

If it weren’t for fearing Julian would notice something amiss, I wouldn’t have come here.

Because of this deliberate exclusion, every single minute dragged on unbearably.

It wasn't until seven o'clock that the banquet hall suddenly buzzed with excitement.

All the guests turned in unison towards the main entrance, their expressions of disgust instantly morphing into fawning smiles.

News travels fast in these circles. Who didn't know about Julian's outburst for Serena last time? This sight confirmed he still cared, so they quickly scrambled to curry favor.

“Mr. Albright, so you left earlier to pick up Miss Serena! So many years have passed, and your feelings are still so strong!”

“Of course! They’re true childhood sweethearts. Look at Miss Serena’s elegance and beauty; she’s such a perfect match for the extraordinary Mr. Albright.”

Amidst all the speculation, I looked at Serena, who entered arm-in-arm with Julian, and a sudden understanding dawned on me.

She wore a magnificent haute couture gown, a dazzling diamond necklace accentuating her graceful posture. Her delicate, refined face exuded an air of refined elegance, born from wealth and privilege.

Even standing beside the imposing Julian, she showed no hint of inferiority or nervousness.

Randomly, I remembered a sketch Julian had drawn after regaining his sight, a sketch without a clear face.

Back then, he said he just drew it out of boredom, and I only thought it was pretty, not thinking too much of it.

But today, seeing Serena, I knew exactly who was in that drawing.

It wasn’t a reunion after all, but a love he'd simply never forgotten.

I lowered my gaze, turning silently, but Serena called out to me.

“Miss Vivian, I heard it’s your birthday today. I came uninvited, I hope you don’t mind? I even brought a gift!”

With that, she signaled someone to bring in a small, pure white puppy.

“Its name is Ari. Isn’t it adorable?”

Seeing the playful puppy leap towards me, I recoiled several steps in alarm, bumping into a table.

My face paled, and my eyes filled with fear and panic.

“Please take it away. I don’t like dogs.”

### Chapter 6

Hearing my words, Serena’s face fell.

“Julian, is Miss Vivian still mad at me about last time? Then I’ll just leave now, I don’t want to bother you two.”

With that, she turned to go, but Julian quickly grabbed her arm, frowning as he looked at me.

“She meant well, Vivian. Don’t you usually love animals? Just accept it.”

Seeing the displeasure in his eyes, I clenched my hands tightly, only able to turn to his assistant.

“Mr. Hayes, I’m wearing heels, so it’s inconvenient. Could you please help me hold the puppy?”

The people around me started to murmur sarcastically again, saying I was ungrateful and liked to put on airs.

Julian also assumed I was deliberately giving Serena a hard time again. His face darkened, and he led Serena into the inner room.

The main hall quickly emptied, leaving just me.

I poured a glass of water and drank it, slowly calming my panicked and anxious emotions.

I used to love dogs.

But five years ago, on a stormy night during a power outage, Julian came down with a high fever. I braved the pouring rain to go out.

A neighbor’s large dog chased me all the way, biting a chunk of flesh from my calf.

Finally, I endured the pain to bring a doctor back. Only after confirming Julian was safe and sound did I get my own wound treated.

That incident left me with a fear of dogs, but I never told him about it so he wouldn’t worry.

Even through my dress, I could still feel the outline of that scar.

The guests at the banquet were masters of opportunism. Seeing Julian’s attitude, they openly started giving me the cold shoulder.

During the celebration, everyone crowded around Serena, as if it were *her* birthday.

Julian’s anger had subsided somewhat, and he finally called me over to blow out the candles.

I walked over silently, and just as I was about to make a wish, I heard Serena exclaim with delight.

“Oh, what a coincidence! Miss Vivian, you and Ari have the same birthday! Why don’t we celebrate together?”

At her words, everyone around me covered their mouths, stifling snickers.

Seeing the taunt in her eyes, my fingers dug deep into my palms.

I took a sharp breath, my voice laced with coldness. “In that case, let the puppy blow out the candles, and everyone sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to it. I won’t intrude.”

Seeing that I was actually leaving, a vein throbbed in Julian’s forehead. He called out to me in a low voice.

“Vivian! This is *your* birthday banquet. What kind of impression does it make if you leave first?”

I ignored him and continued walking towards the door.

Julian, at his wit's end, chased after me and grabbed me. He whispered something close to my ear, then pushed me back towards the cake.

“Listen to me! Everyone here today is from our circle. If you abruptly leave, it'll cause trouble with the Albright family, and they'll be even more against us.”

Against *us*?

What 'us'? Hadn't he already married Serena…?

Happy birthday songs began to echo around me.

But I just twitched my lips, stiff and numb like a statue, showing no trace of happiness.

Until someone suddenly picked up the puppy and thrust it into my arms, making my skin crawl.

Mid-song, the puppy started to squirm restlessly and then leaped out of my arms.

The towering champagne pyramid was knocked over, crashing directly towards Serena and me.

Screams erupted throughout the venue, and the falling glasses blurred in my vision.

I watched, helpless, as Julian shielded Serena and moved away, as countless shards of glass and spilled wine crashed down on me.

My pale shoulders were grazed by the fragments, leaving long, bleeding cuts.

Streaks of blood dripped down, staining my soaked white dress red.

I collapsed to the ground, a pained moan escaping my lips, cold sweat beading on my forehead.

Julian heard it and turned back. Seeing I was injured, he was about to return when Serena shrieked beside him.

“Ah! Julian, Ari scratched me! What if I get rabies?!”

Looking at the tiny scratch on her ankle, Julian hesitated for a moment, then instructed his assistant.

“You take Vivian to the hospital to get her wounds treated.”

With that, he hurried away with Serena.

The other guests also left, not forgetting to kick me while I was down as they departed.

“Ari, Vivian… Miss Vivian is quite good at naming things! Look at some people, don’t they just look like a stray dog?”

“Don’t insult Ari! Ari is so cute; it’s nothing like a mangy dog trying to climb the social ladder!”

Every word, every syllable, landed clearly in my ears.

I looked at my utterly disheveled state, my nose stung, and tears welled in my eyes.

The birthday sign swayed and fell, landing in front of me.

I picked it up, and looking at the chaotic scene of an empty hall, my tears finally fell unchecked.

My twenty-third birthday ended like this, in miserable, humiliating end.

### Chapter 7

It was past midnight when I finally dragged my exhausted body home.

After turning on the lights, my phone chimed a few times.

It was a message from Serena.

“You’ve been liking all my SnapChat posts every day, so you must know Julian and I are officially married by now, right? He also said he’s giving me a wedding in the Maldives. I saw the setup; it’s magnificent. Every single detail is exactly what we dreamed of when we were young. I can’t believe he never forgot.”

“I also have you to thank. If it weren't for you, Julian's eyes wouldn’t have seen the light of day again. I really should thank you for taking care of my husband for seven whole years.”

Looking at this unbridled mockery, I was too tired to even be angry.

I went back to my bedroom, lay down, and fell into a deep sleep.

Julian still didn’t come home that night, only sending a message.

[Vivian, I still have some things to deal with. Are your injuries serious? If it hurts a lot, tell me, and I’ll come back immediately.]

I stared at the lines of text, my gaze flickering. After a long moment, I replied.

[No need.]

Julian, from now on, I no longer need you.

After the wound on my shoulder scabbed over, I went back to the Albright family's old estate alone.

When Julian was blind, the place where he and I lived was just the two of us.

I found a shovel and walked to the still-lush peach tree in the courtyard.

Beneath it, buried since Julian's eighteenth birthday, were the wishes we had made. I dug it up.

The iron box was rusted, and moisture fogged the sealed glass bottle.

I pulled out the paper folded into a star shape, unfolded it, and saw my own handwriting.

“I wish Julian could see the world again. I wish Julian peace and happiness. I wish I could stay by Julian’s side forever.”

The future I wished for was all about Julian.

Some came true.

Some would never come true in this lifetime.

Next, I unfolded the other paper, written by Julian.

“I wish to regain my sight. I wish Serena all the best.”

Every word was about him and Serena. There was no mention of me.

It turned out he truly never blamed Serena for abandoning him. He was even willing to suffer the car accident for her, without any regrets.

I gave a bitter, sorrowful smile, crumpled the note I had written, and threw it down the drain. Then, I took off the necklace from my neck.

This was a gift Julian bought me with the money from his first business deal after returning to the Albright family.

I felt bad that he spent so much, but he just held me, kissing me incessantly.

“Vivian, they say it’s lonely at the top, but as long as you’re by my side, I’ll have the courage to keep climbing. This is just a necklace. Everything I’ll ever own, including myself, is yours.”

I buried this necklace, and everything related to our past.

After filling the pit with earth, I turned to go home.

But just as I reached the door, I ran into Julian and Serena.

Seeing me there, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

“Vivian, what are you doing here?”

I didn’t answer, but instead countered with a question.

“What about you? What are you and she doing here?”

Julian hadn’t spoken yet when Serena laughed and said, “I haven’t heard Julian play the piano in ages. He said the piano is at the old estate, so we came back for it. Miss Vivian, you know your way around here, could you lead us?”

With that, she didn’t even wait for my consent, pulling me towards the villa.

### Chapter 8

The moment the door opened, countless memories flooded my mind.

The furniture and decor in the room were exactly as they had been the day we left, no different.

Perhaps from living there for so long, Julian too seemed touched by revisiting the old place. He turned to me.

“Vivian, do you remember when we…”

“I don’t remember.”

I lowered my head, my voice barely a whisper.

Julian paused, then pointed to a LEGO model in the corner. “Didn’t we put it in the study after we finished building it? How did it get moved here?”

I didn’t follow his gaze, answering flatly, “You couldn’t see then. Many memories are like illusions, all mixed up.”

Just like I thought Julian loved me.

But in reality, his feelings for me were merely a mirage-like illusion, a desperate comfort born out of desperation.

Because he couldn’t see, he could only rely on touch. I was like a guide cane, which was why he felt I was so important.

But once his sight returned, once he could do anything he pleased, I became irrelevant.

And I, too, had believed that the support we gave each other in our youth could see us through any storm.

In the end, it was all like a reflection in water, a flower in a mirror—a beautiful but empty dream.

Seeing the fleeting look of desolation on my face, Julian felt a knot of tightness in his chest.

He wanted to ask what was wrong, but I turned and went to the balcony.

“The piano is in the last room down the hallway. You two can go by yourselves.”

Listening to their receding footsteps, I sat in the rocking chair, slowly closing my eyes.

Before long, the bright, sunny sky suddenly darkened, and a gentle rain began to fall.

I got up and returned to the living room, hearing piano music from nearby.

It was the first piano piece I had ever heard in my life, "Liebestraum."

Listening to it, I felt as if I was back in that summer when I was ten. Unconsciously, I followed the sound.

Through the window, I saw Julian and Serena sitting at the piano, playing a four-hand duet.

Even after so many years, their chemistry hadn't faded in the slightest; it was just as it used to be. And seven years later, the depths of his eyes still held endless affection for her.

It turned out Julian loved Serena so deeply, so much that even after she abandoned him for seven whole years, he never forgot her.

Yes, he was a golden boy, she was a golden girl. Why did I, a housekeeper's daughter, insist on intruding into a world that didn't belong to me, foolishly dreaming of owning a person who wasn't mine to begin with?

If time could turn back, I wouldn't have fallen in love with Julian at first sight, wouldn't have secretly loved him, and certainly wouldn't have rushed out to care for him, blind as he was, for seven long years.

The piano music gradually faded, finally falling silent.

At some point, Serena’s hand rested on Julian’s, sliding upward.

Through the window, I saw Serena climb onto his shoulders, offering her red lips to him.

“Julian, I know you still love me…”

In that moment, I couldn’t bear it anymore and turned to leave.

The rain grew heavier, drenching me completely.

My mind was a blur. One moment I felt like dry grass on the edge of a cliff, the next like a lone boat overturned by waves.

Rootless, adrift everywhere.

Even my tears were lost in the rain.

Leaving no trace.

### Chapter 9

After arriving home, I pulled out a suitcase and began packing my last few belongings.

I worked until early morning. Julian still hadn’t returned, but I no longer cared.

The next day, I went to the immigration office and retrieved all my documents.

On the way back, I booked a flight departing that afternoon.

When the car pulled up to the gate, I saw Julian’s Maybach parked in the driveway, and I couldn't help but quicken my pace.

As soon as I entered the bedroom, I saw Julian by my suitcase, seemingly about to open it.

In a panic, I blurted out, “Aren’t you with Serena? Why are you back?”

Julian froze.

He slowly turned around, and the moment he lifted his head, his eyes actually held anger.

He walked over to me, his voice filled with deep helplessness. “Vivian, what crazy thoughts are running through your head now? I told you, Serena and I will never have any connection again.”

Never again have any connection?

But you married her to protect her.

I laughed through my tears, still choosing not to expose him.

“Then I misunderstood.”

Seeing no unusual expression on my face, Julian slightly exhaled in relief. “Tonight, there’s a family dinner at the Albright’s. My family has agreed that I can bring you back with me.”

Hearing that, I was also stunned.

Mr. and Mrs. Albright… agreed?

Seeing my dazed look, Julian ruffled my hair and handed me a card.

“Vivian, don’t worry, one day I’ll make them accept you, and you’ll stand proudly by my side. I’m a bit tired now and want to rest for a while. How about Mr. Hayes accompanies you to pick out some suitable dresses?”

I stared at the card for a long moment before taking it.

“You rest. I’ll go by myself.”

Julian rubbed his temples and nodded.

I put the documents I had just retrieved into my bag.

Julian lay on the bed, falling into a deep sleep.

Looking at his face, which hadn’t changed much since he was seventeen, I felt a slight trance.

I slowly raised my hand one last time, tracing from his brow downwards.

Perhaps he sensed my small movement in his dream, for Julian caught my hand, murmuring softly.

“Serena, stop bothering me.”

Hearing that mumble, I smiled soundlessly.

I withdrew my hand, picked up my luggage, and went downstairs.

The villa was quiet; the housekeepers were all on their lunch break.

No one knew I had left.

On the way to the airport, I blocked and deleted all of Julian’s contact information.

Then, I deactivated all my social media accounts.

The busy airport buzzed with people coming and going. I watched the constantly changing display screen and made one last call.

“Mrs. Albright, I’m at the airport as promised, about to board.”

Mrs. Albright on the other end sounded very pleased, her delight unconcealed.

“Good. As long as you don’t show up at tonight’s family dinner, the remaining money will be transferred to your account. Well then, goodbye.”

Listening to the boarding announcement over the loudspeaker, I gently shook my head.

“No, Mrs. Albright. It’s never goodbye.”

Then, I hung up the phone, tossed it into a trash can, and walked into the boarding gate.

Striding purposefully.

Without a second thought.

### Chapter 10

Julian’s sleep wasn’t peaceful.

He vaguely dreamt of past memories, the dark, confused pain resurfacing. But this time, the girl who had always silently stayed by his side was gone.

“Vivian…”

He murmured her name, his brow deeply furrowed. Trapped in a nightmare, his chest heaved violently.

In the dream, he groped his way up, searching everywhere for the person who should have been with him, but no matter how he called out, only desolate silence answered.

Overwhelmed by intense fear, his eyes snapped open, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

The blackout curtains were effective, plunging the room into darkness. His heart hammered, and for a moment, he couldn’t distinguish reality from the dream.

He sat up, his voice trembling.

“Vivian?”

The room was silent.

He called out again.

“Vivian!”

When there was still no response, he stumbled out of bed, fumbling to switch on the light.

The room instantly filled with light.

Only when he truly saw everything in the room did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The palpitations from the nightmare gradually receded. Julian rubbed his temples, and seeing no one he wanted to see in the room, he froze for a moment.

Where was Vivian?

His recently calmed heartbeat began to pound violently again. He gasped, abruptly opening the bedroom door.

The villa was unusually quiet, with only a few housekeepers tidying the living room.

Seeing Julian emerge from his room, they all greeted him in unison.

“Where’s Vivian?”

He spoke almost impatiently, his voice trembling.

“Miss Vivian? We haven’t seen her. Shouldn’t she be resting in the room with you, sir?”

Julian was about to say something else when his phone chimed with a familiar notification.

He instinctively tapped the message.

Serena’s whining voice came through the phone.

[Julian, the lights in my living room are out, and no one’s home right now. Can you come help me?]

Julian frowned, about to refuse, when another voice message came through.

[Julian, I know you’re taking Miss Vivian back to the Albright’s tonight. I’ll be all alone tonight, and if there are no lights…]

The rest of the words were left unsaid, replaced by a soft, low sob.

“If Vivian comes back, give me a call. I have something to take care of now.”

Dropping those words, Julian went back to his room, changed clothes, grabbed his car keys from the table, and left.

Arriving at Serena’s place, as soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Serena casually lying on the sofa in a flimsy, cool nightgown, a large expanse of her chest exposed. Hearing the noise, she opened her eyes, seemingly just woken up and hazy.

“Julian, you’re here.”

She seemed incredibly happy, scampering forward and throwing herself into his arms. The softness of her chest pressed against him, sending tingles through him.

“Why are you wearing so little? What if you catch a cold?”

He instinctively hugged the woman in his arms, letting her bury herself against his chest.

“I was a little scared. If you hadn’t come, I would have been alone tonight…”

Her tearful voice came from below. He responded almost instantly.

“Then you can come back to the Albright’s with me tonight.”

But the moment he said it, he regretted it. He was about to try to backtrack when the woman in his arms looked up, her eyes red, at him.

“Really, Julian?”

### Chapter 1