Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Only after putting her son to bed with red eyes and sitting on the sofa in a daze for a while did Sharon Milton accept the fact that she had been reborn. The pain in her heart could still be clearly felt. This made her lose all her strength. She picked up her phone with trembling hands and stared at Riley Winston's tweet. The latest post was a picture of Riley with a slightly bulged belly, holding a man's hand. The caption said, "He proposed to me on my 28th birthday. He said that he wants to give my child a home." A shy emoji was added to the end of the text. Sharon immediately saw the little black mole on the man's right ring finger. It was Sean Collins. Even though Sharon had already experienced things once, her heart still ached when she had to experience the same things again. Had Sean ever thought of her and their son when he proposed to Riley? However, thinking back to what she had experienced in her previous life, what could Sharon expect since he didn't even care about her and their son's lives? She blamed herself for being too stupid and actually believed Sean when he said that he was just repaying debts. That was why she and James ended up dead in their previous lives. Sharon thought of the terrible deaths she and her son suffered in their previous lives and began crying her eyes out. She just wanted to wait for Sean to come back and end this ridiculous marriage. The wait lasted until three o'clock in the morning. When Sean saw Sharon's bloodshot eyes, he wiped the lipstick mark on his shirt with frustration. "Riley accidentally got the lipstick on me. I've only temporarily taken off the wedding ring as well. Don't think too much about it." Over the past years, Sean had been in an ambiguous relationship with Riley. They even walked out of the same hotel room. Every time Sharon confronted him, he would just say "Don't think too much about it." Sharon was disgusted by this phrase alone. She sobbed and said, "You always tell me not to think too much about it, but if I stayed at Chris West's house until three o'clock in the morning then you..." Sean was very annoyed that Sharon was jealous of Riley. "Sharon Milton, can you give me a break? Chris has feelings for you, but I'm just repaying the favor of Riley's father. How's that the same?" 'How is it not the same?' wondered Sharon. And Yet, She didn't say those words out loud. Instead, she said, "Let's not dwell on that matter. I've thought about it, Sean. I agree to the divorce."

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Three days ago, the video of Sean accompanying Riley for a prenatal checkup had gone viral. Someone exposed the fact that Sean was married and the famous Riley Winston was a mistress. The netizens were all cursing her online. Riley broke down and committed suicide. Sean's heart ached and he found Sharon and said that he wanted a fake divorce. After the divorce, he would then marry Riley to shut her anti-fans up. Sharon found the idea ridiculous and refused. However, she didn't want to be with Sean anymore now. Sean had always felt that she was petty and was annoyed with her. As soon as he heard that she agreed to the divorce, his face beamed. "It's good that you've thought things through. I'll go get the divorce agreement right now.""Sean, I'm not finished yet. I can agree to the divorce, but on the condition that I can't leave without a penny. We each get half of our assets.""It's only a fake divorce. Why are you being so serious about it?" Sean remembered that Sharon used to be kind and understanding when they were dating. He really didn't understand when she had become someone who would haggle over every ounce. Sharon was hurt by the look in Sean's eyes and said bitterly, "You don't agree? Forget about it then." Sean became desperate when he heard those words. "No! Let's have it your way! Happy now?" He was very afraid that Sharon would regret her decision. It was past midnight, but Sean still called the lawyer over to edit the divorce agreement. Sean knew that faking the divorce was unfair to Sharon, but Riley's father saved his life. He couldn't let her be involved in any rumors, so he had no choice but to let Sharon suffer a little. As soon as the new divorce agreement was printed, Sean stuffed it into Sharon's hands with a pen. "Sign it!" he urged. Sharon thought of how much the two of them were in love before and said in disappointment, "Sean, you're so desperate to divorce me because of another woman. Aren't you scared that I will leave you forever?" Sean replied indifferently, "I'm just faking a divorce with you, and then holding a wedding and marrying Riley. That's all. When the rumors die down, we'll get remarried. It won't affect our feelings for each other." 'Our feelings?' Sharon wanted to laugh when she heard those words. All her feelings for him had disappeared when she saw her son die in her previous life. Sharon signed the divorce agreement whilst being urged by Sean. He snatched the divorce agreement from her and then said, "You've signed the agreement now, so don't regret your decision. Let's get our divorce done once the cooling-off period is over!""Okay..." Sharon looked at the expression on Sean's face and felt sorry for herself in the past for loving him with everything she had. Sean hadn't noticed the strange look on her face. He took a picture of the divorce agreement and wanted to share the good news with Riley. Before he went upstairs, Sharon called out to him. "Sean, did you know that James had a fever today?""Yes, I fed him the medicine and waited until he fell asleep before leaving to prevent him from making a scene. To be honest, I think you should learn from Riley when it comes to educating children. Jordan's much more well-behaved than James." Sharon couldn't believe that Sean felt it was right to leave a five-year-old child with a fever at home alone. At that moment, Sharon had a ton of questions for Sean, but none came out. All she felt was disappointment. If a person loved someone, they would overlook all the bad habits of the one. But if the person stopped loving someone, then they would just feel that the person they used to love was despicable. On the morning of the next day, Sharon was dragged out of bed by Sean to queue up outside the register office before it was even opened. Back when they were getting married, Sean had stood Sharon up a dozen times because of Riley. Now that it came to the divorce, he was actually being very urgent and punctual. A mixture of feelings arose in Sharon's heart. Her heart ached and her hands trembled a little when she was signing the paperwork. After he filled in the divorce application, Sean's lips curved from ear to ear. "You can take the taxi back. I need to talk to Riley about the wedding in a month's time." After saying that, Sean turned and left without even looking back. He didn't care about Sharon, who was just a couple of steps behind him, at all. Sharon looked at the car driving off into the distance and smiled bitterly. During the first two years that she and Sean were together, he had been very considerate. However, that was before Riley appeared. After that, Riley had always been the priority. Sharon had wanted a divorce. But Sean said, "I'm only treating Riley well to repay the favor. Her father saved my life. But I'm treating you well because I love you!" Sharon wasn't someone very decisive. Whenever she was hurt by Sean and wanted to leave, she would change her mind after Sean had coaxed her. The three of them stayed together for many years, but in the end, it led to the death of her and her son. After getting a second chance, Sharon didn't want to make the same mistakes again. Sharon removed her wedding ring and sold it in a pawn shop. The ring was designed and made by Sean himself. He said that it contained all his love for her. But thinking back to how passionate he was when he knelt down and proposed, Sharon felt it was ridiculous. Sharon went back home after selling the ring to pack her and James's things. She was prepared to stay at a hotel for a while. She would then leave this city which was full of bad memories with her son after getting the divorce certificate and she would never come back. However, not long after Sharon began packing, James came over in tears. "Mom, Miss Smith called and said that Dad gave the quota for Mr. Jackson's class to Jordan. What should I do?"

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Bang! The trophy in Sharon's hands fell onto the ground and shattered. James was only five years old, but he really liked playing the piano. He especially liked Tom Jackson. Tom had a weird temper and never took in any students. Sharon used all kinds of methods to become good friends with Tom's wife. She would bring gifts and snacks, and accompany Mrs. Jackson shopping and for beauty treatments as well. It took Sharon two years before Tom finally agreed to take in one student. During her previous life, Sharon refused to agree to the divorce and Riley was said to be a mistress for quite a while. Sean then stole James' spot for Jordan to become Mr. Tom's student. He said that it was to make up for Riley. But during this lifetime, Sharon had already agreed to the divorce. Why did Jordan replace James again? Sharon's heart ached like mad. She squatted down and wiped the tears away from James's face. She then picked up her phone and called Sean. She rang five times, but no one answered. At that moment, Riley updated her Twitter. "Congratulations on my daughter, for becoming Mr. Tom Jackson's only student! Someone has finally recognized your talent and hard work! I'm so happy!" The text was accompanied by a picture of Jordan with Tom. The comments section was full of compliments. "Jordan is amazing! She's as excellent as her beautiful mom!""Tom Jackson has never taken in any students. Is this girl extremely talented or something?""I'm so jealous! Only Riley can have such an exceptional daughter!" There was a contrast between Jordan and James. In the picture, Jordan was smiling happily and in front of Sharon, James was crying his eyes out. Sharon was infuriated and immediately headed over with James. However, as soon as she arrived outside Tom's house, Sean stopped her. He looked at Sharon and James with a frown. "I knew you would come and cause trouble." James was extremely upset. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I was supposed to be Mr. Jackson's student." Sean squatted down and rubbed James's head. "But Jordan likes Mr. Jackson. Can't you let her be his student?""No! I like Mr. Jackson as well!" As soon as James finished speaking, Sean's face changed. He stood up and looked down on James. "That's enough. You're older than Jordan, so you should let Jordan go first. It's only a chance of being Mr. Jackson's student, what's there to fight about? Has your mom taught you to be so petty?" James didn't understand why he was told off after his dad allowed Jordan to replace him by becoming Tom's student. He just stood there feeling confused as tears trickled down his cheeks. At the sight of this, Sharon's heart ached even more. But no matter what she did in her previous life, she still wasn't able to let James become Tom's student. This time, no matter how angry she was, she forced herself to remain calm. "Sean, I've put in a lot of effort during the past two years to let James become Tom's student. Please, I beg of you. Can you not replace James?" This was the first time that she begged Sean over the past years. Sean's heart softened. "But I've already promised Jordan. Don't worry. I won't let James lose out. I've prepared James's favorite Lego set for him!" That was when Sharon realized that no matter what she did, Sean would always have an excuse to give Riley and Jordan things that used to belong to her and James. When one became completely disappointed, they would be at a loss for words. Sharon walked around Sean and wanted to go into Tom's house. She was the one who Mrs. Jackson knew. As long as she explained things to Mrs. Jackson, James could still be Tom's student. However, Sharon only took two steps before Sean picked her up and placed her in the car. "Let go of me, Sean! You can't do this to me and James!" cried Sharon. "You can do whatever you want to me and ask for anything as compensation, but it's Jordan's big day today. I can't let you ruin it." Sean did feel guilty towards Sharon and James, but there was nothing he could do. Being Tom's student was also very important to Jordan. He didn't accept Riley's confession and married Sharon all those years back, so he needed to use other methods to make up for Riley. He couldn't let her suffer any more grievances. Sharon couldn't break free at all. When Sean finally let go, the ceremony of Tom recognizing Jordan as his student was over. Sharon rushed out of the car, found Mrs. Jackson, and explained the situation to her. But Mrs. Jackson said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Sharon. The ceremony is over. Now, everyone knows that Jordan Winston is my husband's student. If he makes a change now, it'll be an embarrassment." There was nothing Sharon could do. Even Mrs. Jackson couldn't convince Tom to take in another student. Mrs. Jackson went back after saying those words. Riley held Jordan's hand and walked up to Sharon, who looked down. "Thank you so much, Sharon. You're the reason that Jordan can have such a great mentor. I will no longer hold you responsible for having people spread rumors on the Internet saying that I'm a mistress!" Sean stood beside her and said in a gentle voice, "Thank you. I'll be even happier if Sharon can be as kind as you." Hearing those words, Sharon felt her heart ache due to the anger. "But I wasn't the one who hired these people, Sean!" she said.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

"Riley has provided all the evidence and you still refused to admit it. I'm really disappointed in you. No wonder James has become like this now, a boy who's full of lies." Sean looked at Sharon with a disappointed look in his eyes and left with Riley and Jordan. Sharon could still hear their conversation from a distance. "Sean, I'm not holding her responsible anymore, so please don't criticize Sharon. I don't want you to have arguments because of me.""Riley, there's nothing wrong with being kind. But you can't be too kind, or people will take advantage of you." Sharon had been falsely accused by them more than once. Sean was biased toward Riley, so the one who was always in the wrong was her. Every time she wanted a divorce, he would look at her with disappointment. "You grew up in a single-parent family yourself, so you know how much suffering that brings. Do you really want James to repeat your life? Are you really that selfish?" After hearing those words, Sharon would always give in. But the moment James died in her past life, she regretted it. She should have taken her child and left long ago! Thankfully, in just one more month, she could get her divorce certificate and would never have anything to do with Sean again! Sharon, lost in despair, took James home. On the way home, James's own eyes were still swollen, yet he was the one comforting Sharon instead. "Mommy, I won't learn piano anymore, and I don't want Mr. Jackson either. Please don't cry." Sharon felt sorrowful and guilty. She suppressed her emotions and wiped his tears. "Mommy's not crying.""But your eyes are telling me that you're very sad." Hearing this, Sharon couldn't hold back her tears. "I'm sorry, James. It's all because of my uselessness!" It was all her fault. That was why she couldn't protect anything. She had even caused her son to suffer with her. James patted her gently with his small hands. "It's okay. No matter what, you're still the mommy I love the most." Sharon held him and cried for a while. Then, the mother and son wiped away their tears and returned home. Sean, Riley, and Jordan had already arrived and were moving things. "Sharon, Sean has already proposed to me in front of everyone. Of course, I have to move in with him. You understand that, right?" As soon as Riley saw Sharon, she couldn't wait to provoke her. Sharon glanced at Sean's warning look from not far away, then lowered her eyes. "You can live wherever you want. It has nothing to do with me." After all, she was about to get divorced. But Riley wasn't satisfied with her reaction. "Sharon, are you mad at me?" Hearing this, Sean quickly walked over and shielded Riley behind him. "Sharon, it was you who spread rumors everywhere that she was a mistress, so I had no choice but to marry her in name only. You are the one who caused this, so you have no right to blame anyone!" Sharon didn't even have the desire to argue anymore. "Okay." Sean was quite pleased with her obedience today. "It's good that you've realized your mistake. Riley is pregnant, so let her have the master bedroom. The lighting is better there.""Jordan likes James's children's room. For now, you and James can stay in the guest room." As always, whatever Riley and her daughter wanted, Sharon and her son had to give up. In the past, Sharon would feel wronged and always try to fight back. But now, she just felt exhausted. "Alright." She had originally planned to tidy up a bit, but at that moment, she didn't want anything anymore. If it weren't so late at night and if her son weren't running a fever, she would have taken him away right now! Sean still wanted to say something. But Sharon didn't want to listen. She carried James to the guest room. He was puzzled. "Mommy, isn't the guest room for guests? This is our home, so why are we staying in the guest room?""Because… from now on, we are just guests." Sharon placed a cooling patch on James's forehead and coaxed him to sleep early. Sean came and knocked on the door. "Do you need something?" Sharon had never thought there would come a day when just seeing him would make her feel disgusted. Sean was displeased with her attitude. "You're my wife. Do I need a reason to come find you?" Normally, when he said something like this, Sharon would always argue back. But this time, she was so exhausted that she didn't even want to respond. Seeing this, Sean frowned. Afraid that she was upset, he explained to her, "This time, it was indeed wrong of me to give James's spot to Jordan. But Riley's father once saved my life. When she asked for this spot for Jordan, I couldn't refuse." Sharon's heart ached. "So, to repay a favor, you have to hurt me and James?"

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

"It's just a spot, do you really need to make such a big deal out of it? The entire Collins family’s fortune will belong to our son in the future. What won't he have? You and your son are both petty and narrow-minded!" Sean knew that taking the spot was wrong, so he had originally come with a Lego set and a necklace to apologize to the mother and son. But Sharon always had to compete with Riley and her daughter, which made him feel annoyed. He had given her both himself and the entire Collins family, and all he asked was for her and their son to occasionally make some concessions to Riley and her daughter. Was that really too much? Sean didn't bother arguing with her any further and left with a cold face. Sharon watched him walk away and, unlike in the past years, didn't try to stop him or compromise. She massaged her temples in exhaustion, closed the door, and lay back on the bed. But her mind was troubled, and she tossed and turned until dawn before finally dozing off. Yet she had barely slept when she was startled awake by the sound of a child crying. "James!" Sharon snapped awake and ran out barefooted. In the playroom, Sean was holding Jordan, soothing her affectionately alongside Riley. Meanwhile, James stood in front of them, his face streaked with tears, a bright red slap mark on his cheek—as if Sean didn't even see it. Sharon's heart ached. She crouched down and gently wiped his tears. "Don't cry, sweetheart. Tell Mommy what happened." Before James could answer, Riley spoke indignantly, "I hit him! Sharon, you're always petty, always jealous of me and Sean, always trying to harm me with your little schemes. I've been magnanimous enough to tolerate you. But your son is only five years old, and you're already teaching him to bully Jordan?" Sharon's expression darkened. "James would never bully anyone for no reason! You hit him—you must apologize!" As soon as she finished speaking, Sean's face darkened. "Sharon, that's enough! It was your son who took Jordan's toy and pushed her first—that's why Riley stepped in!""You're too indulgent with him. You've spoiled him. Riley was just trying to help us discipline him!" James sobbed and shook his head. "Daddy, I didn't take Jordan's toy—she took my stuffed animal!" Sean hesitated for a moment but still reprimanded him. "You're older than Jordan. What's wrong with letting her have it?" James whimpered, "But she used scissors to cut my stuffed animal! Grandma sewed that for me herself!" Sharon had rushed in so quickly that she only now noticed the scattered fabric pieces on the floor. It was shredded into tiny fragments—impossible to sew back together. The truth was clear now. She thought Sean would finally realize he had wronged James and at least apologize. But Riley tugged on his sleeve and pouted her lips. "Jordan is only five. What does she know? She just thought cutting the stuffed animal was part of playing." Sean hesitated, then nodded. He looked at James and said, "Enough. Be a man—don't be so petty." Hearing this, Sharon felt hurt, his eyes turned red, and tears nearly fell. "Sean, how... how can you say something like that? That stuffed animal was made by my mother, with her own hands, before she passed away!" Jordan immediately burst into tears. "Ms. Milton is so mean, so scary!" Sean wiped her tears and scolded, "Jordan is crying because of you! She's just a child. She doesn't understand these things—do you really need to make such a big deal out of it? This matter is over. If you keep stirring up trouble, you and James can stop living here!" He carried Jordan and left with Riley without sparing Sharon or James a second glance. The anger caused Sharon to find it hard to breathe and her chest heaved up and down. If it were before, she would have gone to argue with Sean, to make him understand right from wrong. But now, she had completely given up on him. Sharon comforted her son, then picked up the shredded pieces of the stuffed animal, trying to fix it. But after stabbing her fingers multiple times, which drew blood, she ended up with nothing but a pile of fabric scraps. Looking at her wounded hands, she suddenly remembered what her mother had told her before she passed away, tears in her eyes as she held Sharon's hand. "I'm not afraid of dying... I'm only afraid that after I'm gone, no one will protect you and James.""Sean is a man of loyalty, but he lacks clarity. That Riley... she's full of schemes. Your husband always sides with her and her daughter. What will happen to you and James in the future?" Back then, Sharon had firmly reassured her mother, "Don't worry, Mom. Sean is only good to Riley because he's repaying a favor. He loves me—he would never hurt us." Thinking of how deeply she had once trusted and loved Sean, Sharon only felt an overwhelming sense of irony. She carefully packed away the remains of the stuffed animal, took James, and checked into the nearest hotel. She no longer wanted to stay in that "home" where they were constantly mistreated. But not long after arriving at the hotel, Sean came looking for them. "Riley said she saw you and James leaving. I thought she was mistaken, but it turns out she was right. Why aren't you staying at home? What are you doing at a hotel?" James saw him but no longer called him "Daddy" with excitement. Instead, he shrank back, hiding behind Sharon in fear. Seeing James’s terrified expression made Sharon's heart ache. "I took the initiative to leave with James. I don’t need you to drive us away."

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Hearing this, Sean was stunned for a moment. "I said for you to leave, but I was just in anger. That place will always be your and James’s home." No, that was his home. It wasn’t hers and James’s. Sharon didn’t want to continue this topic. "Do you need something?""About the doll this morning, it was my fault. I came to apologize to you and James. But they are orphaned and widowed, it's not easy for them. Also, she is the descendant of my savior, so I can’t be too harsh with them." Sharon didn’t know how many times she had heard such words. He wanted to repay a debt, so did that mean she and James had to keep suffering? But they didn’t owe Riley and her daughter anything! Seeing that she didn’t respond, Sean crouched down, took out a doll from behind, and tried to cheer James up. "Don’t be sad, son. Daddy bought you a new doll. See if you like it?" James’s eyes were still swollen. "I don’t like it, I only want the one grandma made!" Sean grew impatient. "They’re just dolls. What’s the difference between this one and that one?" Seeing this, Sharon forced herself to remain calm. "Sean, you said you were here to apologize to your son." Sean stood up. "You think I want to have a go at him? A little boy, raised to be so spoiled by you. If you ask me, you should learn from Riley on how to teach kids. Jordan...""James still has a fever. He needs to rest after taking his medicine. If there’s nothing else, you can leave." Sharon interrupted him, unable to bear it anymore, and tried to close the door. But Sean grabbed the door. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Riley likes your wedding design. It’s her first marriage, and she’s really serious about it. She hopes to invite you to make the wedding planning." At that moment, Sharon was wondering if she had misheard. How could he make such a shameless request? Sharon clenched her fists. "Sean, don’t you think you’ve gone too far?" Sean’s gaze flickered. "I’ll give you three times... no, ten times the payment, alright? Riley doesn’t mean anything else. Don’t overthink it. She just simply likes the wedding planning you did.""Sorry, I can’t do it!" Sharon took two steps back and slammed the door shut with gritted teeth. He knocked on the door for a long time, but she didn’t open it. She leaned against the door, breathing heavily. Sean knew how unreasonable his request was, but he still made it. He just took advantage of the fact that Sharon loved him. But now, she no longer wanted him. Sharon thought this matter was over. But she didn’t expect that Sean would threaten her by saying he would sell the wedding company she worked at. Her assistant called to notify Sharon. "Mr. Collins said, either you take on the wedding planning for Riley and him, or he would sell the wedding company!" Sharon had once told Sean that this wedding company was founded by her father. Later, her father fell seriously ill, and her mother had to take care of him but didn’t know how to manage the business, so they had to sell the company. When Sean was pursuing her, he bought the wedding company to make her happy. But now, to force her to do the wedding planning for Riley, he wanted to sell the company! Sharon tried to arrange a meeting with Sean to talk, but he refused. "I’m going to accompany Riley to take wedding photos today.""Sean, do you have to be so ruthless? You know how much I care about this wedding company!" He wanted a divorce, and she agreed. He asked her to leave the house, and she agreed. Why was he still repeatedly forcing her to do things she didn’t want to? Sean called, his voice full of helplessness. "Sharon, no one wants to force you. It’s just making a wedding plan. This is your job. Just treat Riley as an ordinary client, is that so hard?" Sharon whispered, "I can’t do it.""Why can’t you do it? I know you care about my relationship with Riley. But she’s the daughter of my savior, and I can’t just treat her as a stranger." Riley was calling him to take wedding photos in a sweet voice. Sean quickly warned Sharon, "If you don’t do the wedding planning for Riley, I will sell the wedding company." After saying that he quickly hung up the phone. But before he hung up, the sound of the photographer’s instructions came through. "The groom, please hold the bride’s waist and kiss her more affectionately.""Yes, just like that!" Sharon gripped the phone tightly, her eyes blank. She was already so disappointed in him. But he always found ways to make her hate him even more! That evening, Riley sent her a message. First, a few pictures. "You and the little bastard’s things took up too much space, so I threw them away. Sean agreed too!""Oh, by the way, I deliberately took the spot from the little bastard. Jordan doesn’t like playing the piano anyway.""That doll, I had Jordan cut it up. Something made by a dead person will bring bad luck!""Are you angry? You better not get so mad that you die with the little bastard, then I’ll have nothing to play with!""Sean slept with me tonight. You don’t think he’s being nice to me just to repay a debt, do you?""I’m already pregnant, but he just doesn’t feel satisfied at all every day. He really wears me out." Another picture. Sean, shirtless, his back to the bed, unbuckling his belt. Not much was needed to be said between adults. It was obvious by the looks of things what they were going to do next.

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

Sharon felt her heart grow colder with each message she read. After sending them, Riley withdrew the messages one by one, just as she always did, never giving Sharon the chance to take a screenshot. But this time, Sharon recorded the screen. She saved the video, forced herself to remain calm, and went to accompany James for dinner. In the end, Sharon still refused to take on the wedding planning job. Sean followed through and sold the wedding company. Sean. "I didn't mean to target you, but Riley cried because of you, and I had to give her an explanation. Don't be mad—once she calms down, I'll buy the company back." Looking at his message, Sharon curved her lips in mockery. He knew he was in the wrong. But he still did it, forcing her to compromise again and again. In the past, she had always tried not to make things difficult for him between her and Riley. She had felt sorry for him. But he had never once felt sorry for her... That evening, Sharon arranged to meet with the illegitimate son of the Collins family for dinner. "I can sell you the shares I hold in the Collins Group at a lower price. I have only one condition—the transaction must take place in 25 days." Jack Collins cocked his brows, his expression playful. "That brother of mine hates me the most. Aren't you afraid he'll hate you too for doing this?""That has nothing to do with you. If you're not interested, I'll sell the shares to someone else.""Wait, Sharon, I want them, I want them!" After sealing the deal with Sharon, Jack left whistling. On his way back, he ran into Sean. Though they were related by blood, they hated each other more than anyone else in the world and usually wished they could strangle each other on sight. But this time, Jack calmly called out to Sean. "Sean, I'm just curious. Half of your shares are in Sharon's hands. You wronged her for your mistress—aren't you afraid she'll get mad and sell them to me?" Sean sneered, his voice filled with disgust. "Keep dreaming. My wife would never do anything to hurt me!" He knew Sharon had been upset recently, but he figured he could coax her after some time. He was well aware of how much she loved him. No matter how angry she was, he was sure she wouldn't go so far as to sell her shares to Jack! Sharon had no idea what Jack and Sean talked about, nor did she care. For the past few days, James had been in low spirits. Since his fever had gone down, she decided to take him camping to watch the stars. But just as she was about to finish setting up the tent, she suddenly heard James's cries. She rushed over and saw Riley and Jordan snatching James's telescope, grilled sausages, glowing shoes, and visibility jacket. Riley cursed under her breath and even tried to kick the boy lying on the ground. "Riley, you are not allowed to bully my son!" Sharon shielded James behind her, glaring at Riley. "What right do you have to take my son's things and hit him?""You should feel honored that I even like that little bastard's things! Do you really think I need to snatch them? As long as I say the word, Sean will take them for me anyway!" Riley looked smug. Sharon was so furious that she felt lightheaded. "Riley, don't push it!""So what if I do? You're just a useless nobody—what can you do?" Riley suddenly shoved Sharon down the slope and then staggered back, collapsing onto the ground and wailing. "Sean, Sharon is jealous that I'm marrying you! She tried to push me down, but I dodged, and she fell instead. What should I do?" Sharon tumbled down the slope, hitting her head against a rock, forming a swollen bump. The pain left her speechless. But when Sean pulled her back up, the first thing he did was blame her. "Sharon, how could you be so vicious? Last time, you spread rumors everywhere that Riley was a mistress. She didn't even hold it against you, and now you actually tried to push her down a hill... Are you insane?" James clutched his shirt. "Ms. Winston stole my things and pushed Mommy down the hill! Mommy didn't hurt anyone!" Right after he finished speaking, Riley shoved Jordan. Jordan burst into tears. "Mr. Collins, save me and Mommy! Ms. Milton and James said for us to go die!" She sobbed so hard that she could barely breathe. Sean had wavered slightly after hearing James's words, but now, his hesitation disappeared completely. He grabbed James by the collar. "You're picking up all the bad habits and none of the good ones. At such a young age, your mother has already taught you to lie! From now on, I'll teach you myself!""I didn't lie..." James cried loudly. Sean ignored him completely, dragging him toward the car. "Mommy! Mommy, help me! I don't want to go with Daddy!" Sharon was dizzy, nauseous, and filled with rage. She struggled to get up from the ground. "James, don't be afraid. I’m here for you! Sean, give my son back to me!" But before she could even take a few steps, the car had already driven away.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

Sharon rushed home, but the door code had already been changed—she couldn't even get inside. She called the police, but since it was deemed a family dispute, all they could do was mediate. After the officers left, Sean looked at her coldly. "I should never have let you raise the child! Riley will be teaching him for you during this time. You can take him back when you finish the wedding planning proposal!""No! Give my child back! Sean, you can't do this to me!" Sharon was on the verge of breaking down. Sean saw her red-rimmed eyes and the wounds on her forehead and body. He felt a pang of guilt. But then he remembered what Riley had told him—the child was still young and could be corrected. He forced himself to look calm and pushed Sharon out, locking her outside. Sharon was losing her mind, but there was nothing she could do. For nearly a month, Riley sent her videos of James every day. In the clips, Jordan rode on James's back like he was a horse. Sean scolded him again. James was punished again... Sharon barely slept two or three hours a day, suffering immense mental and physical torment. Meanwhile, the internet was flooded with news of Sean and Riley's romance. #Sean, Riley, and their sweet family outing# #Sean spends 100 million on a grand wedding for Riley# #Sean buys an overseas island for their honeymoon# #Sean responds. The woman named Sharon was just a housemaid, and the boy is the maid's son# Riley nitpicked every detail of the wedding plan. After struggling to finalize it to her demands, Sharon was finally ready to take her son back—only for an extreme fan to stab James in the heart with a knife. The shocking footage spread like wildfire online. In the video, Sean was right next to James, yet the first thing he did was shield Riley and her daughter. #Sean protecting Riley in danger—so sweet!# trended to the top of social media. Outside the emergency room, Sharon waited anxiously as her son's fate hung in the balance. Sean stood beside her, still lecturing. "Before you incited extreme fans to hurt Riley, did you ever think the one who'd get hurt in the end would be our son? I already told you—I'm only good to Riley to repay a debt. Why do you insist on making things difficult for her?" Sharon wanted to say that she hadn't done anything. She wanted to ask him—why, when he had been right next to James, had he refused to save him? But in the end, she said nothing. Tears just kept falling. In both past and present lives, she and her son had always been the ones he abandoned... Riley pretended to be gracious. "Forget it, Sean. I'm fine. I don't want to hold it against her.""She deserves to be reprimanded for what she did! You didn't even press charges—that's already merciful! If anything happens to James, she'll spend the rest of her life in nightmares!" Sean felt suffocated at the thought of his son's uncertain fate. If he didn't say something now, he would go insane! Sharon ignored him, keeping her eyes fixed on the emergency room. She had never believed in gods or fate, but at that moment, she prayed to every deity in the heavens. As long as James survived, she was willing to die in his place. The doctor finally emerged, announcing that the knife had missed the heart by an inch, and James’s life was no longer in danger. She collapsed to the ground, wailing. Riley tugged at Sean's sleeve. "Sean, our wedding is in three days, and by then, your divorce cooling-off period will be over. You can officially get the divorce certificate. She's so heartbroken right now—why not wait a little longer? I don't mind being called a mistress for a while." Sean hadn't even thought about it until she brought it up. "No, I'll get the divorce certificate today!" Even if he didn't bring it up, Sharon would bring this matter up anyway. She didn't want to be associated with him for another second. As soon as James was transferred to a regular ward, Sharon went with Sean to the courthouse. The moment they finalized their divorce, he went and registered his marriage with Riley. "Three days from now, at the wedding, don't even think about causing trouble. I've already instructed security not to let you or the kid in." Holding the divorce certificate, Sharon didn't even look up. "Okay." He could rest assured—she had long since given up on him. Sean hesitated upon seeing her pale face, feeling a rare moment of guilt. "Go home and reflect on yourself. But don't worry, I love you. Once the dust settles, I'll divorce Riley and marry you again.""No—" Before Sharon could finish, Riley called out, "Sean, come quick! The photographer is taking photos of us with our marriage license!""I'm coming." Sean smiled and walked away. For the next three days, he was too busy preparing for the wedding to visit the hospital even once. On the wedding day, the entire city buzzed about their marriage. Sean sent a message to Sharon. "Is our son feeling better? I'm busy right now, but I'll visit him later." Sharon didn't reply. Instead, she sent all the evidence of his affair with Riley to the media. Then, she transferred all her shares in the Collins Group to Jack. Finally, she took her weak son and boarded a high-speed train. ‘Sean, from now on, we have nothing to do with each other ever again.’