Elara Lin Alexander Thorne Serena NovelThe Jewelry Was Fake, But My Rage Wasn’t

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On our fifth wedding anniversary, my mother fell critically ill.
In desperation, I had no choice but to sell the gold jewelry Alexander Thorne had given me when we got engaged.
At current market prices, it was worth about $90,000, just enough for my mothers surgery.
But before I could even breathe a sigh of relief, the sales associate looked at me with disdain.
Maam, these pieces are fake. Theyre worth less than two thousand dollars, at best.
Fake?
I froze, stunned.
Before I could process it, a familiar female voice suddenly drifted over
When will the golden throne Alexander ordered for me be delivered? He said Im his delicate little princess, unlike some cheap women who are easily satisfied with knock-offs!
I turned, meeting a pair of mocking eyes.
It was Serena, Alexander Thornes secretary, the one he was always talking about.

The young woman was decked out in designer clothes, looking perfectly polished.
Unlike her usual humble and polite demeanor when she faced me, now, the challenge in her eyes was completely unconcealed.
I instantly realized: Alexander Thorne was cheating on me.
Oh, Ms. Serena, what perfect timing! Mr. Thornes Herms order from last Wednesday just arrived!
The sales associate at the next counter enthusiastically chatted with Serena.
I flinched.
Last Wednesday was Lilys birthday.
But Lily and I waited until 2 AM, and Alexander never came home.
He said he was busy with work, but it turned out he was busy with another woman.
My chest ached, my eyes burned, but I dug my nails into my palms, trying to hold it together.
I forced myself to remain calm.
Some people act like theyre living the high life, a trophy wife with everything, but they cant even keep their husbands attention.
And whats worse, at an age when shes already being cast aside, she finds out even her wedding jewelry was fake! How pathetic!
Serena scoffed, raising an eyebrow at me.
I forced a strained smile, my voice flat.
But no matter what, its better than being a rat crawling out of the gutter, wouldnt you agree?
Serenas face changed.
I ignored her, my steps stiff as I walked away.
Back home, I pulled out all the designer bags and jewelry Alexander had given me, intending to sell them.
But the results were, without exception, all fakes.
The revelation hit me like a plunge into icy waters.
Three years of dating, five years of marriage what did I even mean to Alexander Thorne?
Thinking of my mothers surgery costs, I swallowed my heartbreak and rushed to Alexander Thornes company.
I brushed past the startled secretary who was about to announce my arrival, standing emotionless outside Alexander Thornes office door.
Just as I was about to enter, I heard a familiar voice, filled with utter disdain
I never loved Elara Lin. Back then, she went to great lengths to win over my mother, which is why I was forced to be with her.
Later, when she was humiliated by all those people, I just watched.
A woman so tainted, so utterly cheap. Giving her the title of Mrs. Thorne was already more than enough; what more could she possibly want?
I froze in disbelief, staring blankly at Alexander.
The disgust in his eyes when he spoke of me pierced me like a blade.
Alexander Thorne was the older student I had a crush on back in college.
It was me who saved his mother, who needed a blood transfusion after a car accident.
And it was me who pulled all-nighters writing business proposals, supporting him as he started his company.
Eight years ago, in the dead of winter, Alexanders startup failed, leaving him with massive debts.
Debt collectors came to our door, and when they couldn't get their money, they humiliated me right in front of him.
At that moment, Alexanders eyes were shockingly red, like a trapped beast with its throat choked.
He proposed to me then and there.
He swore hed never let me down, not ever.
After we married, I quickly gave birth to our daughter.
As Alexander Thornes business grew, I willingly stepped back, managing everything at home.
But I never imagined that in Alexander Thornes heart, I was so cheap!
Eight years, and all I got in return was his disdain!
Alexander.
I suddenly burst into his office.
He flinched, instinctively pushing Serena off his lap.
Elara, how long have you been here?
I didnt answer.
Instead, I went straight to asking for money.
Alexander Thorne frowned.
How much?
Ninety thousand dollars.
Mrs. Thorne!
Serena gasped suddenly.
She looked at me with a condemning gaze.
How can you be so demanding? Asking for ninety thousand dollars just like that? Dont you ever think about Mr. Thorne?
I sneered.
What does my private business with Alexander have to do with you?
Serenas eyes reddened.
Mrs. Thorne, you always use your status as Mrs. Thorne to humiliate me. I can take it, but I just feel for Mr. Thorne
A flicker of emotion crossed Alexanders eyes.
When he looked back at me, there was displeasure in his gaze.
Elara, the companys cash flow isnt great right now; I cant spare that much.
His tone shifted.
Besides, you never cared for these things before, did you?
I stared at him deeply.
Alexander, my mother is critically ill. Thats her life savings!


Alexander Thorne paused, but what came out was,
Elara, youd stoop to such lies just for money now?
It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me.
Alexander, Im not lying. My mother is in the hospital right now
I hadnt finished speaking when Serena suddenly rushed at me, gripping my wrist tightly.
Mrs. Thorne, I beg you, please understand how hard Mr. Thorne works. If you have grievances, take them out on me!
She looked so frail and pitiful. I hadnt done a thing, yet she just collapsed to the floor.
The next second, Alexander immediately helped her up, his face filled with concern.
When he looked back at me, his eyes blazed with suppressed anger.
Elara, I never realized you could be so unreasonable, all for money!
When did you become so obsessed with money?
Me, obsessed with money?
I thought of Serenas golden throne and couldnt help but let out a sarcastic laugh.
Alexander wished he could house her in a golden palace, but when it came to me, just ninety thousand dollars, and he thought I was materialistic.
It truly proved the saying: a mans love follows his money.
I was about to speak when my phone rang suddenly.
It was Lilys kindergarten teacher.
Hello? Is this Lilys mom? Please come to the kindergarten quickly, Lilys been hurt!
My face instantly tightened.
Without asking too many questions, I hurried to the kindergarten.
Half an hour later, I spotted my daughter, huddled and trembling in a corner.
She was covered in dirt, bruised all over, her face streaked with tears.
My heart instantly ached, and my eyes burned.
What happened? How did Lily get such serious injuries?
The teacher hesitated, then showed me the security footage.
Then, I saw a boy, maybe four or five, had Lily pinned to the ground, kicking her hard in the stomach!
Lily cried and begged him to stop, but the boy acted as if he didnt hear her.
He even grabbed her hair, slamming her head against the floor again and again!
Why are you hurting Lily!
My face was ashen as I yelled at the boy.
He flinched back in fear, then suddenly burst into tears.
Bad woman! Youre bullying me! Ill tell my dad to kill you!
I sneered, about to scold him.
But the next second, Alexander Thorne, who had just rushed in, suddenly changed his expression.
He grabbed my wrist forcefully, shoving me to the ground!
Elara, what are you doing!
Youre a grown adult, bullying a child?
I fell to the ground, my lower back slamming into the table corner, searing with pain.
But nothing hurt as much as the rage in my heart.
Alexander, your own daughter is seriously hurt, and youre ignoring her to care about the one who hurt her?
Alexander, had he gone mad?
Mrs. Thorne!
Suddenly, Serena grabbed the boy and pulled him into a hug, saying, on the verge of tears,
Its one thing for you to bully me, but why cant you leave my child alone!
Poor Devin is so small, and he doesnt have a father to stand up for him
A flicker of sympathy instantly crossed Alexanders eyes, and he looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated.
My mind exploded, a deafening ringing in my ears.
It turned out that Alexander and Serena already had a four-year-old child.
That meant hed been cheating on me since the first year of our marriage
Ha
A profound irony flooded my heart, and an overwhelming sense of absurdity made me laugh.
Alexander, take a good look at Lilys injuries. Are you still going to side with Serena?
Alexander Thornes gaze fell on Lily, cradled in my arms.
Lilys small face was pale with pain, yet she was still pitifully calling out, Daddy.
Alexander Thorne frowned.
But the next second, his face grew indifferent as he said,
Kids roughhousing is normal; why are you making such a big deal out of it?
Besides, Devin twisted his ankle too.
With that, he picked up the boy and turned to leave.
Ill take Devin to the hospital first.
I was struck dumb, as if hit by lightning.
I watched his resolute back, unable to snap out of it for a long time.
I never thought Alexander Thorne could be so heartless, abandoning even his own flesh and blood.
Elara
Serena sneered at me, whispering in my ear,
Do you know why Alexander is so indifferent to your daughter?
He once told me that you got pregnant not long after *those people* humiliated you. Who knows if the child is even his?
The woman walked away with light steps.
Only I remained, plunged into an abyss of ice.
Back then, when I was humiliated and desperate enough to want to end my life,
Alexander Thorne stayed by my side, swearing repeatedly that he would love me with his life.
Yet now, he despised my own daughter so much!
Ha
I gave a self-deprecating laugh and took Lily to the hospital.
After her injuries began to heal, I asked in a daze,
Lily, if someday, Daddy and Mommy have to separate, who would you choose?
Lily, though clearly still in pain, gave me a sunny smile.
Lily loves Mommy very much, and she also loves Daddy.
But if Daddy is mean to Mommy, Lily wont want Daddy anymore!
My nose stung, and I pulled Lily into a tight hug.
The decision in my heart solidified.
The next second, I made a call.
Mr. Davis, please draft a divorce agreement for me.
In three days, all of Thorne Corp.s assets will be transferred to my name. Just go ahead and do it.


I had done Alexander Thornes mother a great kindness.
Back then, before Alexander and I were married, his mother felt deeply indebted to me.
So she had Alexander sign an agreement with me.
If Alexander ever wronged me, I could unilaterally divorce him and claim all assets under his name.
Alexander didnt think I was cheap and unworthy of his money?
Fine, if he wanted to play dirty, then so would I!
Once the agreement automatically took effect, I would still get the money for my mothers surgery!
A huge weight lifted from my shoulders. The entire next day, I was busy taking care of my mother and daughter.
Alexander hadnt sent a single message asking how we were.
I saw on Serenas Ins that Alexander had bought her another luxury car.
He also bought her all the latest designer bags for the season.
Each one was worth over $90,000.
Alexander seemed to be trying to declare war on me this way.
But I just smiled and even liked the post.
That evening, Alexander returned home, his face dark.
Elara, are you trying to spite me?
Serena and I are purely platonic. Your status as Mrs. Thorne wont be shaken. Why do you always have to go after her and her son?
He had a four-year-old son, and he still dared to talk about being platonic.
I sneered, and we argued for a few more minutes.
Tomorrow night is Serenas birthday. You *must* come and apologize to her in person.
Finally, Alexander left those words and walked away.
To avoid any trouble, the next day, I arrived on time.
The moment I pushed open the villa doors, I was almost blinded by the golden extravagance everywhere.
Serena stood in the center of the crowd, adored like a star, seated on a gleaming golden throne.
A carpet woven from 999 golden roses spread at her feet.
Alexander Thornes friends were all lavishing her with compliments. The moment I appeared, the atmosphere instantly froze.
Alexanders face was cold, and his eyes signaled for me to apologize.
But I didnt even bother to lift an eyelid, walking straight to a corner seat.
Alexanders face darkened, and he was about to say something, but Serena spoke first.
Mr. Thorne, its alright. It was just kids playing rough. If Elara doesnt want to, then dont force her.
Serena, youre always so understanding.
Alexander sighed, his voice filled with concern.
Even though I had long been utterly disappointed in him, a wave of icy despair washed over me.
When Alexander was just starting his business, money was tight. I never spent an extra dime.
My clothes were faded from countless washes, and I reheated meals three times over.
But all I got in return was him calling me obsessed with money.
The party continued as usual.
When it was time for the birthday tribute video, the lights suddenly dimmed.
Then, the big screen lit up, and the painful moans of a woman filled the air!
The next second, the video of *me* being humiliated was broadcast for everyone to see!
Holy hell, is that *her*?
My god, Thorne is going to be utterly disgraced by her this time!
My face instantly went white.
Fear surged like a tide, threatening to drown me!
Alexander instinctively stood up, ordering someone to cut the video.
He chided the guests whispering, but countless strange looks still fell upon me.
My body trembled. I suddenly realized something and met Serenas gaze.
Sure enough, I saw a flicker of triumph in her eyes!
It was her!
Serena!
Rage flared, and I slapped her hard.
Ah! Mrs. Thorne, why did you hit me?
The next second, I was violently shoved, crashing to the ground.
The champagne tower shattered, sending shards of glass cutting into my skin.
Alexander looked at my disheveled state, frowning in disgust.
Elara, this is *your* own mistake; what does it have to do with Serena!
Because of you, Ive been constantly criticized for years. What more do you want?
Back then, I was clearly dragged into it because of Alexander.
At that time, he was heartbroken, but now, he was saying it was my own mistake!
My heart felt ripped apart, and tears streamed from my eyes.
Alexander, how can you blame me? Back then, it was clearly
I hadnt finished speaking when my phone rang frantically.
Ms. Lin, its bad! Your mothers condition has suddenly worsened rapidly; she needs surgery immediately!
I froze, my face instantly pale as paper.
How could it happen so fast? The doctor had said there was still time
Thinking of my mothers frail body, I ignored my pain and dignity, scrambling to Alexanders feet.
Crying out, I said,
Alexander, my mother really is sick, and she needs surgery now!
Please, Im begging you, lend me ninety thousand dollars!
Alexander Thorne frowned, staring intently at me.
But the next second, a look of disappointment crossed his eyes, and he pushed me away.
Elara, at a time like this, youre still lying just for money!
You ruined Serenas birthday party. If you cant get her forgiveness, I wont give you a single dime!
I stared, wide-eyed in disbelief, trying to show Alexander Thorne the call log and my mothers medical records.
But he turned his head away in disgust.
Finally, resigned, I apologized to Serena.
But she slowly, deliberately, said,
Its not that I want to make things difficult for you, but you hit me without any reason. If you want my forgiveness
How about you let me slap you one hundred times?