The Caged Bird, the Heart’s Desire

Everyone knew I was Alexander Clarks favorite trophy girlfriend. Beautiful and compliant, gentle and considerate. As long as the money was right, Id endure his endless whims. Even when he humiliated me for the sake of his true love, I never showed the slightest complaint. Everyone assumed I would never leave.

But no one knew that when the contract expired, I would marry another man and completely sever ties with that relationship.

The ping of my phone broke the silence as I sorted through research documents for my return home. The words 500,000 credits deposited flickered on the screen. I casually placed my phone on the corner of the table and continued verifying the files. That was my monthly allowance.

My best friend, Sophia, looked worried. Alexander knows youre getting married. He wont come back and make trouble, will he?

My fingers paused. My voice was calm. He wont. Hes always generous with ex-lovers. Hell just find a new trophy girlfriend.

My contract would expire in a month. Then I could change my name, move to a new city, and forget everything about this foggy city.

The rain started falling again in this foggy city. I returned to my apartment. As I reached the door, a custom black umbrella caught my eyeit was Alexanders. My steps involuntarily halted, and my heart tightened slightly, as if entangled by fine threads of rain.

He was here.

Pushing open the door, in the warm orange glow, his back was silhouetted in the kitchen. I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, a perfectly calibrated tone of complaint in my voice.

You havent been back in twenty days. Before, it was never more than fifteen.

This was the dynamic I had painstakingly learned: an occasional complaint from the trophy girlfriend made the benefactor feel depended upon. In the past, he would always ask if I needed money.

But this time, he simply plated a steak, his voice cool. Eat, then take a shower.

I glimpsed a bite mark beneath his cuff, thick with a scab. I resisted asking questions, quietly heading into the bathroom. The woody scent from the shower was identical to the first time I met him four years ago. My thoughts drifted back to that moment, echoing the rhythm of the rain.

That year, during my university entrance exams, my mother slipped notes into my stationery, and I was caught cheating, my scores invalidated. I, who could have attended an Ivy League, ended up branded a 'cheating student,' mocked by everyone. She then cried and knelt, forcing me to give up my re-take to work and support my sister's art college tuition. I fled to this foggy city, but on my way home one night, I was mugged, all my money gone. I didn't even have enough for next month's rent. Desperate, I called my mother for help, only to be met with, "It's your own choice."

In the international student community, for a poor student like me, apart from scholarships, the only way to make money was to find a rich "boyfriend." That day, with my last bit of cash, I dressed myself provocatively. I went to a midnight party and immediately saw Alexander Clark in the center of the crowd.

I forgot how I ended up kneeling before him, allowing his hand to easily touch my most vulnerable neck. I only remembered him smiling faintly, his eyes slightly narrowed under the dazzling lights.

A clap of thunder pulled me from my memories. I walked out of the bathroom. Alexander stood by the window, surrounded as if by deep winter's ice and snow.

"Come here." His voice was indifferent.

As I approached, he pulled me onto the bed. His movements were rough, and I bit my lip, daring not to make a sound.

Not going to ask about the bite mark? Or why Im angry? He curled his lip.

I forced a smile, leaning in to kiss him. As long as youre happy, nothing else matters. Maintaining boundaries, thats how a trophy girlfriend avoids getting hurt.

Initially, I couldn't distinguish love from desire, mistaking his indulgence for affection. Until the first time he treated me roughly, and I said he was out of line. He coldly replied, If you dont like it, get out. Afterward, I learned my lesson, understanding I was merely a pet.

But I am still a person, so when the contract ends, the trophy girlfriend should leave.

The next day, Alexander was already gone. Due to his companys international business, Alexander spent half of each month in Capital City and the other half in this foggy city.

I opened my phone. The international student group chat had exploded, hundreds of messages flooding in, half of them tagging me. A secretly filmed video went viral: Alexander holding a womans hand. The woman bit his wrist, yet he didnt let go, instead forcefully kissing her. The sadness and deep affection in his eyes were something I had never seen before.

Sophia messaged me, asking if I was okay. I replied, Im fine, but stared at the video for a long time until my eyes ached. I had always accepted my fate; a trophy girlfriend should live in her cage, not peek into her benefactors life.

As graduation approached, I was busy with wrapping things up. Returning home on a stormy day, I heard piano music as I reached the door. Pushing it open, I saw a woman with delicate features sitting at the piano. Her profile was identical to the woman in the video.

So youre the little trinket Alexander keeps in this foggy city? Her tone was dismissive.

I clenched my hands, responding politely, Hello, Im Stella Taylor.

She didnt introduce herself, merely saying casually, This piano still sounds perfectly in tune. Alexander must have it tuned regularly, doesnt he? I remembered when I first moved in, thinking Alexander liked piano, I had specifically studied for a year. But when I played for him, he angrily pulled me away, scolding, What right do you have to touch this piano?

Now, the one with the right had finally arrived. The door opened. Alexander saw the woman and his body stiffened. After a long moment, he spoke coldly, Fighting with my brother again? Sister-in-law?

I froze. So, she was Alexanders sister-in-law, Victoria Lin.

Victorias voice was low. Alexander, must you speak to me like that?

Alexanders jaw tightened, and he softened his tone. Havent eaten?

I was waiting for you, Victoria murmured.

Alexander took off his suit and walked towards the kitchen. The usual? Filet mignon with Merlot, alright? My heart clenchedthis was the dinner he often made for me. I had once thought it was a unique gesture, only to realize it was merely a continuation of someone elses preference.

Victoria suddenly asked what I wanted to eat. Alexander finally looked at me, his voice icy. You, go out.

I feigned composure. Okay, Ill come back later.

He flatly refused. No need. Stay in a hotel these next few days. Ill call you when its time to come back.

The door slammed shut behind me, rain lashing against my face. It felt as cold as it did three years ago when the landlord kicked me out. I thought I was clear-headed enough, but subconsciously, I had still considered this place home.

Sophia called, reminding me that the contract expired on March 14th, asking if I wanted to book a flight for the 16th, avoiding Alexanders birthday on March 15th. I took a deep breath.

Book it for the 14th. End it on the day its meant to end.

The next morning, Alexander messaged, Come back. I obeyed, taking a taxi back, only to see workers moving things out.

All this is being thrown out just because one woman doesnt like it. Rich people are so capricious. The workers words stopped me in my tracks.

Another worker held up a cartoon plushie, carefully asking Alexander, Not this one either?

That was a gift Alexander had given me. I had once mentioned wanting it as a child but never getting it, and he had specially postponed three days of his schedule to return home to find it. That was the first time I had forgotten my place, hugging him and crying uncontrollably.

But now, Alexander said coldly, Throw it away.

The plushie dropped into the garbage truck, buried beneath trash. I wanted to step forward, but Alexander called out, What are you doing?

I forced myself to be calm, linking my arm through his. I got your message. I was back in ten minutes, wasnt I quick?

He made no comment, merely stating, Live here from now on. Dont leave anything behind.

I looked at the garbage truck, where all my belongings lay. After a long moment, I gently nodded. Okay.

Alexander didnt stay that night. The next day, his assistant delivered a dozen limited-edition Chanel bags. Along with a 7-million-credit black card and a property deed for an apartment in the city center. This is Mr. Clarks graduation gift to you.

I knew it was his way of placating me after hed discarded my belongings. Will he be coming back these next few days? I asked.

The assistant replied, Mr. Clark postponed his business trip for Ms. Victoria Lins concert. Hell return after its over, probably next month.

But I couldnt wait until next month. I bought a ticket to the concert. Sophia scoffed, A third-rate musician built on capital, whats there to see? But this was my last chance to see Alexander.

The concert had already begun. The hall was dim, yet I instantly spotted Alexander in the first row. He gazed at Victoria Lin on stage, his eyes a deep ocean blue, a tenderness I had never witnessed. Victoria spoke, I want to thank my husband. He gave me this piano, and I brought it. Hes always by my side. The host mentioned Alexander, and Victoria smiled, saying, Besides being family, were also very good friends.

Alexander abruptly stood up and walked out, bumping right into me. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me into a car. The driver, sensing the tension, discreetly left. His kiss was filled with icy rage; I couldnt breathe, my wrist ached from his grip.

Mr. Clark, not here

Shut up! he barked, yet his movements gradually softened. Finally, he whispered in my ear, I love you

My heart skipped a beat, but the next second I heard him call out, Victoria Lin. Under the starlit ceiling, I froze. His love, it turned out, was never for me. Tears fell uncontrollably.

Alexander asked what was wrong. I hugged him tightly. Nothing, I just wanted to hold you.

It started raining outside. He suddenly asked, Why did you come looking for me? I softly said, I wanted to see you. He looked down at me, a slight upturn to his lips. Such a good girl. What do you want? Ill have Liam send it over.

For the first time, I refused. No, thank you, Mr. Clark. He froze, but his phone rang. Victorias voice was tearful. Alexander, the hotel Im staying in is blocked by the police. Im so scared

Ill be right there. Alexander hung up, glanced at me, his voice icy. Get out!

The heavy rain instantly soaked me. He shoved an umbrella into my hand, his voice detached. I have something to do. Go back by yourself. The Rolls-Royces headlights vanished into the rainy night. I held the umbrella, but the wind broke its ribs. I boarded a bus. The cold air made me shiver. Then, a jacket was draped over my head. I looked up, only seeing a handsome profile. He quickly got off the bus, disappearing into the rain.

Back at the apartment, I washed and put away the jacket. I opened my phone. In a pushed news interview, a reporter asked if the woman Alexander had taken away was his girlfriend. Victoria smiled and said, Just an irrelevant person who stumbled in. Alexander took her out because he was afraid of affecting me. Alexander merely responded, Yes.

I exited the video and opened my email. Two emails lay side by side: one was an invitation to a top domestic research project. The other was an offer for a million-dollar annual salary from a top 100 global conglomerate.

On March 12th, I took a deep breath and replied to the research project email: I am honored to join.

The next day, I returned home. The kitchen light was on, and Alexander was cooking. I walked over, only to see oxtail clear soup on the tablemy favoriteinstead of his usual steak.

Why this today? I asked softly.

He said casually, I wont be making steak anymore. You try this. I glimpsed Victorias message on his phone: I dont want to be like everyone else. My heart clenched, and I sat down in silence.

Tomorrow, Victoria and I are going to Germany. Dont contact me these next few days, he said coldly, pushing the bowl of soup towards me. I knew he was going to celebrate Victorias birthday with her, as he had for the past two years.

Okay, I forced a smile.

He promised, Ill bring you a gift from France.

No need, I looked up at him. Mr. Clark, happy birthday.

He stood up and walked over to me, his tall figure eclipsing the light. His kiss was as hot as a volcano, and he lifted me, carrying me towards the bedroom. This was the most intense time in three years. I eventually passed out. He held me while cleaning, then pressed a kiss to my forehead. When I woke up, he was already gone.

Sophia messaged, 3 PM flight. Ill pick you up.

I scanned the apartment; all traces of me had long been thrown away. Packing my last few items of clothing, I placed the property deed and bank card on the study desk.

Honestly, Ive always been grateful to you for helping me when I was at my lowest. I took one last look at the apartment. Thank you, Alexander Clark.

At 3 PM, Alexanders plane landed in Germany, and my plane took off. 12 hours later, he was at a birthday party in Germany. I landed in Capital City. Taking the new phone handed to me by the staff, I headed to the research base.

Two days later, Alexander returned to the foggy city early. His assistant smiled, Mr. Clark, dont worry, Ill deliver the gift to Miss Taylor.

Its for her, Alexander said flatly, then added, Draft the renewal contract again, increase it from 500,000 to 700,000 credits. Send it tomorrow. He returned to the apartment, made dinner, and waited for me from dusk until deep into the night. I didnt come back. He took out his phone to call, but only heard an automated voice: Hello, the number you have dialed is no longer in service Alexander dialed again, still getting the same message. He rushed upstairs; the bedroom, balcony, and study were all empty. Only the card and property deed remained on the desk, with a note tucked underneath: Alexander Clark, thank you for these three years.

He called his assistant, his voice icy. Find out where she is. The assistant, bewildered, replied, Isnt Miss Taylor with you, Mr. Clark?

Find her, Alexander cut him off.

Victoria messaged, Alexander, I want to see you.

In the restaurant, Victoria cried, Your brother found another woman. Help me get rid of her. Youre already keeping a little trinket in the foggy city, so keeping another one in Capital City wont matter.

Victoria Lin, Alexander interrupted her. Her name is Stella Taylor.

Victoria froze. Alexander continued, This was your choice, back then.

Victoria tried to speak, but Alexander pulled his arm away. Im leaving.

Standing in the long corridor, looking at the city lights, Alexander suddenly thought of me. He took out his phone. Find her location. Bring her back tonight.

The assistant hesitated. Mr. Clark, someone has deliberately hidden Miss Taylors information. We cant find her.

Capital City, Seventh Aerospace Research Institute. The academician patted my shoulder. We have a new member joining. You both studied abroad in the foggy city, so you can pick him up.

Hes a genius in physics, a rare talent in a century. He earned two bachelors degrees at 15, a doctorate at 17, and now holds two doctorates. I turned, curious, and the young man at the door turned towards meit was the same person who gave me his jacket on that rainy night in the foggy city. Its you. My heart skipped a beat. You remember? he asked. Youre not someone easily forgotten. I extended my hand. Thank you for that day. Welcome aboard. My name is Stella Taylor.

Jasper Harris, he said, shaking my hand, his voice cool and clear.

In the foggy city apartment, Alexander looked at his assistant. Youre telling me that with all of Clark Holdings connections, you cant find a single Stella Taylor?

The assistant wiped sweat from his brow. Top hackers, both domestic and international, have tried, but they cant breach that firewall. Its likely a state-level secret.

Alexander dismissed his assistant. The room instantly became a mess. He leaned over his desk, emotions surging in his chest, threatening to drown his reasonsomething had utterly slipped from his control.

Alexander went to the club, walking directly towards Sophia. Where is Stella Taylor? Sophia feigned ignorance. Stella Taylor? I dont understand.

On the afternoon of the 14th, you drove her to the airport. Im asking you one last time, where is she? His eyes were icy cold.

Sophias heart turned cold. She went back to the country. Said she wanted to go home to get married.

Married? Alexander was almost too angry to laugh.

Sophia mustered her courage. If you dont like her, then let her go. She only came to you because she was desperate, treating herself like a commodity. But shes a human being, with flesh and blood.

Humiliation? Alexander frowned. You think I was humiliating her?

Sophia opened her phone. The screenshot showed the trending topic A certain female international student, shameless, selling her body to climb the ladder. It also showed photos of me trying to please Alexander. Suddenly, Alexanders fingers frozethe zipper of the plushie in the screenshot was open, revealing a note inside the cotton.

I love you, Alexander Clark.

It was the plushie he himself had said hed thrown away. Alexander gripped his phone tightly, Victoria Lins face flashing in his mind.

I didnt know, his voice was hoarse.

Sophia said, She paid to suppress the news that night, saying she didnt want to trouble you. But what did you do?

Alexander remembered that day. Victoria had said she didnt like the things in the apartment, so he, in front of me, had thrown away all my belongings.

Standing under the eaves, Alexander called Victoria. Victoria exclaimed with delight, Alexander, did you agree to what I asked? I knew it

Alexander gently interrupted her. That night in the apartment, what did you do? Victoria froze. I didnt do anything. I was so tired that day; I went to bed early.

Victoria Lin! Alexander said coldly. That day, what did you see in my room?

Victoria was silent for a moment. If youre asking me this way, do I still need to say it? Havent you already figured it out?

Alexander said in disbelief, How could you be like this?

Isnt it because your brother and you forced me? One cheated, the other didnt help me, always hiding out with his little mistress in the foggy city. When I needed support, there was no one behind me. I just wanted to drive her away, to make sure your attention was only on me. What did I do wrong?

Victoria gritted her teeth and yelled, And anyway, werent you the one who actually threw her things away?

Alexander was completely stunned. Yes, he was the one who threw away my things, who lost me. It had always been him. He weakly hung up the phone with Victoria, looking at the dark night sky. A strange fear spread from his bones. He sent me a message: "I'm back." "I, I'm back." But there was no reply.

Rain poured down. The assistant rushed over with an umbrella. Mr. Clark The rest of his words caught in his throat. He watched Alexander stand silently in the rain, water soaking his hair, tracing his eyelids, leaving streaks on his face. The rain in this foggy city seemed to never cease.

Two years later, the project ended. I called Sophia.