System Punishes the Slanderer

I possess a Rumors Come True system, where any lie uttered about me manifests upon the slanderer.

In high school, a classmate, envious of my generous allowance, claimed I was being kept by someone, selling myself. That very day, she was taken to a sleazy karaoke bar and forced into being a hostess.

In college, a male student remarked that my queasy stomach and picky eating must be morning sickness. Immediately, his belly swelled; for ten months, he swelled, only to vomit nothing but sour bile.

From then on, no one dared to gossip about me.

That is, until my engagement party with my fianc, James. His childhood friend, Maya, eagerly stepped forward to offer a toast.

Eleanor, darling, even though the hospital records show youve had seven miscarriages, Im sure you and James will have a baby soon!

And if not, you can always bring home that child you had when you were eighteen. James and I will help you raise it.

After her little speech, Maya blinked her innocent eyes.

Oh dear, did I say something wrong? I suppose everyone didnt know about Eleanors past, did they?

She regretfully covered Jamess ear.

Just pretend I said nothing. Eleanor clearly didnt tell you these private things because she didnt want you to know.

She seemed to be trying to cover for me, but her misleading words only fueled the guests misunderstandings. Meeting the mocking gazes of our friends, Jamess face darkened. He frowned deeply.

Eleanor, did you really get pregnant and have someone elses child before we were married, and had seven miscarriages?

Hearing his sharp accusation, Maya feigned remorse and looked at me.

Im so sorry, Eleanor. I thought since you two were about to be married, there wouldnt be any secrets between you.

But I dont regret it. I couldnt stand by and let James be kept in the dark.

Meeting her resolute stare, I scoffed, narrowing my eyes as I approached her.

I advise you to clear up these rumors immediately!

Otherwise, it might be difficult to contain later!

Maya timidly hid behind James, her voice trembling with feigned vulnerability.

How could this be a rumor?

I just wanted to find out what kind of woman James was marrying, and I never expected to uncover such unspeakable details about your past

At her words, everyone watched like a crowd at a show, waiting for Mayas next revelation. Jamess brow was lined with an even deeper frown. Maya bit her lower lip, looking as if she found it difficult to speak.

These are all Eleanors private matters. Can I really say?

James comforted her gently. Maya, just say what you know. If she dared to do it, theres no need to spare her feelings.

Listening to his defense, Mayas eyes grew steadily firmer.

James is right. Everyone has the right to know the truth!

She blurted out, The year she turned eighteen, in her freshman year of college, Eleanor was sleeping with several men. And that was the year she gave birth to a child.

The surrounding guests gasped in collective shock. Maya continued to spill the beans.

But she hooked up with so many men, she doesnt even know who the childs father is!

That child has been raised in the countryside ever since. If you do the math, they must be eight years old by now.

The banquet hall immediately erupted in whispers. Scrutinizing glances continuously swept over me.

I cant believe it! She looks so innocent, but shes been playing around so much behind our backs!

From the sound of her insatiable urges, shes probably cheated on James countless times. Tsk!

I ignored the filthy whispers, calmly meeting Mayas gaze, a smile playing on my lips.

Sometimes, the rumors you spread come back to bite you in unexpected ways.

Im asking you one last time, are you sure everything youre saying happened to me?

A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, quickly masked, as she feigned composure.

Of course its about you! Whose else could it be?!

She adopted a righteous air. I just want James to know your true character, so he doesnt regret marrying you for the rest of his life!

But no sooner had she spoken than a small child rushed up to Mayas leg, crying, Mommy!

The entire banquet hall was stunned. Maya frantically tried to push her away.

Whos your mommy? Dont call me that!

The girl, however, clung to her, sobbing, Mommy, I havent seen you in so long. Why are you trying to send me away again?

Mayas composure shattered under the guests teasing gazes. She gasped in alarm, trying to cover the childs mouth.

I watched her panic, a faint smile on my lips.

I told her, didnt I, that spreading rumors would come back to haunt her?

James looked at Maya, a complicated expression on his face.

He asked bitterly, Is she really your child?

Maya instinctively waved her hand in denial.

I interjected, Why dont we just ask?

I walked toward the girl, but Maya suddenly blocked her.

Why should you ask?

I raised an eyebrow at her. If youre innocent, whats there to be afraid of?

Maya looked at James, tears welling in her eyes. James, you believe me!

Seeing her tears, James immediately stepped in front of her, frowning with displeasure.

Eleanor, Maya and I grew up together. I know her character better than anyone!

How could she possibly have a child this old? Dont spread false rumors!

He hadnt trusted me, but now that Maya was being questioned, he fiercely protected her. My chest tightened for a moment, then I exhaled lightly.

Someone calling Maya Mommy at a banquet will surely tarnish her reputation! If you truly care about her, you should inquire further!

James looked at the suspicious glances around them, clenching his fists. Finally, he pulled Maya aside.

Eleanor is right. For your reputation, we really should get to the bottom of this!

Maya glared at me with resentment.

I knelt down and asked the girl, Little one, how old are you?

Eight.

Whats your name?

Lily Taylor.

I concluded, She has normal conversational abilities.

Then I pointed at Maya. Is she your mother?

Mayas eyes shot daggers, and she glared at Lily. The girl flinched in fear, but still nodded gently.

She is my mommy.

Hearing her confession, the color drained from Mayas face.

And your father?

The girl looked a bit sad, lowering her head.

Ive never met my daddy.

Maya saw the shock on Jamess face and glared at me with hatred.

Suddenly, she shrieked, It must be you! Eleanor!

Is she an actress you hired to ruin my reputation?

Otherwise, how could this childs story perfectly align with what I said?

Then, Maya tugged at Jamess sleeve, tears welling in her eyes.

James, believe me! I really didnt do any of those things.

Im to blame for saying those things that upset Eleanor. She must have deliberately hired an actress to frame me.

Jamess friends also came over to speak on Mayas behalf.

James, you know what kind of person Maya is. Besides, her name is Taylor. What connection could she possibly have with Maya?

But the child that Eleanor was supposedly found to have is also eight years old. Kids can be easily manipulated; how many truths can come out of their mouths?

I sneered, looking at the speaker.

So, Maya spreading false rumors was also part of my scheme?

James, listening to the argument, roared to interrupt.

Enough, Eleanor!

Maya isnt married yet; dont slander her!

This girl was probably sent by someone to deliberately frame her. Ill have someone take her back to her parents soon.

Maya, hearing James say he believed her, began to sob again. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she sniffled.

Eleanor, I never imagined youd go to such lengths, even hiring an actress to spread rumors about me, just to divert attention.

Originally, there was some evidence I didnt want to release, but since youve resorted to such underhanded tactics, dont blame me for exposing it

She opened her phones photo album, and an indecent, lewd sound filled the air. Projected onto the banquet halls large screen, everyone clearly saw a person wearing provocative lingerie, twisting their body, with my face prominently displayed.

Maya pointed at the video and declared, During that time, not only were you promiscuous, but you also loved filming these little videos. These are all the evidence your ex-boyfriends sent me!

What do you have to say for yourself now?

You want to have a good time before marrying James, but how do you think Jamess family will feel about this?

Seeing the intertwined bodies on the large screen, whispers erupted among the guests.

I heard the Sterling and Taylor families arranged this marriage years ago. Eleanor knew about the engagement and still dared to mess around!

Shes practically slapping the Sterling family in the face!

Maya seemed to fear it wasnt enough; she played several more videos. Various types of sexy lingerie, and a different male lead in each video. Jamess face grew grim. His voice was low and heavy.

Eleanor! Ive kept my distance from other women since I learned about our engagement!

But you how dare you betray me?!

Maya fanned the flames beside him.

Eleanor could have a child out of wedlock at eighteen; its hard to say if she filmed these for thrills.

I looked at the furious man before me and suddenly felt utterly fed up.

I was his fiance of three years. Yet, he didnt bother to question the truth, refusing to hear a single explanation. He had already decided I was a depraved woman.

I simply explained, I didnt do any of these things. AI face-swapping technology is so advanced these days; its hard to say if someone deliberately replaced the person in the videos with my face.

Then, I stared unblinking at Maya.

This behavior has already violated my right to reputation. I have every reason to sue you!

Hearing my almost threatening words, Maya remained unfazed.

I already told you, I bought these from your ex-boyfriends.

She even mocked me. You found a good man like James and still dont appreciate him!

You probably dont know how many women dream of marrying him! Her words were tinged with admiration for the man beside her.

James clearly enjoyed her words, and his disgust for me intensified.

Eleanor, I cannot marry a woman as impure as you!

I will inform my parents that Im breaking off the engagement.

I gave a dismissive smirk. Whatever. It was the Sterling family who had begged for this alliance three years ago anyway. If I broke off this engagement, another Chen or Wang family would naturally come along.

Before James left with Maya, I patiently offered one last warning.

Maya, I advise you to apologize for your inappropriate remarks.

After all, spreading false rumors really does come back to haunt you!

She had just heard what she wanted to hear. She chuckled, her face filled with only defiance.

Eleanor, I think I should be saying that to you.

I advise you to live a pure life from now on. Otherwise, the next rich man you try to hook, once he checks your background, will know youre not clean~

Watching her walk away, I nonchalantly raised an eyebrow. Since good advice fell on deaf ears, then let her wait. Retribution might be delayed, but it would never be absent.