Chapter 1

When I defeated Natalie for the tenth time and claimed the Supermodel Champion title, her childhood sweetheart, Jared, proposed to me.With his devastatingly handsome face, he kneeled on one knee, ring in hand, and asked, “Will you marry me?”I knew his reason. He wanted me to step away from the runway, retreat into family life, and leave the stage clear for Natalie.However, I still accepted his proposal. That very night, I pulled him into my bed.What followed was seven years of marriage. Though I never held another championship title, I gave birth to three children.They inherited not only my supermodel figure but also their father’s extraordinary looks. Wherever I went with the three of them, we gained millions of adoring fans.On my birthday, Jared handed me the registration form for the “Supermodel Showdown”.The competition, held only once every ten years, was the dream of countless models. It was organized by Aeterna, one of the most prestigious luxury fashion houses

Chapter 2

Jared did not return home until late that night.The first thing he did was step into the children’s rooms and kiss their sleeping faces.I looked at the freshly drafted divorce papers in front of me, feeling an unexpected twinge of regret. Jared was, after all, a good father. He just did not love me.My thoughts were interrupted when his angry voice cut through the silence. He grabbed the container of protein powder from the table and threw it into the trash, his expression tense. “What is this? Are you preparing for the Supermodel Showdown?“I told you before. Your only duty is to give me more children and be my wife.”After all, as long as I kept having children, I would never step back onto the runway to stand in Natalie’s way. In this house, contraceptives and fitness regimens were forbidden, but they were also my secret weapon against him.When I gave birth to Annie and he was tied up with Natalie, I calmly told him that after delivery I planned to return to the runwa

Chapter 3

That evening, I went as usual to the beauty institute. My modeling coach was already waiting for me.After a moment’s hesitation, she finally asked, “Do you really plan to return to modeling?”I smiled. “Not just me, but my three children as well.”As soon as the words left my mouth, three little heads peeked out from behind me. I added with a laugh, “Please arrange training for them as well.”After a crash course, my children walked the runway with impressive poise. The coach could not stop marveling, exclaiming how they were born to be supermodels just like me.However, before the joy could settle, a strong hand yanked me off the runway. It was Jared, with a flustered Natalie right behind him.His face was cold, his eyes burning with fury.“You dare to train as a model again? And you brought the children?”I brushed the dust off my clothes and gave a mocking smile as I looked at the couple before me.“You have your little seaside hobbies. Why shouldn’t the children have

Chapter 4

Natalie was dumbstruck by the cheers of the crowd.A moment ago, she had been basking in her dream of triumph. The next, my titles crushed her where she stood.Global ambassador, what did that even mean? Even if she won first place a hundred times, she’d still be under my heel. And with me sitting as a judge, how could she possibly hope to place?She ran to the front of the stage, screaming at the security guards to stop me.“You’ve made a mistake! “She’s just a housewife. How could she be a guest judge?”However, no one paid her outburst any mind. After all, I had just finished my opening walk, and reporters swarmed the stage like waves crashing to shore. Even the guards couldn’t hold them back.“As expected of the reigning champion, undefeated for ten years! Ms. Middleton, your performance tonight is even more dazzling than it was seven years ago!”“We never imagined you spent those years raising little supermodels! Your three gorgeous children look like they were born f

Chapter 5

The first photo appeared on the screen. It was my gown, splattered with blood.I spoke calmly.“The first year I competed, Natalie ruined my dress. A friend stayed up with me all night to rush out a replacement.“The second year, she drove nails into my heels. When I stepped off the stage after winning, both my feet were full of puncture wounds.“Every single year, Natalie had a new surprise waiting for me. Sometimes it was flowers that triggered my allergies. Sometimes, a staged car accident on my way to the venue…“Natalie’s rise to the top was no miracle. It was built on destroying every opponent with underhanded tricks.“I suspected she’d pull something again this year, which is why I warned the other models to be on guard. Otherwise, there would’ve been another disaster.”I turned my gaze to Jared, who was in shock, and spoke deliberately. “There’s a lot more. Do you want to hear it?”His lips moved, but no sound came out.Instead, my children rushed to me, tears stream

Chapter 6

I hadn’t expected Mark to actually show up, much less arrive with good news.“I resigned from my executive position at Aeterna. Maybe you’d consider taking me in?”I froze, staring at the resignation letter in his hand, the black ink sharp against the white page.Sensing my hesitation, he smiled lightly.“Don’t feel pressured. This isn’t for you. “My title kept rising, but the higher I climbed, the further I drifted from design. What I miss most was that night backstage, helping you rush a new dress after Natalie ruined yours. “I know your company wants to break into the fashion world. You need my expertise, and I need this chance to return to my roots and start over.”I remembered standing helplessly, clutching my destroyed gown that night, and he, then just a design director, stepped in. He stayed up all night for a stranger. Later, he handed me countless opportunities to shine.I smiled, gratitude welling up.“If it weren’t for you back then, I wouldn’t be who I am toda

Chapter 7

Jared suddenly shot to his feet, gripping my arm tightly, his voice frantic.“Clarissa, I’m really sorry. I’ve realized now that I never loved Natalie. The only person I’ve ever loved is you. Don’t say things you don’t mean…”Before I could answer, a sharp female voice cut through the hall. “Jared, have you lost your mind? Can’t you see Clarissa never loved you? You were nothing but her tool to have kids!“How could you possibly love that washed-up hag? You’re just bitter she dumped you! You told me you loved me, remember? Well, now that you’re divorced, I can give you the children you want—”Natalie’s once-proud face looked worn and desperate. She didn’t get to finish her sentence. Jared’s hand shot out, clamping around her throat. Natalie’s face reddened as she struggled for breath. Just before she collapsed, he released her.He looked at her coldly as he said, “I want nothing to do with someone as venomous as you. Not before, not now, not ever. Stay out of South City. Don’t

All Chapters of Back in the Game: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7