Chapter 1 After winning the bidding war for Liam Sterling at the exclusive charity auction, he set three rules for me. Give him a black card with no limit. Clean up all his messes, no questions asked. And never pry into his private life. Only by agreeing to these three points would he leave with me. Everyone thought he was delusional. No one would agree to such terms for a bankrupt playboy. But I just nodded. "Take good care of your face." Over the next three years, I spent over a hundred million dollars on him. Everyone laughed at me for losing my mind over love. But I continued to do as I pleased. The day my father died, Liam crashed his racing car. Suppressing my grief, I rushed to handle the aftermath. But at the door of the VIP lounge, I overheard Liam talking with his friends. "Liam, you've got Elena trained like a dog. Marriage is going to be bliss, huh?" "Yeah, once her old man kicks the bucket, all that family money will be yours after the wedding." Laughter erupted. Liam's cold voice cut through the noise. "Her? She's not worthy of marrying me." I pushed the door open. Under the shocked gazes of everyone, I walked calmly up to Liam. Ignoring his slightly unnatural expression, I carefully wiped the dust from his forehead and sighed in relief. "Good, the face is fine." ... Liam turned his face away impatiently. "It wasn't a big deal. Elena, you're annoying." Seeing the awkward atmosphere, his friends tried to smooth things over, hinting to see if I had heard their conversation. Liam looked at me with a hint of nervousness. Facing that face that looked a bit apprehensive, I couldn't bring myself to be cruel. I shook my head. Just as I relaxed, a commotion came from the entrance. It was Liam's childhood sweetheart. He stood up anxiously, his tone gentle in a way he never used with me. "Why are you here? I said it was nothing, you didn't need to come out in this rain." Bella clutched an umbrella, tears welling up as soon as she saw Liam's injuries. "I was worried about you, and the thunder is so loud, I was scared..." Liam wiped her tears tenderly. "It's late. I'll take you home and tuck you in." With that, they gathered their things and left. Facing the awkward expressions of the others, I watched silently the entire time. Just as he demanded when I "bought" him. Never pry into his private life. Before leaving, Liam spoke to me matter-of-factly: "My car is wrecked. I'll take yours. Find your own way home." He put his jacket over Bella and led her away, not caring at all how I would manage in the pouring rain alone. "Elena, Liam he..." one friend stammered. "No need to explain," I interrupted. In Liam's heart, I would never compare to Bella. His rare patience and gentleness were all poured out on her. I had long realized that no matter how much this face looked like him, it wasn't him. But to see this face I missed day and night, I endured it all willingly. I called my driver to pick me up and went to handle my father's funeral arrangements. It was past midnight when I got home. The lights in the living room were on, which surprised me. Usually, he would be asleep by now. Seeing my exhaustion, Liam frowned. "Why are you back so late?" I said faintly, "Something came up." He scoffed, disbelieving. "Is this necessary? I just walked Bella home. She's a little girl, worried about me in the storm, scared of thunder. What's wrong with me taking her home?" He didn't think for a second that I had also dropped everything to rush to him in the middle of the night. I rubbed my temples, not wanting to argue. Seeing this, Liam stepped forward and pinched my chin. He kissed me, as if bestowing a gift. I turned my head to dodge. His face darkened. "That's enough. What's the attitude for?" "My dad died. I'm not in the mood." Liam froze. Ignoring him, I turned and went into the bedroom. Sometime later, Liam lay beside me, smelling of shower gel. He gently took my hand. "I didn't know." I didn't respond. Liam continued on his own. "By the way, Bella's birthday is coming up. She saw an emerald diamond necklace in a magazine a few days ago and loved it." "I asked around, it's an antique, not for sale anymore." "I remember you have one in your jewelry box. You don't wear it anyway. Why not give it to Bella to make her happy?" My headache worsened. My voice was cold. "That was my mother's dowry. I won't give it." His hand holding mine stiffened. This was the first time I refused him. He gritted his teeth, let go of me, got dressed, and slammed the door as he left. I ignored it, rolled over, and fell into a deep sleep. 2 I drove to my father's funeral. As soon as I got in the car, I saw a pair of lace panties stained with white fluid on the passenger seat. This was the car Liam drove Bella home in. Pressed for time, I switched cars and went to the funeral home. Guests arrived one by one. Liam finally showed up late with Bella. "Bella wasn't feeling well this morning, so we're late." I lowered my eyes. "Take a seat." It seemed a bit warm inside, so Bella took off her trench coat. Instantly, she became the center of attention. She was wearing a bright red dress. Noticing the stares, Bella shrank behind Liam. She trembled, "What's wrong? Why is everyone looking at me?" She gripped Liam's sleeve, causing him to protectively pull her into his arms and whisper comforts. My temper finally snapped. "Either take that off or get out." My eyes were frosty. "Wearing red to my father's funeral. Ms. Bella has quite the upbringing." Everyone watched in silence. Bella looked as if she had suffered a grave injustice, biting her lip with red eyes. "I'll leave then!" She turned and ran. Liam glared at me darkly, grabbed Bella's coat, and chased after her. I closed my eyes tightly and took a few deep breaths. "I apologize. Let's continue." Everyone snapped out of it and pretended nothing happened. I sat down, dejected. I could imagine the gossip. My nose stung. If only he were here. After the funeral, Liam returned. His clothes were messier than when he left. He frowned, tone angry. "Just for something so small, did you have to embarrass Bella in front of everyone?" "She's just a girl, she doesn't know these customs. Why make it hard for her?" "Is this because I tucked her in that night? It's been so long, are you serious?" Liam's questioning made me laugh in anger. Usually, I would pretend not to notice, but today I wasn't going to indulge him. "It's my father's funeral. Who is causing trouble?" I asked sarcastically. He paused, avoiding my gaze. A moment later, he offered a compromise. "Fine, I'll talk to her later. It's not your place to lecture her." "Bella fell when she ran out. You own a hospital, have them prepare the best VIP suite." "Arrange a full checkup for her, and we'll consider this matter closed." I refused without thinking. "Impossible." I would clean up his messes, but I wouldn't agree to this. "You are becoming more and more unreasonable." Liam ripped off his tie, threw it on the floor, and stormed off. When I got home that night, I saw Bella sitting in my seat at the dining table. In front of her was the tonic soup my housekeeper prepared for me. Seeing me, Bella's voice was sweet. "Sister Elena, you're back? Liam said Mrs. Wang's soup is the most nourishing, perfect for my health." "Come have a bowl." I glanced at her and walked past without a word. Liam strode over and put his arm around my shoulder. His tone was unusually gentle. "I thought about it. If you don't want her in the hospital, fine. We have a family doctor, Bella can stay here." "She likes your sunny master bedroom. You move out for her. It'll be good for her recovery." Liam was sure I wouldn't refuse him again. After all, for years, whatever he wanted, he got. Even limited edition supercars worth millions, I would fill the garage with them without blinking. 3 Before I could answer, Liam pulled me to the table. He pushed a plate of bamboo shoot salad toward me. "Your favorite from that place in North City. I bought it for you. Eat up." I stared at the dish. Actually, I didn't like it. He liked it. After his accident, this dish became my "favorite." I picked up my chopsticks and ate a bite. It tasted like the past. Seeing me eat, Liam's expression relaxed. A flash of jealousy crossed Bella's eyes. She put a piece of pig heart in my bowl. Then she panicked, "Sorry Sister Elena, I forgot your father died of a heart attack..." "I'm always so clumsy. Don't be mad." She looked at Liam for help. Liam rubbed Bella's head, comforting her dotingly. "It's okay, I'm here." He looked at me, tone cool. "Bella is young, don't hold it against her." With that, he rolled up his sleeves and expertly peeled shrimp for her. Revealing a hair tie on his wrist that belonged to Bella. Seeing their intimacy, I lost my appetite. I put down my chopsticks. Seeing I was done, Liam spoke again. "Bella's lease is up. Give her an apartment to tide her over." "Your penthouse in the city center is nice, well-decorated. It'll be easier for her to find a job." The apartment Liam mentioned was the marital home I had prepared before. The decor was designed by him personally, according to my taste. I found it laughable. My lack of boundaries had spoiled him. He thought I would yield again and again. But when it involved him, I couldn't let it go. "Liam, you want me to support your mistress too?" I asked calmly. Bella stood up, looking humiliated. "Sister Elena, I know you mind my relationship with Liam, but we are innocent." She looked at Liam, teary-eyed. "I'm disturbing you guys. Sorry Liam, I'll go." Liam grabbed her anxiously, his voice cold toward me. "Apologize to Bella." I sneered. "Did I say something wrong?" "Or was that pair of panties in my car not hers?" Bella breathed heavily, face flushed. She shook her head. "You really misunderstood. I had cramps that day, Liam just helped me with his hands." "We grew up together, it's nothing." Liam pulled her into his embrace, patting her back. "Don't explain. She's just paranoid all day." He looked at me coldly. "Do you think this will make me look at you more?" "There's a limit to being unreasonable. I'll spend more time with you later, okay?" "Bella can't handle grievances." "If you keep this up, I'm moving out with Bella." I heard his threat. Usually, if Liam said this, I would submit immediately. Then fulfill his demands to satisfy him. Only then would he magnanimously forgive me. But my attention was entirely on my phone, which just buzzed. A text message. From a number I knew by heart but thought would never contact me again. 【Elena, wait for me.】 Four simple words left me frozen, clutching my phone. 4 Was it a prank, or did he really come back? The thought made my eyes wet. The phone was snatched away. It was Liam. "Why are you crying?" He frowned, looking suspiciously at the screen. But it was already locked. He tried the password a few times, all wrong. Liam threw the phone on the table in frustration and asked, "Did you hear what I said?" My mind was chaos. I didn't want to talk. I grabbed my phone and stood up. "I think we both need to calm down." Seeing me leave, Liam was at a loss. This was the first time I walked away first. Usually, no matter how toxic he was, I was the one apologizing. Maybe I was just really angry this time. I'd be fine in a few days. Liam thought. Since that night, I hadn't been home or messaged Liam for days. He started getting restless. His friends noticed his anxiety and advised him. "Oh, Liam, what are you afraid of? We all see how much Elena loves you." "Women, just let her cool off. She'll come crawling back to lick your boots." Laughter followed. Bella nodded, pouring wine for Liam. "Yeah Liam, it's probably nothing big. Sister Elena is just throwing a tantrum waiting for you to coax her." "Besides, her dad died, you're the closest person to her. How could she really break up with you?" Liam recalled the wallpaper he saw on my phone that day. Although blurry, he could tell it was him. Probably a candid shot I took. After all, I loved him to the bone. How could I give up so easily? Liam nodded, anxiety fading. "True. Elena is taking over as CEO in a few days. I'll go to her banquet, and she'll be fine." At the banquet, I was socializing with partners. Since that day, no matter how many messages I sent to that number, there was no reply. I could only wait patiently. If it was really him, he would come to me. I just had to wait. Sipping champagne, I saw Liam enter with Bella. My face changed. The dress Bella wore was the one I wore for my debutante ball. It was custom-made by a top designer abroad, commissioned by him. It took six months to make. I walked over quickly, eyes angry. "Who let you wear that?! Take it off!" Bella was startled by my gaze. Thinking Liam was beside her, she found courage. "What are you doing?" I didn't care, pulling at the dress. Liam, seeing me frantic, got angry and pulled me away forcefully. Thrown off balance, my lower back hit the edge of a long table. The champagne tower on it crashed to the floor. The noise attracted everyone's attention. My CEO succession banquet turned into a farce. Liam shielded Bella, his tone impatient. "Elena, when will you stop? I'm here, aren't I?" "This dress color doesn't suit you anymore. It's perfect for a young girl like Bella." "You have so many clothes, is it worth embarrassing her in public over this?" Seeing me covered in wine, my calf cut by glass. A hint of pity appeared in Liam's eyes. He moved to help me up. "Stop throwing tantrums. I'll buy you a new one later, okay?" But I had no reaction to the pain or his words. I just stared blankly at the familiar figure behind him. All the blood in my body seemed to freeze in an instant. Liam followed my gaze. Seeing the man's face, his pupils dilated. It was a tall, handsome man. Every gesture exuded an ethereal elegance. "What are you doing to my fiancée?" The man asked coldly. Liam instinctively moved to block my view. He questioned me angrily. "What fiancée?! Elena, who is he!"
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "MotoNovel" app ? search for "388708", and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel