After my best friend finally got together with her crush, she introduced me to her crush's young uncle. I had been single my entire life, accustomed to living alone, and originally wanted to refuse. But when I saw this usually bright, moon-like man sitting by the pool, dead drunk and vulnerable, my heart softened. I walked over, held out my hand, and said, "I'm just short of graduation credits. Want to go get a marriage certificate?" The man was stunned for a moment, but eventually placed his hand in mine. On an impulse, we got our marriage certificate and became husband and wife. For seven years, we treated each other with respect, to the envy of everyone. But only I knew. I never managed to touch the heart of this older man. So much so that after he died, he left his entire fortune to my best friend. And I, the one who should have been the rightful heir, got absolutely nothing. So, given a second chance at life, I no longer want to be the star trying to save the moon. I'm letting Arthur go, and I'm letting myself go. 1 "I'm sorry, but I already have someone I like." As soon as the words left my mouth, a momentary dead silence fell over the dining table. Arthur paused in cutting Olivia's steak, and Olivia herself looked up at me in shock. "Chloe, since when do you have someone you like? How come I didn't know?" I set down my knife and fork, curling my lips into a smile: "I don't really like talking about things that aren't certain yet." "I don't believe you. You're definitely just making up an excuse to get out of this." Olivia immediately drew a conclusion. "Chloe, I'm not trying to put you down, but look, you're twenty this year and still a virgin. Even though you are quite average-looking, once the lights are off and you're in bed, everyone is the same." "But you still don't have a boyfriend. Do you know why?" She spoke softly, as if she were genuinely trying to analyze my situation. In my past life, I was too stupid to hear that while some words seemed well-intentioned, they were actually meant to belittle and mock me. But I still played along and asked, "Why?" "Because your standards are too high, of course!" "Look at my young uncle. He graduated from a top university and is now the CEO of the Vance Group. Who wouldn't want to be his wife?" "If you weren't my best friend, why would I ever set you up with my young uncle?" Her expression was triumphant. Arthur, sitting next to her, also smiled, a trace of helpless indulgence flashing in his eyes. "Are you that eager to find me an aunt?" Olivia huffed, "Don't think I don't know that the uncles and aunts want you to enter an arranged marriage. So I thought, rather than having a stranger be my young aunt, I'd rather it be my best friend." "Why give the advantage to an outsider?" She spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Arthur raised an eyebrow, seemingly acquiescing to Olivia's behavior. And finally, he deigned to shift his gaze to me. To be honest, Arthur was the man I've seen wear a black sweater with the most ascetic restraint. The long sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, a Submariner watch on his wrist. I remembered it. It was a gift Olivia had bought for her boyfriend. When her boyfriend didn't want it, she gave it to Arthur. Something someone else discarded, yet he held onto it longingly until the moment he died. Sometimes, I even marveled at his deep affection. "Chloe, what do you think?" he asked me. I took the last sip of my red wine and said softly: "I believe I said, I already have someone I like." Arthur remained noncommittal. His long fingers picked up the knife and fork again, cut a piece of steak, and naturally fed it to Olivia. Only then did he continue leisurely: "But I don't think I lack any competitive edge." "As Olivia said, there are many who want to be Mrs. Vance. And if you choose me, there are only benefits for you, no drawbacks." "As for this 'liking' you speak of—" He paused, "Chloe, how much do you think 'liking' someone is worth?" Courtesy before force. Arthur's usual tactic in the business world. Unfortunately, I was no longer the Chloe from my past life, the one who took the initiative to walk towards him. After a moment, I raised the corners of my lips and smiled: "You're right, 'liking' isn't worth much." "But there is one more thing. I'm sorry, Mr. Vance, but you are not my type." 2 I didn't stay to see Arthur's final expression. After setting down my wine glass, I stood up and left. On my phone, Olivia's messages kept pouring in. [Chloe, why were you acting crazy just now?] [You should be burning incense in gratitude that my uncle is willing to marry you. Have you looked in the mirror lately?] [I treated you as my best friend, and you? Is this how you repay me?!] I didn't reply; I just blocked her. But surprisingly, this time Arthur took the initiative to add me. [I'm willing to marry you only because of Olivia. It doesn't mean I actually have feelings for you.] [After we get married, I won't interfere with your private life.] Staring at those words. A mocking curve appeared on my lips. Arthur really would compromise in any way possible for his little niece. But I had already served as their fig leaf for a lifetime, so this time, they could play by themselves. I shoved the phone back into my pocket. I hailed a cab back to the university. ... In the office, my counselor handed me the application form for an internship at the border, his expression complex: "Chloe, are you really sure?" "The border isn't like Capitol City. You should know how dangerous it is there. Your parents..." His voice trailed off. I took the application form and nodded: "I know, but I've already made my decision and won't change it." In my past life, my life was altered because of Arthur. God favored me and gave me a chance to choose again. Of course, I had to correct my mistakes. And walk the path I was meant to walk. The counselor looked at me, finally let out a soft sigh, and patted my shoulder: "In that case, I won't say any more." "Chloe, you are just like your parents, very outstanding." I smiled back. My parents passed away five years ago. At that time, there was a sudden earthquake at the border. My parents were the most famous doctors in Capitol City. Upon receiving the call for support, they immediately rushed to the border. I saw them off at the door as usual, waiting for them to return. But in the end, I only waited for two urns of ashes. I was fifteen that year. My parents died in the aftershocks, becoming heroes, and I became an orphan. Actually, no one knows that I met Arthur before I met Olivia. When I was eighteen, I worked odd jobs to earn living expenses, occasionally delivering takeout for the small shop downstairs. The day I met Arthur, the first heavy rain fell in Capitol City. The road was misty, and I accidentally rear-ended a luxury car. I was thrown from my bike, my arms scraped, suffering multiple fractures. The pain made me unable to get up from the ground. More and more onlookers gathered on the road. No one was willing to help me up, and the driver of the luxury car didn't get out either. Only Arthur reached out his hand to me and asked, "Does it hurt?" In that moment, my eyes instantly reddened. I cried uncontrollably. Because since I was fifteen, it had been a long time since anyone cared if I was hurting or tired. Arthur was the first, and also the last in my previous life. So, do I hate Arthur? I should. But I'm too tired to even love him anymore. 3 Back in my dorm, I started packing for my trip to the border in three days. Another intern traveling with me was named Liam Thorne. A friend request popped up. I sighed silently. Whether in Capitol City or later at the border, I always seemed unable to escape people related to Olivia. Olivia's current boyfriend, her future fiancé, was Liam's older brother, Julian Thorne. Julian was a notorious playboy. When he accepted Olivia's confession and married her, many people in their circle didn't believe it. A playboy settling down? Impossible. The countless speculations later on were all because Olivia had a good background. The Thorne and Vance families had been family friends for a century. Even just out of respect for Arthur, Julian would give Olivia some face. Not to mention, to pave the way for Olivia, Arthur's dowry for her was exorbitant—shares, real estate, and luxury goods worth a billion dollars. Yet Julian still cheated. But the marriage was already a done deal. Olivia didn't want a divorce, so she ran to Arthur every day crying. Arthur lost his temper once and put Julian in the hospital, but in return, Olivia gave him the cold shoulder for three days. The funny thing was, in the end, Arthur came to beg me. He asked me to put in a good word for him with Olivia. He loved Olivia so much, how lowly did he become? So lowly that one day he actually said: "Chloe, if you can get Olivia to forgive me, I can sleep with you and give you a child." At that time, I really wanted to say, I don't need a child. But I couldn't say a word. That was the third year of our marriage, but in the end, we still didn't sleep together. Because Olivia came over again. As soon as the doorbell rang, the usually composed Arthur ran to open the door in a panic. Olivia threw herself directly into his arms, burying her face in the crook of his neck, crying until her shoulders shook: "Uncle, Julian said he wants to divorce me." "He's a bastard!" Arthur's eyes were red with heartache. Back then, I actually thought about asking Olivia, did you know Arthur likes you? But I couldn't bring myself to ask. Afraid of ruining our best friend bond. Because I guessed she knew, but was just playing dumb. Including having me marry Arthur, she knew exactly what she was doing. I had an ordinary background, much easier to manipulate than those socialites. Otherwise, how else could she commit all sorts of ambiguous acts under the guise of being a little niece? She drifted between Julian and Arthur. One she liked, and one who liked her. A true winner in life. And I was just the fig leaf. And a willing one at that. Back then, when I first met Liam, that's what he said. His tone was cutting and merciless. I accepted Liam's friend request. He sent me the itinerary for three days later, and added one last instruction: "Three days from now, 10 AM, at the school gate. I won't wait if you're late." I replied: "OK." He didn't send any more messages. 4 The next day, I didn't expect Arthur to actually come looking for me. A Rolls-Royce was parked at the school gate. He stood by the car in a black trench coat, his face cold, his deep eyes showing no emotion, exuding an aura of detachment. Passing schoolmates couldn't help but look at him. I initially pretended not to see him, but as I was about to walk past him, Arthur spoke up. "I don't understand why you are so stubborn, why you resist marrying me so much." "But Chloe, you're an adult now." "You should be able to distinguish what is most beneficial for you." I sneered, stopped walking, and glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. "And I don't understand why it has to be me." "Just because Olivia wants it?" So he disregarded others' wishes and tried every means to achieve it. But why? "Arthur, I don't want to be involved in whatever is going on between you and Olivia at all." "I just want you two to stay far away from me." With that, I lifted my foot to leave. Arthur raised his hand and blocked me again, then pulled a check from his pocket: "A business deal that falls through just means the chips aren't high enough." "Chloe, agree to marry me, and these three hundred million are yours." I lowered my eyes and smiled silently. Three hundred million. In my past life, Arthur only spent eighty thousand to marry me. Why eighty thousand? Because Olivia said: "Uncle, Chloe is my best friend, just a token amount is enough." "Anyway, she'll be living and eating on your dime in the future. Having too much money on her isn't safe." My material desires were low, and I was used to earning my own living. If I hadn't met Arthur, that eighty thousand would probably have been enough for a normal person's bride price. So I didn't think much of it. But now, I only felt mocked. Things obtained too easily are never cherished. Only when they are unattainable do people rack their brains. Just like Arthur with Olivia. He gave everything he had, gave away all his wealth. His dying wish when he passed away from late-stage stomach cancer was to see Olivia one last time. But where was Olivia then? She was busy trying to please Julian. By unconditionally revealing all of the Vance Group's projects to Julian. "Mr. Vance is generous." "Unfortunately, I don't want to make a deal with you." ... After Chloe left, Arthur didn't move. He stood rooted to the spot, his chest inexplicably feeling a bit tight. He put the check back into his pocket. He hadn't expected Chloe to refuse. After all, it was three hundred million. If this person were smart, she could even achieve a leap in social class instantly. But Chloe's actions puzzled him. Marrying him, was it really such an unacceptable thing? At first, when Olivia wanted to introduce him to Chloe, he refused. But when he saw her photo. For some reason, he felt like he had seen her somewhere before. Today was his second time meeting Chloe. Chloe was too rational, too clear-headed. When she looked at him, there were no ripples in her eyes. He thought to himself that it should be like this. But what should it be like? He couldn't figure it out, only his chest felt more and more uncomfortable. A thought urged him to go grab Chloe, whether for Olivia, or for himself. After a long while, Olivia sent a message: [Uncle, why don't you just sleep with Chloe and make it a done deal.] [I can even secretly record a video and then threaten her! She'll definitely agree then!] Seeing these two sentences, Arthur frowned slightly. He felt even more uncomfortable. 5 The night before my departure, I was double-checking my documents to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Bang, the dorm door was kicked open. I looked up in shock, meeting Arthur's dark, gloomy eyes. He strode forward and grabbed my wrist. Before I had time to say a word. He dragged me out, opened the car door, and shoved me inside. "Are you crazy?!" Arthur didn't answer me, but slammed the car door shut with a bang. He started the car and sped away. Soon, Arthur brought me to a nightclub. "Get out," he said coldly. I instinctively shrank back: "What exactly do you want to do?!" "Don't you know what I want to do?" Arthur shot back, his anger undiminished. I frowned. The next second, Arthur dragged me out of the car again. He was rough. As I got out, I twisted my left leg, a piercing, bone-deep pain. I couldn't help but gasp. Arthur frowned, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but it was ultimately covered by his anger. "Stop acting, you're overdoing it." I fell silent. It wasn't until Arthur pushed open the VIP private room that I understood what he meant. The crystal chandelier in the private room cast ambiguous halos, neon lights swirling in the hazy smoke. In the center of the sofa sat a noble-looking man, casually biting a cigarette, while Olivia sat on one side, clothes disheveled, crying with red eyes. Besides them, three men were kneeling on the floor. Begging for mercy non-stop, their heads bruised and bleeding. I didn't need to guess to know what roughly happened. But what did this have to do with me? I looked at Olivia. Olivia guiltily glanced at me, then sniffled and choked out: "Chloe, I know you don't like me interfering in your love life, but you..." "After years of being best friends, you didn't have to find someone to humiliate me, right?" Hearing this, my pupils shrank slightly in disbelief. "You're saying I found someone to humiliate you?" "Didn't you send me a message asking me to come here?!" Olivia stood up excitedly, then tossed her phone onto the glass table. On it was clearly a message sent from my number. At this moment, Arthur's gaze also fell on me. Only I suddenly became calm. Because my WeChat account had been logged into Olivia's phone before. So it was entirely possible she sent the message to herself. And on my end, there were no messages at all. Try to prove my innocence? Arthur would only think I deleted the message. But actually, whether there was evidence or not didn't matter. Arthur would only choose to believe what he wanted to believe. "I privately hoped it wasn't you, but Chloe, you've disappointed me greatly." After a long while, Arthur spoke. I just smiled mockingly. Then I saw him walk over to Olivia, bend down and pick her up, then say to the man who had been silent for a long time: "Julian, I'll leave this to you. I'm taking Olivia away first." The man called Julian raised an eyebrow in agreement. As Arthur walked past me, a look of disgust appeared on his face, and he finally spat out four words: "Reap what you sow." He left without looking back. The moment the door closed, the three men kneeling on the floor all looked up at me simultaneously. Greedy, malicious, emitting a foul stench. "Miss Chloe, sorry about this." 6 Julian's voice was still careless. I raised my eyes calmly, took out my phone, and placed it on the table. Julian lifted his eyelids. Seeing the "911" dialed on the screen, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes: "Underestimated you." I walked out of the nightclub. It was already midnight. The night wind was slightly cool. Julian followed behind me: "Miss Chloe, today's setup actually wasn't very clever." "When Olivia came asking for my help, I only took a spectator's attitude and didn't want to intervene." "Just now, I only wanted to test you, to see how far you would go." The corners of my lips curled into a mocking smile, and I didn't answer him. I hailed a cab, and just as I was getting in. Julian said lazily again: "Liam asked me to remind you not to be late tomorrow." "Have a safe trip, both of you." I was stunned for a moment. When I looked back, I only saw Julian's back. I didn't know much about him. Only that he was a playboy who loved women. As for his relationship with Liam, I didn't know. But it seemed they were on good terms. But that didn't matter to me anymore. From now on, I would have no further contact with anything related to Olivia or Arthur. ... Arthur sat by the bed and coaxed Olivia all night. It wasn't until daylight broke that he quietly walked out of her room. Then he went downstairs and instructed the butler to make something Olivia liked to eat. Then he finally let out a sigh of relief. He returned to his own room. He pulled off his tie, threw it casually onto the bed, and his long fingers were unbuttoning his shirt. Suddenly, certain images flashed through his mind. "Chloe, come here, help me unbutton this." "Chloe, I have a headache, pour me a glass of honey water." "Chloe..." The tone was relaxed, familiar. Arthur's movements visibly froze. The scene in his mind was too clear. Chloe's figure moved skillfully around the room. Their relationship seemed intimate yet unfamiliar. Chloe always responded to his greetings quietly and gently. But why would he be thinking of Chloe? These memories... where did they come from? He wearily pinched his brow, reaching out to grab his phone. Suddenly, he remembered leaving Chloe with Julian last night, and panic gripped his heart for a moment. Yesterday he was just too angry. He didn't really want anyone to ruin Chloe. But Julian, that guy... He immediately called Julian, and the other party quickly answered. "Yo, Uncle, calling to ask for the results?" "I was just about to—" "What did you do to Chloe?" Arthur asked coldly. The other side went completely silent. After two minutes, he mocked: "Arthur, do you have amnesia?" "Yesterday you were the one who asked me to clean up someone for you. Why is it that as soon as you wake up today, it's me who wants to do something to someone?" Julian's words were merciless. He acted erratically and didn't care what Arthur would do to him. Arthur didn't dare, and he wouldn't. What lay between the Thorne and Vance families wasn't just Olivia, but also family interests. "Where is she? Send me the address." Arthur spoke directly and then hung up the phone. Listening to Julian's words. What was supposed to happen probably already did. Holding anyone accountable was useless, and this was originally Chloe's own doing. He only hoped that after being punished, she would learn her lesson. With the Vance family's power, protecting one Chloe was more than enough. As long as she was obedient, the position of Mrs. Vance might still be hers. Anyway, it was impossible for him to be with Olivia. So whoever it was didn't matter. 7 Julian's message still hadn't arrived. Arthur grew a bit impatient. Just as he was about to dial Julian's number again, Olivia woke up. She walked down the stairs, her face carrying the haziness of having just woken up. As soon as she reached the living room, she threw herself directly into Arthur's arms. "Uncle, you're up so early?" "I didn't see you just now, I thought you left." Her voice was whiny. Arthur chuckled helplessly. He reached out, about to stroke Olivia's head. Another image flashed through his mind. Chloe stood by the sofa, envy in her eyes, but when he looked up, she hid that emotion away. "What's wrong, Uncle?" Olivia looked up in confusion, saw his hand stopped in mid-air, and habitually tried to nuzzle it. But this time, Arthur pulled his hand back. Olivia was stunned for a moment, looking at him blankly. "Uncle..." And he didn't understand it himself either. Finally, Arthur sighed softly: "It's nothing, probably just didn't sleep well last night." "Then I'll accompany you to sleep a bit more!" Olivia smiled brightly, reaching to take Arthur's arm and pull him up. Arthur refused again. This was the second time. Olivia had never been refused by him, and she immediately got angry. "Uncle! What is wrong with you?" "You've never refused me anything before, but today you've refused me twice!" She stood up, looking down at Arthur in displeasure. Arthur sat in the sofa. Normally, he would have rushed to coax Olivia, but today he suddenly felt very annoyed. His temples were throbbing. Chloe's figure kept appearing in his mind from time to time, as if he was hallucinating. "Olivia, can you be a bit more sensible?" "I'm already annoyed enough." Olivia had long been spoiled. Hearing him say this, she got even angrier, immediately grabbed a nearby throw pillow, and threw it at him: "What are you annoyed about? What do you have to be annoyed about? You're just annoyed by me!" "Arthur, if you find me annoying, I'll just leave, okay?!" "I'll go find Julian, I'll go find someone else. I will absolutely never take the initiative to look for you again!" Throwing down those words, she stormed off. But actually, she only walked as far as the entryway. Arthur knew what she was waiting for: waiting for him to proactively coax her, to give her a way out. However, right now he had absolutely no desire to do so. He even thought. Why couldn't Olivia be as sensible as Chloe? As soon as this thought emerged, he was completely stunned. It felt as if he knew Chloe so well, but in reality, they had only met three times in total. Olivia ultimately left. The door was slammed shut with a bang. The butler hurried over: "Mr. Vance, the young miss she—" "Let her throw her tantrum, leave her be." Arthur waved his hand. The next second, Julian's message finally arrived: [No need to look for her anymore, she already left.] [Oh right, one more thing, those guys yesterday were actors hired by your little niece.] [Chloe is the victim here.] Arthur froze.
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