“Wife, you bite so tight…” While doing the deed with my fiancé, I suddenly froze: “What brand are you wearing today? It’s so thin.” The man on top of me worked even harder, speaking faintly: “I’m not wearing one today. Let me stay in a bit longer. Deals have been hard to close lately, and I’m under a lot of stress.” Watching him act so needy, probably no one would believe this was the ruthless, terrifying arms dealer of South America. The only way he relieved stress was by indulging in endless intimacy with me, his childhood sweetheart and fiancée. But tonight might be our last time. It’s all because of the Vance family's ancestral rule: the heir must personally seek a lucky omen from the ancestral shrine before marrying. However, over the past five years, Arthur Vance has drawn a bad omen 98 times in a row, receiving 98 lashings as punishment. For the 99th time, I decided that if he drew a bad omen again, I would take the punishment with him and beg the Vance family to make an exception and let us marry. When I rushed to the Vance family shrine, Arthur had just drawn a lucky omen—one divining block face up, one face down. But before I could cry out in joy, I saw Arthur flip the face-up block over, turning it into a bad omen! Then, he spoke to his uncle beside him: “Announce to the outside that the omen drawn this time is still a bad one.” I froze in place, my mind going completely blank. The uncle picked up the blocks, looking at Arthur with a complex expression: “Arthur, when you were a kid, you always said that when you became the biggest arms dealer in South America, you’d use ninety-nine arms deals as a dowry for Chloe. Now that you have the power, why do you keep putting it off?” “This is the 99th time you’ve changed a lucky omen to a bad one.” It turns out that the previous 98 times, he had drawn lucky omens! Inside the shrine, Arthur’s voice held a hint of helplessness: “My desire to marry Chloe has never changed. But during the three years Chloe went to Eastern Europe to open up the market, it was Mia who went through life and death with me.” “Mia said the day I got married, she would leave the organization and go to the most dangerous arms circles in Africa. Although I don't love her, I'm human. After eight years of sharing life and death, I really can't bear to let her take that risk.” “And what about Chloe Hastings? You change the omen time and time again to delay the wedding. Aren't you afraid she'll lose heart and leave?” the uncle pressed. Arthur fell silent for a moment, picked up the whip from the corner, and handed it to his uncle: “That’s why I can never let Chloe know about this. Let the lashing each time be my compensation to her. This time, according to family law, give me ninety-nine lashes.” Outside the door, I covered my mouth tightly to keep from crying out loud. Just then, the phone in my pocket vibrated. It was my mother calling: “Chloe, what was the result of the divination this time? Can you and Arthur get married?” I felt like I had swallowed a dud firecracker; I couldn't speak. My mother instantly understood and advised me earnestly: “If you haven't managed to get married in five years, it's clear he doesn't truly want to marry you. Listen to Mom, marry into the Thorne family in Europe. The Thornes are no less than the Vances. You definitely won't suffer any grievances if you marry there. Mom just wants you to be stable and happy.” My eyes fell on the lonely figure dressed in black inside the shrine, and a dense, stabbing pain spread through my heart: “Okay, I agree to marry into the Thorne family.” Chapter 2 Hanging up the phone, Arthur, having just finished his lashing, happened to be helped out of the shrine by his uncle. Seeing me, a flash of panic crossed his eyes: “Chloe, when did you get here?” I forcefully suppressed my surging emotions: “Just as you were receiving the family punishment.” Arthur let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief, grabbed my hand, his face full of guilt: “I’m sorry, it’s a bad omen again this time. Can you wait for me a little longer? Next time, I will definitely draw a lucky omen and marry you.” My nails almost dug into my palms, and I said nothing. The wounds on Arthur’s back were bleeding profusely and needed to be treated at the hospital. In the hospital room, I had just finished applying medication to him and was about to get up when the door was pushed open with a "bang." It was Mia—clutching an arms inventory list, her eyes red. As soon as she saw the bandages on Arthur’s back, she rushed over, pointed at me, and shrieked: “A bad omen 99 times! It proves the Vance ancestors don’t acknowledge her at all! Why do you insist on marrying her?” Arthur’s face instantly darkened, his voice as cold as ice: “Mia, you are just my second-in-command. Who gave you the authority to meddle in my private affairs?” Mia turned pale and ran out crying. My throat felt sour, and I tried hard to keep my voice steady: “Mia is your second-in-command? Since when?” Arthur’s expression stiffened, then he said with an annoyed tone: “I promised before that whoever secured the arms deal in the Middle East would be my second-in-command. I didn't expect Mia to be the one to get it.” “It was a public promise; I couldn't go back on my word and refuse her.” Sensing my silence, he quickly promised: “Don't worry, as soon as she makes a mistake, I'll fire her immediately. From the creation of the organization until now, I am truly, truly sick of her.” He says he only loves me, yet he changes the omen time and time again; He says he's sick of Mia, yet he keeps her by his side as his second-in-command. “I have things to do these next few days. Have the nurse take care of you.” I was afraid I would lose control if I stayed any longer. After saying that, ignoring the disappointment in his eyes, I hurried out of the hospital room. For the next few days, I was busy processing my visa for Europe and handing over the arms deals I was managing. Just as I finished, Arthur called, saying he had a surprise for me. As soon as I got in the car, he covered my eyes with his hands. When we arrived at the destination, I pulled his hands away. Only then did I realize this was the yacht where he had secured his first arms deal and confessed his feelings to me when we were eighteen. A banner hung in the yacht’s restaurant reading, "Celebrating Arthur and Chloe's 10th Anniversary." It’s fitting. This relationship started here, and it will end here. Arthur didn't notice my unusual behavior and put his arm around me as we walked in. He had rented the entire yacht. In the center of the restaurant sat an old-fashioned record player, playing a love song he had recorded himself for me. I looked around: The theme color of the decorations was yellow, a color I dislike. Half of the photos on the photo wall had fallen off. Although it was supposed to be dinner for two, there was only one set of cutlery on the table. Arthur frowned, called the captain over, and demanded: “Why is the setup so terrible?” The captain broke into a cold sweat: “Mr. Vance, it was all done according to Deputy Mia's instructions. We warned her it was inappropriate, but she said we must do exactly as she ordered…” Arthur looked awful, but his anger quickly subsided. He leaned close to me, trying to coax me: “I’ll punish Mia by making her sweep the armory. Don't be mad, okay? Today is our anniversary; let's not let irrelevant people ruin the mood.” I didn't say anything and sat down silently. When the cake was brought out, I let out a bitter laugh. It was actually a nut and almond cake. It seemed Mia was determined not to let us enjoy this anniversary. “I’m allergic to almonds.” Arthur’s anger finally erupted: “I’m going to find Mia and get this straight!” He stormed out, and I followed him. On the deck, he grabbed Mia’s wrist: “I explained the restaurant setup to you countless times, and I specifically told you Chloe is allergic to almonds. Did you do this on purpose?” Mia shook off his hand, shouting with red eyes: “Yes! I did it on purpose! You wanted me to personally set up your anniversary with her? I couldn't do it!” Arthur’s eyes softened, but he turned his head away to avoid her gaze: “Chloe and I are childhood sweethearts. I only love her.” Mia gave a miserable smile, her tears hitting the deck: “I really envy her, being able to have your love.” “While I have to watch you two celebrate your anniversary on my birthday. It hurts more than taking a bullet!” Looking at her pained expression, Arthur spoke stiffly: “How about this? I can grant you one wish. After all, you are my subordinate.” “I want to give you my first time, can I?” Mia stood on her tiptoes, kissed his thin lips, and tentatively reached to unbuckle his belt. The moment the belt was about to be unfastened, Arthur abruptly spun Mia around and pinned her against the deck railing. With a rip, fabric tore. The tent that had long been pitched forcefully forced its way in. Even though I had already decided to let go, the scene before me still felt like a bullet piercing my heart. Arthur didn't return to the restaurant until an hour later, with Mia following behind him. He put his arm around me like nothing had happened: “Chloe, I just punished her severely. Now I've brought her to apologize to you in person.” Mia readily admitted her fault: “I’m sorry, Miss Hastings. It was my negligence at work. I hope you can forgive me, considering Mr. Vance has already ‘punished’ me.” With that, she gave me a somewhat smug look, turned, and left. I closed my eyes and forced a faint smile. “Arthur, let’s break up. My mom has arranged a marriage for me in Europe.” Chapter 3 But he didn't hear me. Because from outside the yacht came the panicked cry of Mia falling into the water. Arthur dropped me and rushed out wildly. Not long after, my phone dinged—it was a message from Mia: [Did you think Arthur making me apologize meant he hated me?] [Let me tell you, he just took my virginity and said he was making it up to me.] [Now I just accidentally fell into the water, and he abandoned your anniversary to take me to the hospital.] [I've been more important to him than you for a long time now!] I stood on the deck, watching the familiar Maybach slowly disappear, and laughed self-deprecatingly. Back at my place, I started packing for Europe. Meanwhile, Arthur, who had said he would be "right back," was completely MIA the entire afternoon. It wasn't until late at night that he sent a message: [Chloe, Mia got a terrible fright from falling in the water. The doctor says she could spike a high fever at any moment and needs someone with her. This happened because of me, so I can't just leave her. We'll celebrate our anniversary in a few days, don't be mad, okay?] I didn't reply. Early the next morning, there was a frantic knocking at the door. I opened it to an anxious Arthur: “Why didn't you reply to my messages last night? Are you still mad?” “I was too tired from packing and fell asleep,” I brushed him off casually. He saw the black suitcase in the living room and grabbed me in a panic: “Where are you going?” “To Europe.” I broke free from his grip. Hearing this, he sighed in relief: “Going to see your parents? When do you leave? I’ll have someone prepare some gifts for you to take. Say hello to them for me.” “Tonight’s flight.” “Okay, I’ll take you to the airport. But come back soon, I’ll miss you.” He added a touch of neediness to that last sentence. Arthur didn't think much of it and closed the door for me. “There happens to be a gathering of old organization members today. Let’s go together.” I didn't refuse. Once I went to Europe, I’d probably never see these people again. When getting in the car, I saw Mia sitting in the passenger seat, her leg wrapped in bandages. Arthur immediately explained: “Her leg is injured, she can't move around easily, so she's riding with us.” I nodded calmly: “I understand.” The car quickly arrived at the private club. In the private room, we became the center of attention as soon as we entered. “I can't believe after all these years, our cartel IT couple is still inseparable. Your relationship is as good as ever.” “Yeah, yeah! You guys must be married by now, right? Any kids?” Before we could speak, Mia jumped in: “Don't talk nonsense, they aren't married! Mr. Vance’s marriage has to follow the ancestral rules, it’s not set yet!” Arthur’s face darkened. He put his arm around my shoulder, his thumb rubbing the bullet casing ring on my ring finger, which he had polished himself: “I just haven't drawn a lucky omen yet. Once I do, I’ll invite everyone to my private island for the wedding.” Just then, someone brought out an iron box: “Everyone’s here! Let’s see if the ‘Arms Oaths’ we wrote back then have come true!” As soon as he spoke, everyone became lively. "Come on, come on! Let's pour them out one by one and read them aloud in front of everyone. That's the fun part!" The first was Arthur’s: [After taking control of the Vance arms empire, I will immediately use 99 arms deals as a dowry to marry Chloe Hastings and make her my Cartel Queen.] The second was mine: [Be Arthur’s most trusted support, marry him, and have his children.] The third was Mia’s: [Stay by Arthur’s side forever.] Mia smiled smugly: “I’m the only one whose wish came true. I’m his second-in-command now, and I can stay with him forever.” The crowd looked at her with disdain, looking down on her for being a homewrecker. But a drunk arms dealer stumbled over and joined the commotion: “How about this? Since Mr. Vance doesn't want you, why don't you get with me? I guarantee you'll live a life of luxury in the arms circle!” Saying this, he opened his reeking mouth and leaned in. Arthur abruptly stood up, shoved the man away, shielded Mia behind him, and said coldly: “Who says I don't want her? She is my woman now. Who dares touch her?” Chapter 4 I felt a little breathless and turned to leave the private room. Behind me came Arthur’s panicked voice: “Chloe, listen to me explain! I was just helping Mia out of a tough spot. She’s my subordinate; I couldn't just watch her get bullied!” I pulled my hand back and smiled calmly: “No need to explain, I understand.” I understood that those were his true feelings. Despite getting the answer he wanted, Arthur didn't feel relieved. That sense of panic surged within him again, and he reached for my wrist. “Chloe, why are you…” Before he could finish, Mia ran after him, crying: “Arthur, my leg still hurts. Can you take me home…” Arthur hesitated for a second, and the taxi I had called arrived just in time. I didn't look at them again and got straight into the car. Back home, I shipped my luggage to Europe, keeping only a backpack. The knocking sounded again. Arthur grabbed my wrist and roared: “Why did you bribe Mia’s family to come to the organization and make a scene, forcing her to quit and go back to her hometown to marry some senile old man?!” Behind him, Mia was crying a river of tears: “Chloe, I just wanted to stay by Arthur’s side. Why are you so vicious?” “Do you know how hard it was for me to escape my family and join the organization? I don't want to leave! I don't want to go back to the countryside and marry an old man!” I was completely confused: “Bribe her family? I don't know anything about that!” Arthur was convinced I was lying: “Her family personally said a woman named Hastings gave them money to make a scene! If I hadn't stopped them, she would have been tied up and taken away!” He suddenly let go, and I fell to the ground, scraping my palms. He looked at my wounds, his hands unconsciously tightening. Back when I got scraped during training, he used to be this nervous too. But seeing Mia’s tears, he hardened his heart: “Apologize to Mia.” I chuckled: “I didn't do anything wrong, why should I apologize?” Seeing my refusal to bow my head, Arthur’s face grew even colder: “When it comes to the divination, the Vance ancestors won't let a woman with wicked intentions become my wife. Chloe, you need to think carefully.” With that, he pulled Mia away. The sound of his leather boots clicking against the floor felt like a death sentence for our relationship. My phone chimed—a message from my mother: [Chloe, the marriage alliance is all set up. The other party offered a city as a dowry. You just need to come back and be a beautiful, happy bride.] Turning off the screen, I grabbed my backpack and headed to the airport. From now on, I will walk toward a new, happy life that belongs to me. And in this happy life, there will be no Arthur Vance. ... Meanwhile, Arthur stayed by Mia’s side, guarding against her family returning to cause trouble. Suddenly, the cartel group chat exploded with messages: [Did you hear? The mafia godfather in Europe is getting married. I even got an invitation.] [I thought that guy was never going to marry. I want to see who finally managed to tie him down.] Arthur was also curious and scrolled through the messages. Suddenly, his eyes widened as if he had seen something utterly terrifying. The next instant, the names of the groom and bride blazed into his eyes— Groom: Silas Thorne Bride: Chloe Hastings
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