I’m the illegitimate daughter who was suddenly handed an empire. Drowning in cash I never asked for, I did what any lonely rich girl would do: I sponsored the one pure-hearted college guy I’d been crushing on for ages. I was naive enough to think I could buy his affection. But he was incorruptible, insisting that love wasn't for sale. Then, the girl he’d always wanted found out about us. She manufactured a scandal, painting me online as a possessive monster who held him captive. One of his obsessive fans saw the posts, went completely insane, and slammed her car into mine, killing me instantly… Meanwhile, his first love got her happy ending. They registered their marriage on the day of my funeral. Everyone called me an idiot, a fool who lost her family and her life over a pretty boy. The next time I opened my eyes, I was back on the day I first laid my heart bare to Eric. “…Do you love me?” His brow was a tight knot of disgust, his gaze crawling over me like I was something filthy he’d found on his shoe. “No.” My fingers, surprisingly steady, found the clasp of the bra he’d just unhooked and fastened it. “Then our arrangement ends here. To be honest, I’m bored of you anyway.” 1 “What game are you playing now?” Eric’s voice was flat, laced with a familiar mockery. The phantom agony of the crash still echoed in my bones. I couldn’t stop a violent shiver from running through me. My hands trembled as I finished buttoning my blouse. I met his gaze, my own eyes clear and steady, and repeated myself. “I said, the arrangement is over. We’re done.” He didn’t believe me, of course. A bitter laugh escaped his lips. “Are you kidding me?” “Someone like you?” he scoffed. “You’d never let go until you’ve had your fill. Wasn’t it just the other day you were talking about locking me in this house? Putting me in handcuffs and chains so I’d be yours and yours alone?” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, taunting whisper. “What is this? Some new push-and-pull tactic?” A dull ache pulsed in my chest. I shifted away from him, sitting up on the edge of the bed. “The other day was the other day. Now, I regret it. I’m just… bored. I don’t want to play anymore.” For the first time, a flicker of something—uncertainty?—crossed his face. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the usual contempt. He still didn’t believe me. He straightened up, re-buckling the belt he’d half-undone. “You’d better mean that.” “I do. Every word.” To prove it, I pulled out my phone and dialed my lawyer, putting the call on speaker without a second thought. Right there, in front of Eric, I instructed my attorney to draft a contract termination agreement. “The sooner, the better. Have it delivered before sunrise.” After hanging up, I moved toward him out of pure habit, my hands reaching to button his shirt. I got to the second button before he shoved my hands away with a look of revulsion. “Don’t touch me.” In that moment, I felt his disgust with a clarity that was like a slap in the face. In my past life, I had always deliberately ignored that look, pretended it didn’t exist, and continued to throw myself at his cold indifference. This time, I wasn't going to be that pathetic fool. I dropped my hands and took another step back. “Fine, fine. I won’t touch you.” “Just get your things. The lawyer will be here soon. Sign the papers, and you’re a free man.” I went downstairs first to wait. Two hours later, the doorbell chimed. The lawyer was here, looking like he’d driven through the night. Eric still hadn’t come down. I had to call his name three times before he finally, reluctantly, appeared at the top of the stairs. I signed my name first, right in front of him, then slid the documents across the coffee table. “Sign it.” He shot me a look, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. He was angry about something again. As usual, he looked like I had personally offended him just by breathing. He scrawled his signature with a furious flourish. “Congratulations,” I said, forcing a smile. “You’re finally free.” “I’ve leased this house through the end of the year. You can stay if you want. Or if you find the thought of it too tainted, feel free to move out. It’s up to you.” “Whatever you do… let’s not contact each other again.” I picked up my copy of the agreement, pulled on my coat, and grabbed my purse in one fluid motion. I didn’t look back at him as I walked out the door. My chest felt numb, a hollow ache I couldn’t quite name. I had just made it to my car when my phone rang. 2 I recognized the number. It was the homeroom teacher of Eric’s younger brother, Leo. The little boy had, at some point, listed me as his emergency contact. Whenever he got into trouble, I was the first one the school called. “Miss Sterling, I need you to come to the school. Leo’s been in another fight.” A headache was already forming behind my eyes. “Mr. Davis…” I was about to say I couldn't make it, but he’d already hung up. The kid had no parents. He was a heartbreakingly lonely little soul. Even though his brother and I were through, I couldn't bring myself to abandon him. I floored it to the school. When I arrived, I saw him standing there with a fresh scrape on his cheek, getting an earful from his teacher. I immediately slipped into character, putting on a show of scolding him before smoothing things over with the teacher. Then, I whisked him away. Hey, kiddo. Next time, you should probably call your brother. I signed to him. I forgot to mention—he’s deaf. I had taken classes specifically so I could communicate with him without any barriers. I handed him the LEGO set I’d promised to buy him. He pouted. My brother’s busy with his thesis and job hunting. I don’t want to bother him. I’m busy too, you know, I signed back with a wry smile. He ignored me, tugging on my arm and leading me to his “secret base”—a small, forgotten corner of a nearby park. He wanted me to build the LEGO set with him. Once we were nearly finished, he finally freed up his hands to ask a question. Isn’t this supposed to be my birthday present? Why are you giving it to me now? By the time your birthday comes around, we probably won’t be seeing each other anymore. I didn’t want you to think I broke my promise, so I’m giving it to you early. His expression froze. …You’re leaving my brother? I found it a little funny. Why would you say that? I signed back. My brother said you would. He said one day you’d get tired of him, and then he’d finally be free. The words were a needle-prick to the heart. Well, I signed slowly, he was right. Did he make you mad? I shook my head. No. Your brother is a good person. I wasn’t lying. Besides the fact that he didn’t love me, he was a good man. In my last life, everyone said I was blinded by lust. Eric was handsome, sure, but not enough to make me lose my mind for him. What I never told anyone was that I fell for him long before the money, long before the arrangement. It was never about his looks. 3 Seven years ago, I hadn’t been acknowledged by the Sterling family. I wasn’t the heir to the Sterling Corporation. My life was a special kind of hell. The other kids at school all said I was fatherless. They whispered that my mom was a working girl at The Sapphire Lounge, selling her body to make ends meet. They said I was destined for the same fate. They’d corner me, cut my hair and my uniform, pin me to the ground and slap my face. Eric was a freshman back then. He stumbled upon them bullying me one day. It was five against one, but he didn't hesitate for a second. He fought them off, chasing every single one of them away. He saved me. He even gave me his school jacket to cover my torn clothes. Later, on the day my mother died, they ambushed me at school and doused me in sewage. The stench was so bad that even stray dogs would give me a wide berth. I stood alone on a bridge, overwhelmed by the sudden urge to just jump in and wash myself clean. I was so filthy. My mom would have been disgusted to see me like that. And then, I saw Eric again. That sweet idiot thought I was going to kill myself. Even though I was covered in filth, he wrapped his arms around me and held on tight, refusing to let go. He talked to me for a long time. “Don’t do this,” he pleaded. “Life is long. Things will get better. I promise.” Things will get better. I clung to those words. In my darkest moments, I would repeat them to myself like a mantra. It’ll be okay. Things will get better. And then they did. My degenerate, gambling-addicted half-brother died in a car crash. My father, rendered sterile from an old injury, was left with only one child. Me. Just like that, I became the sole heir to the Sterling Corporation. Suddenly, I had money. I had a mansion. I went from being a piece of trash to an heiress everyone envied. It seemed like I had everything. But my heart remained empty. Six years passed. After inheriting the company, I was representing our charitable foundation, awarding scholarships to underprivileged students. And there he was again. Eric. He was in college now. He’d long since forgotten me. But I couldn’t stop myself from seeking him out, from learning everything I could about him. My investigation revealed that his parents had passed away, leaving him to care for his younger brother. He was struggling, truly struggling. To support Leo, he worked construction jobs, hauling cement, and survived on a single bowl of instant noodles a day… He was nothing but skin and bones. It was pitiful. He was a good person, the only one who had ever shown me a shred of kindness. I had to repay that debt. So, when he was at his lowest, I deposited a million dollars into his account to cover his brother’s surgery. I had intended to remain anonymous. But he found me. He stood before me, his face grim, and asked, “What’s the price?” That one question ignited a greedy, possessive spark within me. “I want you… to be with me for two years. I’ll give you another three million.” I can still picture the look of humiliation on his face. The surgery was already paid for. He had no way of returning the money. I told him he had a choice, but really, there was no choice at all. With a pride as fierce as his, he must have hated me in that moment… We were both at fault for what happened back then. This time, all I want to do is make things right. And letting him go is the only way. 4 After dropping Leo back at school, I went to the office. I threw myself into my work, clearing a backlog of documents and then working overtime for two straight weeks to land a major deal for the company. As we were about to sign the final contracts, my assistant reminded me that a crucial file was missing. …The file was at the house I’d leased for Eric. I rubbed my temples, cursing my own forgetfulness. I had no choice but to go get it myself. I didn’t expect to see him there. That house had been his prison; I was sure he would have moved out the second he was free. But when I opened the door, there he was, sitting in the living room. Our eyes met, and I froze. “What… what are you still doing here?” He seemed startled too. A light flickered in his eyes before his expression went carefully blank. “Waiting for you.” “…Waiting for me for what?” “You still owe me for the last month.” Right… of course. I immediately took out my phone and transferred fifty thousand dollars to his account. As I did, I mumbled, “You could have just texted me about this. Wait, you didn’t delete my number, did you?” His voice was stiff. “You could send a message and find out.” I didn’t reply, just went upstairs to retrieve the file. As I came back down, I could feel his gaze on me, an unsettling weight. “…Is there something else?” I asked. He dropped his eyes, his tone deceptively casual. “It’s been a month since you last contacted me. What, did you find my replacement already?” The sudden question caught me off guard. I figured he was just trying to get a rise out of me, so I didn’t answer. As I turned to leave, he blocked my path. He was a good half a head taller than me, and when he looked down at me, the feeling was overwhelmingly oppressive. “Why won’t you answer me? I asked if you found someone else.” “…That’s none of your business.” “Is he better looking than me? More obedient? Does he know how to please you better than I do?” My heart gave a painful thud. I pushed him away again. “When did you ever try to please me? There’s nothing to compare.” “Just take care of yourself, Eric. Stop thinking about this stuff. You’re about to graduate. I hope you find a great job and have a bright future.” I patted his shoulder like an old friend. “If you need anything, I can give you a recommendation—” His face darkened. “I don’t need your help.” “Right, right. You’re more than capable on your own. You don’t need me.” I gave him a small smile. “I’ll be going now.” I turned to walk away, but my phone rang. It was my best friend, Maya. The moment I answered, my hand slipped, and the phone tumbled into the narrow gap beside a cabinet. To make matters worse, I’d accidentally hit the speakerphone button. Maya’s booming voice echoed through the living room. “Come on, Jess! Henderson says Club X+ just got a new lineup of models, and they are divine. Don’t tell me you’re still cooped up at home with that iceberg of yours?” “Get a grip, girl! The guy doesn’t even give you the time of day, and you’re still treating him like a king!” I coughed loudly. “We broke up.” I was squatting, fumbling to retrieve my phone. Hearing I was single, Maya burst out laughing. “I told you he was never good enough for you—” “Okay, that’s enough!” I cut her off before she could say more, changing the subject. “What time tonight? I’ll be there.” With that, I finally fished out my phone. I switched off the speaker, made my excuses to Maya, and hung up. When I looked up, Eric’s face was a thundercloud. I knew Maya’s words must have stung. I was about to say something, but he spoke first. “You’re really going?” 5 I hesitated for a second, then nodded. His expression grew even darker. I couldn’t read it, and I didn’t want to try. After a simple “take care,” I left. That evening, I arrived at Club X+ right on time. I hadn’t set foot in a place like this since I got together with Eric. My friends were shocked to see me. When they heard I was single again, their jaws dropped in disbelief. “Weren’t you the one who was so in love you were ready to chain him to your bed and never let him go?” I didn’t bother explaining. I just took a sip of my drink. The new models were indeed attractive. The one sitting next to me even had a slight resemblance to Eric, though his features were softer, his expression more eager to please. He was a charmer, constantly taking drinks for me during our dice game. When I shivered once, he immediately draped his jacket over my shoulders and ordered me a cup of hot water. Eric had never done anything like that for me. I shook my head, a little frustrated with myself. Why was I thinking about him again? The young man kept calling me “ma’am,” his words sweeter than honey. The alcohol was starting to hit me, and looking at his face, a wave of sadness washed over me for some reason. I asked him a ridiculously stupid question. “Would you still treat me like this if I had no money?” He blinked his wide, innocent eyes at me and nodded with a smile. “Of course I would!” I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes. Liar. In that moment, the whole scene just felt pointless. I said goodbye to Maya and left the club. As I walked, I pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The young model saw me leaving and followed. “Don’t you want to take me home tonight, ma’am?” he purred, draping an arm around my shoulders. We stumbled along the sidewalk together. I was annoyed and tired, too weary to push him away. Just as we reached the entrance of the club, I stopped dead. My heart hammered against my ribs. I dug my nails into my palm. The pain confirmed it wasn't a dream. Eric was standing across the street. As always, his face was a cold mask. When he saw me, he stood up and strode purposefully in our direction. The model beside me was oblivious, scribbling his number on a piece of paper and tucking it into my pocket. Eric grabbed my arm, yanking me behind him. He snatched the piece of paper from my pocket and tore it to shreds. He was rough, his grip bruising my wrist. As he dragged me away, he spat, “Are you that desperate? You’d settle for a guy like that?” My head was spinning. “I paid you in full, didn’t I? What do you want from me now?” The burning tip of my cigarette brushed against his arm. Sssss. He didn’t even flinch. He simply pulled me forward, bent down, and hoisted me onto his back. His back was broad and felt surprisingly comfortable. In my past life, I’d never touched him like this, except in bed. My eyes began to sting. Drunk people are always more vulnerable. My place was too far, so he got a hotel room for me. I took the key card and gave him a wide, sloppy grin. “Thank you…” “I’ll walk you up.” “You don’t have to.” His brow furrowed. “I insist.” Just as he said it, his phone rang. After a brief conversation, he let go of my hand. “…Something came up at the university. I have to go back. Get yourself upstairs safely, okay?” My eyes drifted to the clock above the reception desk. August 25th. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Today was the day Chloe was coming back to the country. 6 A red-eye flight, landing at one in the morning. In my last life, we had a massive fight because he went to pick her up from the airport… I cried my heart out, a hysterical mess. He just watched me with cold, detached eyes. As he left, he threw two words over his shoulder. “You’re insane.” A shiver ran down my spine. I waved a hand at him. “Go on, then. Don’t be late.” I watched his back as he disappeared into the night and shook my head with a sigh of resignation. Then I turned and got into the elevator. The first thing I did when I got to my room was block Eric’s number. Then I buried my head under the covers and slept. For once, I didn’t dream at all. When I woke up, the sun was high in the sky. My phone was flooded with 99+ unread messages. It was that little rascal, Leo, again. He’d been texting me: [Jess, I want hot pot! Take me!] [Why aren’t you answering? I miss you!] [If you don’t answer, I’m running away from school!] I ran a hand through my messy hair. My first instinct was to contact Eric and tell him to handle his precious little brother. But then I remembered I’d blocked him. Damn it. I could never be firm with Leo. Being harsh with him felt like being harsh to my younger self. In the end, I drove to the school, picked him up, and took him for hot pot. Just as we finished ordering, I saw a familiar figure across the restaurant. Eric and Chloe… My heart dropped. Leo froze too, about to call out to his brother. I grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him back down. Don’t go over there. Your brother’s on a date. Don’t ruin it for him. Leo’s lower lip jutted out in a massive pout, as if he’d been mortally wounded. I don’t like that woman. I like you. I ruffled his hair. Thanks for liking me, kiddo. The entire meal was a covert operation. I ate hunched over, terrified of being spotted by Eric and Chloe, terrified Eric would think I was stalking them. Leo, the little glutton, ate for nearly two hours. When he was finally full, I rushed him back to school, breathing a silent sigh of relief. Thank God we hadn't run into them. The awkwardness would have been unbearable. I went back to the office. I’d barely settled into my chair when an unknown number called. I ignored it a few times, but the caller was persistent. Finally, I answered. Before I could even say “hello,” a furious voice shot through the phone. “Did you block me?” That voice… it was Eric. “Uh…” “Come downstairs.” “Is there something you need?” “Downstairs. Now.” His voice was eerily calm. The calm before a storm. I rubbed my temples and headed down. I could see him from a distance, smoking. Didn’t he used to hate smoking? The thought flickered through my mind and was just as quickly dismissed. I walked up to him and stared. “What is it?” “You saw us today, didn’t you? Me and Chloe.” “Why didn’t you ask me about it?” He stared right back, his gaze so intense it made my skin crawl. I said nothing. The silence stretched between us. After a long moment, he let out a bitter, helpless laugh. “So you really did find a replacement.” “Jess,” he said, his voice raw, “were you just fucking playing with me this whole time?”
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