When Julian Thorne's ex-fiancée showed up, I finally learned he came from old money. To chase me—a broke college student from the boonies—he had cut ties with his family and broken off his engagement with his childhood sweetheart, Clara Vance. Julian was panicking, but Clara was calm and collected. "Relax," she said smoothly. "I just wanted to see what kind of woman was worth giving up the Thorne empire for." Suddenly, floating text appeared in the air above us: [Lol, the scumbag is acting tough now. Wait until he gets tired of being poor with the mistress. He'll be begging for forgiveness!] [Clara is such a queen! Go study abroad, girl, and come back to slap him in the face with your success!] [Fast forward seven years! I want to see the scumbag dump the mistress and kneel before our Clara!] Reading this, Clara's smile deepened. "I wish you happiness." Seven years later, we ran into her on the street. Julian and I were squatting on the curb, eating kebabs. Clara, draped in Prada and clutching an Hermès bag, looked at us with pity. "Julian Thorne, is this really the life you wanted?" 1 "Yeah," Julian answered without hesitation, though he looked confused by the question. The pity on Clara's face froze. The cheering floating text in the air froze too. [Wait, did I hear that right? The scumbag went from billionaire heir to this, and he's still acting tough?] [LMAO, seeing how successful and glowing Clara is, he's definitely regretting it inside. He's just saving face because the mistress is right there.] [Going from Michelin stars to street food... how could he not regret it?] [Tsk tsk, remember how arrogant he was when he broke off the engagement? Only seven years later, and look at him—] [Wait... why is the scumbag still so hot? And the mistress... damn, why did she get so pretty?] I almost laughed reading that last comment, but the spicy chili powder hit the back of my throat, and I started coughing violently. "Slow down, no one's fighting you for it," Julian said, immediately unscrewing a bottle of water for me. He took the spicy skewer from my hand and angled the portable fan directly at my face. This smooth sequence of actions shocked not only the floating comments but also Clara, who looked like she had something stuck in her throat. [Something's wrong. It's been seven years. The billionaire heir has been eating bitterness with the poor girl for seven years. He should be sick of her by now.] [According to the original plot, the second male lead should feel humiliated right now. He should be trying to talk to Clara, get blocked by the villainess, have a huge fight with her, and then realize how ugly the villainess is compared to Clara!] [I get it! They're acting! He's deliberately showing off to prove his choice wasn't a mistake!] [Exactly. Seven years later, they're eating street food while Clara is thriving. Men and their egos. He's just holding on for dear life!] Clara’s frown relaxed as she read the comments. Her confidence returned. Seeing me hacking up a lung, she opened her bag, pulled out a pack of tissues, and handed them over like she was bestowing a royal favor. "Here." "Thanks." Julian took them naturally, opened the pack, and wiped the sweat from my forehead, looking worried. "Better? Still hurt?" [He won't even look at Clara. Afraid he'll break character if he does?] [Male Lead #2, we see you. King of Pretending.] Empowered by the comments, Clara’s face lit up again. She looked me and Julian up and down, then glanced at the busy kebab stand behind us. Her face, undeniably beautiful, wore a perfect, polite smile, but her eyes were dripping with contempt. "I remember you used to refuse to eat street food. Said it was dirty." "I didn't expect you to change so much in just seven years." Clara looked at Julian, issuing an invitation. "It's been seven years. Want to go to our old spot and catch up?" Then she looked at me as if she’d just remembered I existed. "If Ms. Miller doesn't mind, she can come too." [Clara is so gentle and kind, even to the scumbag ex and the mistress.] [She just wants to watch the drama unfold. Love this petty queen energy!] I couldn't take it anymore. When Julian pursued me, he had already broken off his engagement with Clara. Before that, I was busy with school and part-time jobs; I barely knew who he was. If you say Julian wronged Clara by breaking the engagement, I accept that. But the label of "mistress"? I wasn't taking that. Julian stood up, half a step ahead of me, and spoke bluntly. "It's been years. When did you lose your sense of boundaries?" "Do I need to remind you of our relationship?" "Asking me out in front of my wife, and saying she can come 'if she doesn't mind'?" "Clara Vance, this isn't like you." Clara froze. She couldn't believe her ears. "What did you say?" The floating text went silent for a second, then exploded: [WTF? What did the scumbag say? How dare he talk to Clara like that?] [Heh, acting tough now. Wait until later.] [Keep acting. The more you pretend now, the harder you'll cry when you're kneeling for forgiveness later.] Despite the comments' support, facing Julian's cold rejection, Clara turned bright red. "My mother just asked me to check on you. Don't overthink it." "Since you're not willing, I won't stay. Goodbye." Clara had arrived draped in jewels and confidence, looking down on us from high above. She left flustered, angry, and in a hurry. "Weirdo," Julian muttered, frowning. He turned back and saw my dark expression, instantly panicking. "Wife!" "I didn't know she was back! I didn't know my mom sent her! I haven't contacted her in seven years! I don't know why she's acting like we had some great romance. Even though we were engaged since we were kids, I never liked her..." "Okay," I interrupted him. "I believe you." Julian let out a breath, looking at me with puppy-dog eyes. "Your face looked so scary just now. You scared me." I glanced at him. "Want me to make it up to you?" Julian nodded excitedly. "Yes, yes!" I turned back to the kebab stand. "Boss, ten more lamb skewers!" Julian immediately added, "And a stir-fried noodle! Extra vinegar, extra spicy!" While waiting for the food, I thought about Clara, feeling unsettled. "Julian, do you regret being with me?" I looked at him seriously, sitting on his little plastic stool. "You used to eat Michelin-star meals. Now you're eating street food with me. Do you feel wronged?" He looked horrified. "Wife, don't scare me!" "Aren't we back in River City to discuss a business deal and relive some memories?" "Why are you talking like we're broke and can only afford street food?" 2 I paused. Right. We aren't poor anymore. The old Julian could afford Michelin stars. The current Julian, with money earned by his own hands, can still afford them. The old Maya Miller was a poor student from the mountains. The current Maya Miller is a self-made millionaire, a well-known young entrepreneur in Shanghai. It's all because of Clara and those weird floating comments! Who says poor people have to stay poor forever? I fought my way out of poverty to a top university in the capital, winning scholarships every year. Doesn't that prove my capability? "Wife, maybe we should go back to Shanghai?" Julian looked at me with worry. "I feel uneasy here. Clara is acting weird, and my parents..." At the mention of his parents, Julian’s eyes went cold. When he looked back at me, they softened again. "They still haven't given up. I don't want them ruining our mood." "Honey, I know. But this deal is important for the company." I touched his face, soothing him. "Once we finish business, we'll go straight back, okay?" Julian sighed and pulled me into a hug, surrounding me with his fresh citrus scent. "Don't let anyone or anything affect how much you love me, Maya. Trust me." I trust him. I trust Julian won't be like the comments say, abandoning me for Clara after seven years. I trust I won't end up like the "original ending"—abandoned by "Julian," chasing a sugar daddy, and getting tortured to death by the wife. I trust we aren't side characters meant to be slapped down in Clara's "Big Female Lead" life. I trust we are the protagonists of our own lives. I found out I was a supporting character in a novel seven years ago, when Clara asked to meet me. Seven years ago, Clara was even more composed than she is now. Perhaps she was certain Julian would regret choosing me. Her gaze was mocking and disdainful, her tone incredibly frivolous. "So you're Julian's little girlfriend?" I didn't know about Julian's background then. Hearing this provocative question, alarm bells rang in my head. "Who are you?" Clara was surprised. "You don't know who I am?" [Stop pretending. You stole her fiancé, and you don't know who she is?] [This white lotus isn't very good at acting.] [Look at her clothes. So cheap. Dark and skinny. Not even one-tenth of our Clara. The second male lead must be blind.] [He's the second lead for a reason. Whatever, he's just having fun. Give it a few years of poverty, he'll regret it.] That's when the comments appeared. I was shaken but tried to hide it. I quickly realized Clara could see them too, and she believed every word. The comments said Clara was the Heroine, and my boyfriend Julian was the Second Male Lead. They were childhood sweethearts engaged to be married. But Julian fell in love with me in his sophomore year. Me—a mountain girl with nothing but four bare walls, relying on financial aid to attend college. To be with me, Julian broke ties with his parents and canceled his engagement to Clara. He gave up his identity as a billionaire heir and moved into a cramped apartment with me. They thought love could conquer all, but a few years later, he grew tired of poverty and tired of me. Just then, Clara returned from abroad in glory. Compared to her brilliance, I was short-sighted, timid, greedy, and stupid. Julian regretted his choice. He broke up with me to pursue Clara again. But I wouldn't let go, and Clara wouldn't accept him back. I pestered Julian, making a fool of myself. In the end, driven by greed, I became a mistress to a wealthy man, was set up by his wife, fell into a beggar's den, and died a horrific death. Julian returned to the Thorne family, living off a meager allowance. As for the Heroine, Clara, she naturally ended up with the even richer and more powerful Male Lead. Julian became nothing more than a regretful footnote in her life. How absurd. I had just graduated. I had $12,000 in savings from four years of hard work, and several high-paying offers from big tech companies in my inbox. I was looking forward to a bright future. Yet the comments told me I would never escape the mud of poverty. That I would die a miserable death because of greed. I didn't want to believe it, but I was scared. The day I met Clara, I broke up with Julian. The six-foot-tall boy squatted on the ground, crying his eyes out, asking why. "I admit, I was wrong not to tell you who I was. But I really didn't make you a mistress." "I broke off the engagement so I could chase you properly. Maya, I really like you." I squatted down and told him seriously, "I like you too, Julian." "But the fact is, your parents won't agree to you being with a woman from a completely different class." "We won't have a future." "And I'm really afraid of trouble. You don't want your love to become an obstacle for me, do you?" Looking at Julian's red eyes, I thought, I am so cruel. But I was terrified of being poor. I fought my way out of the mountains to set roots in this big city, to carve out a piece of the sky for myself. I didn't want, and wouldn't allow, my hard-fought life to become a backdrop for someone else. I suffered so much; the rest of my days should be sweet. Julian didn't pester me. Choking back sobs, he said okay, packed his bags, and moved out of my rental. Then, I accepted the offer farthest away from here, in Shanghai, without looking back. Julian's family company was a giant in River City. As long as I stayed here, there was risk. Only by going far away, to a place they couldn't reach, could I truly be safe. And I was right. But what I didn't expect was that Julian followed me to Shanghai. "I know your worries. So I will prove to you that my love won't bring you trouble." That was twenty-three-year-old Julian, incredibly solemn, yet unable to hide his nervousness and hope. "If you want, it can be the seasoning of your life, or... your support." "Actually, what I wanted to say back then was, if you want, you can even treat me like a dog." Thirty-year-old Julian buried his face in my chest, eyes watery and full of love. "Just don't leave me." "I won't leave you." I kissed his beautiful eyes, my hand familiarly tracing his abs. "You're so good, how could I bear to leave you?" Julian isn't the naive rich boy from the "original plot" who doesn't understand the real world. And I am not the Maya who sells her body for wealth. So I will never meet that ending. 3 [See? What did I say? The second male lead is acting so well in front of the mistress, but he's still obsessed with Clara!] [Hehe, the face-slapping scene is coming!] [Why is this mistress haunting us? Hasn't she realized the guy is sick of her?] [So what if she realized? She can't leave him. She's still dreaming of marrying into wealth!] [Hey, are the second male lead's parents here?] [They're here! Over there!] When Clara appeared in front of me and Julian, crowned by floating text, I wasn't surprised. She, however, seemed shocked to see Julian at the banquet. "You don't have an invitation. How did you get in?" [He snuck in, obviously! Coming to beg you to take him back. Clara, baby, reject him swiftly! Slap that scumbag in the face!] "Who said we didn't—" Julian started to explain, but Clara sighed and interrupted him. "Julian, what happened between us was years ago. Can you stop harassing me?" "I don't want to make a scene." Julian froze. "Huh?" I rubbed my temples. From the moment I saw Clara again in River City, I knew this trip wouldn't be peaceful. But I didn't expect this. Even though Julian and I were dressed impeccably, showing no signs of poverty, Clara still chose to believe the floating text, convinced he snuck in to beg for forgiveness. "Hey, isn't that Julian Thorne? How did he get so run-down?" "Watch your mouth. Are you looking down on our 'True Love' Prince?" A few smirking rich kids approached, winking at Julian. "Regretting it? Want to eat crow?" "Too late. Our Clara won't look twice at a man who eats street food." These people were all from Julian's old circle. But since Julian broke the engagement and left the family, they had joined Clara's camp. Their malice was palpable. [Look at their faces! So ugly!] [Hahaha! Satisfying! Does the scumbag know he was wrong now? Thought love could pay the bills?] [Without the Thorne family name, who does he think he is? Not fit to carry Clara's shoes!] "Julian? What are you doing here?" Julian's parents appeared from the crowd, their faces dark. Their critical eyes stabbed me like needles. "Why are you still hanging around this woman?" The rich kids started chattering, saying Julian snuck in to beg Clara. Clara lifted her chin arrogantly. Julian's parents' expressions softened slightly. "At least you're not completely stupid!" "Hurry up and apologize to Clara. Ask her to give you another chance!" Clara smiled faintly. "Uncle, Auntie, don't be like that." She glanced at Julian. "It's impossible for me and Julian now. I wish him and Ms. Miller a long and happy life together." Mrs. Thorne glared at me with hatred. "What happy life? With a woman like this who can't be shown in public..." "Mom!" Julian couldn't take it anymore. "Can you give me some respect in public?" "Maya is my girlfriend. We are very happy! She is not 'unpresentable'!" "And thank you for your blessing, Miss Vance. I will definitely live a long, happy life with Maya." Julian held my hand and looked coldly at Clara. "But you... I sincerely suggest you see a psychiatrist." Clara's expression went blank for a second. "What?" "Which eye saw me harassing you?" "This is the second time you've rushed up to me saying these weird things. Our engagement is ancient history. I'm incredibly happy with my girlfriend. Can you please rein in your narcissism?" [...Wait, the second male lead doesn't seem like he's acting.] [If he is, those words are brutal.] [Does he still love the mistress? But they're almost thirty. Poverty should have crushed their spirits by now.] [How dare he talk to Clara like that! AHHHHH!] [He played the role so hard he played himself? If he's not here to beg Clara, why did two poor people who eat street food try so hard to get into this banquet?] [It has to be for Clara and his parents!] [Hold on, guys upstairs. Why assume they are poor? Is eating street food a crime?] [Look closely at them. Their faces, their energy... they don't look defeated like in the original plot.] [Yeah, and those clothes... they look like bespoke couture, not rentals.] [? Are you guys crazy? Since when do scumbags and mistresses have fans?] [Clara, don't believe them. He's regretting it deep down! He's just trying to look like he has a backbone so you'll soften up.] [That must be it!] [Wow, the audacity. Breaking the engagement embarrassed Clara so much!] Even the comments were sensing something was off. But Clara, whether from overconfidence or inability to accept that Julian didn't regret leaving her, refused to believe him. Her embarrassment turned to ice. "Julian, do you think saying this makes you look principled?" "If you weren't harassing me, how did you know I'd be at this banquet? How did you appear in front of me so perfectly?" "If your relationship is so great, you shouldn't have brought her here to see me." Clara looked at him with pity. "We haven't been in the same world for a long time. Give up." 4 "Give up, Julian!" "Take your little wife back to the slums. Clara moved on ages ago. Don't drag her back into the mud." "Hey, Julian, how did you guys sneak in without invites?" "If you don't leave, I'm calling security." Facing the ridicule, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne's faces were black as coal. "Embarrassing! Why did you come back?" "You don't have half the sense your brother has! If it were him..." Veins popped on Julian's forehead. He silently pulled me to leave. I held his hand, looped my arm through his, and patted him gently. "Miss Vance, I'm really curious. Why are you so sure Julian is here to beg you?" "The security here is strict. How could two living people sneak in so easily?" "Is it impossible that we received invitations and entered legitimately?" I asked earnestly. Clara's mocking smile deepened. "Ms. Miller, even if you're vain, you shouldn't lie in front of so many people." She looked at Julian. "Julian, take your girlfriend and leave. If security comes, it'll get ugly." Julian's parents chimed in. "Leave! How long are you going to shame us?" "It doesn't matter if you shame yourself, don't drag the Thorne name down!" "Go! This isn't a place for you!" The crowd behind Clara jeered. "Don't infect us with your poverty." "Still not leaving? Want us to call security?" "Call them." I spoke calmly. "Call security right now." Since Clara is still immersed in her "Big Female Lead slaps scum" fantasy... Let reality wake her up. Clara frowned, as if disgusted by my audacity. The rich kids behind her quieted for a second, then burst into exaggerated laughter. "Wow, Julian, your girlfriend has personality!" "Is she trying to be the stubborn heroine from a romance novel to get our attention..." "What's going on here?" Arriving before security was the host of the banquet, and our business partner, CEO An. A woman in her forties, well-maintained, sharp, with a concerned smile. Clara glanced at us, then spoke to the woman with practiced elegance. "CEO An, I'm so sorry. If not for me, these two wouldn't have snuck in to cause trouble..." CEO An looked at her strangely. "Miss, what are you talking about?" "President Miller and President Thorne are my invited guests. They are my partners for the upcoming project." Clara's expression froze solid. Julian's parents looked at us in disbelief. The rich kids laughing at Julian looked like choked ducks. Silence. "Sorry you had to see that, CEO An." I sighed lightly and briefly explained the history between me, Julian, and Clara, as well as Julian's relationship with his parents. "So I sincerely suggest Miss Vance visit a psychiatric department. Having an imagination isn't a sickness, but confusing fantasy with reality isn't great." Clara's face turned purple. She glared at the floating text in the air, hiked up her dress, and ran. The rich kids scattered awkwardly. "Julian, you child, so you've achieved so much in Shanghai! Oh my, why didn't you tell me and your father?" Mrs. Thorne's face was a complex mix of joy, regret, blame, and resentment. Mr. Thorne had thicker skin, acting as if he hadn't just insulted Julian. "You... have done well." Julian ignored them, looking at me pleadingly. I smiled apologetically at CEO An. She understood immediately and laughed. "Regarding our cooperation, I have some details to discuss with you two." She looked at Julian's parents. "Excuse us, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne." After the banquet, Julian's parents blocked us at the door. Mr. Thorne was blunt. "How much money is in your company accounts?" "Take it out to help the Thorne Group. Once we weather this storm, you can come back and help your brother." Mrs. Thorne added, "Thank your father! He's still willing to give you a chance..." "I am not a Thorne anymore." Julian cut her off. "Mom, Dad, didn't you kick me out seven years ago?" "Child, what nonsense is that?" Mrs. Thorne was anxious. "It's been seven years. Are you still holding a grudge against your parents?" "Not a grudge. A fact. Didn't you just say I was embarrassing and not half as sensible as my brother?" Julian smiled mockingly. "Now that you see I'm not as destitute as you imagined, that I have my own career, you're pretending to be loving parents?" Mr. Thorne felt anger, not shame. "You really won't help us?" "When you turn sixty, I will fulfill my legal obligation to support you financially. Monthly payments. Other than that, I hope you continue as you have for the last seven years: pretend you don't have a son." Julian took my hand and walked away. Mr. Thorne screamed behind us, "You think having a little business makes you special?" "Compared to the Thorne Group, it's nothing! You're too young and arrogant. You'll go bankrupt sooner or later!"
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