There were footsteps outside the door. I closed my eyes again and muttered the classic line that never fails in a transmigration scenario: "Water… water…"
That line is the undisputed top clichรฉ of waking-up-in-a-novel situations.
I could tell from it whether whoever was coming was human or ghost, friend or foe.
No one answered.
I kept lying there like a corpse.
Still no one.
Fine. I’ll do it myself.
I swung my legs out of bed, found a finely crafted water pitcher, popped off the lid and chugged it all down.
Ah. That hit the spot.
Only after Iโd quenched my thirst did it hit me: Iโd probably transmigrated into a rich woman.
Look at the carved frame of that antique European-style bed. The floor-to-ceiling windows blazing in the golden sunset. The hideous oil painting that practically screamed expensive. The heavy wooden door that looked steeped in history… and the little kid peeking around it at me. Bitter tears welled in my eyes.
That bitterness came from remembering the poor, helpless girl I used to be.
Tears traced my perfect face, down my swan-like neck, and soaked into my gorgeous silk robe.
Waitโsomethingโs wrong here.
A kid?
Where did a kid come from?
It took all my effort to coax that hyper-alert little brat in from the doorway.
I asked, "Who are you?"
He lowered his eyes and said, "My name is… Charlie Dalton."
I was about to laugh and ask who had saddled him with that name. Then I realized it sounded familiar. I kept turning it over in my mind until a chill ran down my spine.
I stepped closer and grabbed his hand, ignoring his slight surprise and resistance. My voice trembled as I asked, "Then… who am I?"
The kid stared at me with a strange look. After a long time, he slowly said, "You are… my mommy."
I hurriedly asked, "What’s my name?"
He said, "Claire Bennett."
I cried.
This time I really cried.
What an idiot I was.
I had thought just being a rich woman would be enough to make me happy. I never expected it would be a death sentence.
Claire Bennett was the main female supporting character in a novel I’d read: The Unmatched Love: The CEO’s Childhood Sweetheart.
Her grandfather had been the hero’s grandfather’s driver and died rescuing him in an accident.
Her parents were also gone, so the old man took her into the Dalton family out of obligation.
Thatโs when seven-year-old Claire met nine-year-old Nathan Dalton.
From then on, everything she did was to be with him.
Two children whose lives had been bound together.
What had seemed like a perfect match became Claire Bennett’s undoing.
Nathan Dalton was brooding, tight-lipped, sharp and ruthless. She never could read him.
But the old patriarch wanted them together.
When Claire turned eighteen, she and the patriarch schemed together to trap Nathan, and thatโs how Charlie was born.
Under the old man’s pressure, they legally registered their marriage and their son’s birth, but never held a wedding.
That same year Claire was accused of pushing the female lead into the water, almost killing her.
After that, the male and female leads left for France for four whole years.
During that time the patriarch died. Nathanโs parents kicked Claire and the child out. Luckily, Mr. Dalton Sr.’s will left her property and funds, so she could survive.
Years without Nathanโs love turned Claire violent, depressed, and an alcoholic. She often beat the child.
So Charlie matured far too early.
Of course, the novel ended with its hero and heroine living happily ever after. Claire kept trying to tear them apart, until she finally set herself on fire, killing both herself and her child.
I nearly fainted. Honestly, I thought I should faint for days.
I woke up again.
Life has to be faced. There will be setbacks ahead, but also my Givenchy, Chanel, Diorโand spicy crawfish.
I looked around the house and it felt eerie.
This huge place, just me and my son.
Yes. My son.
I’d done nothing to land myself in this mess, but now it was mine to deal with.
This kid hadn’t known much love from either parent. Well, I’d give him all the little luxuries I’d never had. Heh.
I opened the original ownerโs wardrobe. There weren’t many clothes, so I grabbed something decent and went out.
At a thousand-dollar-a-head buffet, Charlie and I sat staring at each other. Buddy, as he was nicknamed, looked far less enthusiastic than I was.
Me: ิ
(ยฏใ
ยฏิ
) Buddy: (๋_๋)
I said, "If you don’t eat enough to make up for what I paid today, you are not the son of the Queen of Big Appetites."
Buddy: "……"
We left under the bossโs teary-eyed stare.
Buddyโs battle spirit was weak. Iโd barely eaten one-eighth of my fill before he gave up. He went from waiting for me to finish to dragging me out to stop me, to pleading to leave immediately.
I’d embarrassed Buddy. What a painful realization.
After all, Buddy wasnโt three or fourโhe was five.
After lunch I planned to raid the mall.
Buddy bolted, claiming homework, fleeing like a refugee and leaving me waving in the air.
It was time to recognize my identity.
I wasn’t the penniless Claire Bennett anymore. Now I was a different Claire Bennett: a rich one.
Suddenly I became the golden goose to every sales clerk.
I listened politely to their flattery, though inside I was secretly thrilled.
So this is what being rich feels like.
That feeling lasted until I heard a voice: "Sister Claire, youโre here too!"
I thought it was some demon and took off my sunglassesโonly to see a frail, pale beauty in a white dress approaching.
That face, that figure, that aura.
Uh-oh. Itโs the female lead.
Trouble followed the heroine everywhere. I hastily gathered my shopping bags and tried to leave, only to find my way blocked.
A man blocked my way.
His black suit fit him perfectly. Immaculate hair, dark eyes, a straight nose, gold-rimmed glasses, tightly pressed lips. Nothing in his expression gave him away.
Honestly, I felt like dying.
Everyone should know who this big figure is without me saying it.
“Nathan and I came to check on some businesses nearby. Since he had a little free time, we decided to shop together,” Hazel said. “I never expected to run into you. Hasn’t it been six years?”
Great. I’d stumbled right into the big reunion between the supporting character and the novel’s leading couple.
I stayed silent, but another voice cut in.
A girl in green said, "Claire Bennett, I canโt believe you have the nerve to stand in front of Hazel Morgan. Youโre shameless."
So it was Hazelโs little flunky.
The flunky, seeing I didnโt respond, grew bolder. "Not only did you hurt Hazel, you drugged Mr. Dalton. Everyone in Riverton knows the infamous Claire Bennett, right?"
She sneered, nostrils flaring in contempt.
The flunky clearly hadnโt seen much of the world; her insults were old-fashioned. I thought Iโd teach her a lesson.
I stepped forward and took her hand. Looking into her startled eyes, I said sweetly, “Fuck you. And your mother can drop dead.”
The air froze.
Hazel and the flunky gaped, and Nathan glanced at me like heโd noticed something odd.
The flunky burst into tears and ran to Nathan, wailing, "Mr. Daltonโ"
"Shh. Donโt make a fuss."
The man placed a finger over his lips and the scene instantly quieted.
I thought to myself: truly, the dominance of a CEO shouldnโt be underestimatedโuntil I looked up and met his eyes.
He held a cigarette that glowed and dimmed. The smoke curled up and blocked the gaze that was making me feel terrified, almost suffocating.
Since transmigrating, this was the first time Iโd been genuinely scared.
The further from him the better. My reason told me to run.
Apparently, my common sense had now packed up and left. Because I was broke.
Here’s what happened. I came home laden with shopping bags, feeling like a victorious general, kicked open Buddy’s bedroom door, and immediately started helping him out of his clothes.
"What are you doing?" he jumped up, eyes hugeโa cute little dumpling.
“Helping you try on the new clothes I bought you.”
"IโI can put them on myself!"
"…"
"Oh."
Right. I’d forgotten that Buddy was five now and wanted to change by himself. My mistake. I hadn’t realized how fiercely a little gentleman could guard his dignity.
Buddy came out looking so sharp in his little suitโexpressionless in a way that could only be described as exactly like his father. Naturally, I couldnโt resist. I puckered up and gave him a kiss on his soft cheek.
His eyes widened in surprise. Then he lowered his gaze. “Do I look good, Mommy?” he asked, his voice a little husky.
Waitโ"Mommy"?
That felt weird.
But my mouth raced ahead of my brain and I calmly said, "Yes. Looks great."
Buddy smiled. The sight of it made my own smile spread until I couldn’t stop it.
Then he went reserved again. "You overspent today. If my math is right, our savings have only three thousand two hundred fifty dollars left."
He added, "Mommy."
My whole body jolted. My smile melted. My voice trembled, "Is… that true?"
"Mm."
He showed no expression.
Donโt ask why a five-year-old already understood finance or why he could keep that poker faceโIโll be brief: heโs the CEOโs son. CEO sons are geniuses.
I cried again. Maybe for my genius son, maybe for poverty. I was such a cowardly woman.
Hazel called and asked to meet at The Cornerstone Cafรฉ.
I cried for joy. I could see a bright future.
I packed up fast and took a cab straight there.
When I walked in, Hazel sat by the window like a fragile white lotus.
Before she could speak I cut to the chase, "Give me seventy million and Iโll divorce Nathan."
Hazel froze. After a long beat she forced a smile, "Sister, what are you talking about?"
Maybe it was too much, so I quickly said, “Okay, okayโtwenty percent off.”
Her smile vanished. "Iโm here with an invitation," she said, handing me a red, gold-embossed card.
I opened it. OhโNathanโs fatherโs birthday banquet.
I couldnโt care less about that. All I could see were dollar signs.
Money had taken over my thoughts, my heart, even my dreams.
Hazel rose to leave. I panicked and followed, catching her arm at the doorway. “Thirty percent off, then? Please? How about forty? Fifty? Come on!”
She was looking past me. In a small, wounded voice, she called, “Nathan.”
I froze.
I wanted to ask the universe one question: had its mother died, or was it always this spiteful?
“Claire Bennett.”
Someone called my name.
The voice was cold and sharp, but like opium โ easy to drown in.
In Claire Bennettโs memory, it felt like the first time heโd ever said her name.
I clearly saw the heroineโs face go pale.
โOh.โ
I said.
He came over. Behind gold-rimmed glasses his eyes were deep and calm. He stared at me; there was nowhere to hide. He asked, โWho are you?โ
Inside, I was panicking. My face gave nothing away. “Who am I? Your damn uncle!” I shot back.
A week had passed since that encounter.
During that time Iโd stayed in, kept my head down, only going out to pick up Buddy.
But today I had to go out โ that blasted birthday banquet was happening.
I was driving Claireโs car.
It was my first time driving it; I didnโt even have a license.
Back when I was my original self, Iโd flunked the driving test and the instructor sent me home in disgrace. After that I learned the power of words. I trained my mouth for three years and became unbeatable at trading insults โ revenge for that day achieved.
I remember how bright the sun was, and how that once-proud man looked beaten when he watched me walk away into the light.
All because Iโm a Scorpio.
I hold grudges, and revenge is my specialty.
I picked up Buddy in the little red car, planning to bum food and drinks off people, humming a local tune.
After a while Buddy looked at me with earnest eyes. โMommy, please stop singing. I canโt take it.โ
Me: โโฆโ
I fell into despair.
Just when Iโd gathered myself and dared to face the world again โ I rear-ended someone.
That settled it. The universe’s mother was definitely dead.
Iโd hit a green coupe. Together we made a spectacle on the street.
The driver climbed out wearing green pants. A green car and green pants. Fine. I’d call him Green Guy.
Green Guy clearly had a temper. With his sunglasses still on, he kicked my little red car.
โGet out, you idiot. You hit my car โ Iโm going to beat you so you wonโt stand up again.โ
Time to show off my trash-talking skills.
But when I got out, Green Guy froze and pointed at me. “You… you…!”
“You what? Get that fucking finger out of my face! With a mouth that filthy, were you kissed by a pig as a baby? Is your head just there to make you taller? Do rich kids like you finish your education in the womb? Your father must be turning in his grave, regretting he ever had a loser like you!”
He stared, dumbfounded. After a long moment, he took off his sunglasses. He looked familiar. “You don’t remember me? It’s me!”
I peered at him, and it finally clicked. Cole Dalton. The hero’s younger brother.
In the novel, he hated Claire and had bullied her since childhood. He idolized his brother and thought only Hazel deserved him.
I felt justified โ my tirade hadnโt been wrong.
Cole lifted his chin. โSince you hit my car, pay for it.โ
I looked at his green coupe โ it wasnโt cheap. In a flash I made a decision: Iโd be a deadbeat.
I jumped into the driverโs seat and sped off before Cole could react. I went so fast I couldnโt even hear him shouting behind us.
Buddy looked puzzled. โWhy are we running?โ
I said solemnly, โBrat, weโre broke.โ
Buddy sighed like a little old soul.
Dalton estate.
When I walked into the hall hand-in-hand with Buddy, the noisy room dissolved into an awkward hush.
I was staring at the spread, thinking I would eat my fill, when Hazel slipped an arm through mine.
“Claire, you’re finally here. We’ve all been waiting,” Hazel said, steering me toward an elegantly dressed older woman. “Aunt Margaret hasn’t seen you in ages. You left without a word. She and Uncle were so worried.”
A hundred glances swooped over us like arrows. Buddyโs face stayed calm; he gripped my hand.
I pulled my arm free and looked down at Hazel. Thank God I was a little taller. It helped me look intimidating.
โShut up, you stupid thing.โ
Silence.
The older woman snorted. “I certainly didn’t expect you today, Miss Bennett. And with that burden in tow. Knowing you, I suppose you’re plotting something again.” With a mocking half-smile, she leaned toward my ear. “Just like six years ago.”
Then I understood. This banquet was a trap.
Both this woman and Hazel planned to humiliate me however they could.
But who was I? Iโd survived war after war of profanity duels. I was the phoenix of trash talk, forged by sheer stubbornness.
I met the older woman’s contemptuous stare. Tears sprang to my eyes. “Mom? Weren’t you dead?”
The older woman probably didnโt expect that line. She tried to speak, but breathless and flushed, she only pointed and stammered, โYou, youโโ
Hazel hurriedly helped the older woman to a room.
So there I was, amid a crowd of awestruck faces, holding Buddyโs hand and attacking the buffet like a starved woman.
I glanced around the ornate hall and spotted Nathan on the second floor, glass in hand, watching me calmly.
I remembered the earlier scene. I knew I was done for.
Iโd truly offended him.
I remembered how ruthlessly the novel’s Nathan repaid every slight, and what happened to anyone who crossed him. I could practically see Death beckoning.
I shoved a huge mouthful of food in, held Buddyโs hand, and mumbled, โYour mom might actually be dying.โ
Buddy glanced at me with mild distaste, then looked up to the second floor. After a beat he said, โNo, she wonโt.โ
Where was that wave of billionaire dominance coming from???
Later, I ran into Cole in the garden. Apparently, enemies really did meet on narrow paths.
โMaybe you should leave first?โ I tried, but Cole sneered.
We stood face-to-face on a narrow garden path where only one of us could step back. See? Narrow path for enemies.
Since Iโd been the one who rear-ended him earlier, I decided to be magnanimous and yield.
Oh, how reasonable I was.
I kept a poised smile and began to retreat. Coleโs expression shifted from mockery to alarm until I ran into a manโs chest and stepped on his foot.
Coleโs voice trembled. โBig brother.โ
I was just a pitiable little creature.
The man was silent; the pressure in the air grew thick.
I counted to three, ready to make a dash for it. Just as I was about to move, an arm closed around my waist.
The man behind me spoke โ but not to me. โYou should go back.โ
Cole went meek as a quail. โOkay.โ
I was secretly terrified, though it didnโt show. โCan you let go?โ
I thought once he let go Iโd run.
Instead he asked, offhand, โHow do you know him?โ
Huh? Whoโ?
He added, โCole.โ
Oh โ that was Cole. Why was he asking that?
With my life at stake, I didn’t dare ask why. “I hit his car today. He wanted me to pay. I had no money, so I ran.”
Such a tragic tale. Such a pitiable beauty.
I silently hoped the billionaire would pity me and hand over millions. A black card would do, too.
A smile tugged at my lips.
“Then pay him. And replace the shoes you just stepped on.”
He let go. I turned, watching him dab his hands with a white handkerchief, all elegance. I glanced at the scuffed shoe and tears streamed down my face.
โNathan!!!โ I lunged and hugged his waist, burying my head in his shoulder, plotting to pull on his heartstrings.
I wailed, “I don’t have elderly parents to support, but I do have a child! And I need to eat too. Three bowls of rice at every meal! I really am out of money!”
He stiffened and didnโt move.
Maybe I hadnโt made a strong enough pitch, so I continued, โYou can ignore me, but Buddy is your own blood. Could you really watch him starve?โ
He rubbed his temple. โClaire.โ
โHmm?โ
โGet up.โ
I didn’t push my luck. I lifted my head from his shoulder and looked at the suspicious wet patch I’d left on his clothes. Then I remembered how fanatical the novel’s Nathan was about cleanliness. Was I trying to get myself killed?
He tossed me a handkerchief, apparently ignoring the mess I’d made of his clothes. “You really cried? Pathetic. Where’s all that nerve you have when you’re insulting people?”
Oscar for Best Actress, please.
Before I could retort, Buddy poked his head out. โMom, letโs go home. I havenโt finished my homework.โ
Nathan, look at what Iโve raised โ a model kid! I felt an inexplicable pride and took Buddyโs hand to leave.
โWait,โ Nathan said. โDonโt drive. Let Liam drive you home.โ
Liam Rhodes was Nathanโs assistant.
I blinked. โOh, okay.โ
I mulled it over. Nathan so far seemed to be the least hostile person toward me. No โ nearly no hostility at all, because he simply didnโt care.
Thinking of his power and influence, and suspecting he didn’t even like Hazel, I decided I really needed to get on his good side.
Relationships need contact.
So I flashed a perfect smile at Liam in the driverโs seat. โLiam, can I have your bossโs number?โ
Liam returned the perfect smile. โMaโam, one moment.โ
Maโam my butt, I thought.
Liam dialed. โSir, maโam says she wants your number.โ
That assistant had skills. Whatever was said, my phone buzzed with a new message: here it is.
What is it? Who is it? Of course โ Nathan.
How did Nathan know my number? Whatever. Having contact was what mattered.
I used his number to add Nathan on WeChat. His display name was simply Nathan Dalton, his profile picture was solid black, and he hadn’t posted a single thing on Moments.
Very high-class. Totally his style.
I messaged him a greeting: Hello, boss! ๏ฝ(๏ฟฃโฝ๏ฟฃ๏ฝ)~ and sent a panda-head giggling sticker.
Nathan replied one minute later: Mm.
I sent: Buddy and I are home.
Nathan: Mm.
That was the end of conversation for the day.
Buddy scooted up and said solemnly, "Mommy, you actually fell in love with that man."
I couldnโt be bothered to explain. "Heโs your dad."
Buddy: "That man is definitely not a good person."
Me: "Heโs your dad."
Buddy: "Heโll never be good to us!"
Me: "Heโs your dad."
Buddy: "โฆ"
I kept texting Nathan every day.
Day one:
"A gentle breeze blows away sorrow, flowing water carries off pain, the sun and moon bring joy and happiness, my blessings are in the air.
“May our friendship last forever. You are always in my thoughts, and I wish you lasting happiness.”
I thought he might like it, so I added a "blooming prosperity" sticker.
No reply.
Day two:
"A night of spring wind arrives, New Yearโs branches bloom.
“They bloom not to compete for spring, but to bring blessings.
“Snow falls quietly, blessings come softly.
“May joy circle you, luck accompany you, and happiness embrace you.”
Still no reply.
Day three:
"From the bottom of my heart I say: Happy birthday!
“Years of hard work have frosted your hair and lined your brow. You have worked so hard. Give yourself a break today!
“Let yourself rest.”
This time Nathan did reply!
But it was just a question mark.
I looked and realizedโoh noโIโd copy-pasted the wrong message.
I felt so stupid, really.
My attempts to bond with Nathan were not going well.
Our relationship was like that of a fish and water. I’d die without him; without me, he’d just enjoy some peace and quiet.
Clearly, sending daily messages to strengthen a bond was useless.
No wonder so many simp guys end up with nothing.
For money and for survival, I had to admit Iโd sadly joined their ranks.
During those gloomy days I suddenly noticed a large bruise on Buddyโs leg.
Rage surged through me. I asked what had happened. With a father who ignored him and a mother who’d never shown him love, Buddy had spent his days in shabby clothes, bullied and excluded by his classmates. His teacher was a snob, too. She physically punished her students and singled Buddy out, inventing excuses to make him stand outside and miss lessons.
Even though things were better for Buddy after I came into his life, classmates still habitually picked on him, and because I hadnโt given him enough security, he was afraid to tell me, thinking Iโd find him troublesome and abandon him.
I spanked him and snapped, “If I hadnโt found out, you were just going to take it, right? If you canโt even trust Mommy, who can you trust? Donโt you feel how much I love you?”
Buddy cried, then between sobs he laughed.
He said, "Mommy, from now on Iโll tell you everything."
That little bastard made my eyes sting.
Buddyโs midterm scores came back.
A perfect hundred in each of his two subjects.
As a first grader he needed a parent-teacher meeting, and Iโd been waiting for this day for so long.
Buddy and I had been pinching pennies recently, and we were truly out of money.
At that critical moment, I thought of Nathan.
As usual I messaged him: Good morning.
Then I added: I’m out of money.
My phone vibrated twice. I squealedโthis was the first reply from Nathan in days. He said: Mm.
Mm, mm, mm. Did he know any other words?
Then my phone vibrated again. It was a message from First National Bank.
I counted the zeros twice and finally confirmed: I was legitimately a rich woman now!
Nathan came through!!!
The parent-teacher meeting was at 2:30. It was noon. I took Buddy and my newfound money and went to the buffet Iโd been craving. The owner practically scowled when he saw us again.
Luckily I had a mission today, so I didnโt overeat.
The owner breathed a sigh of relief and welcomed us back.
After lunch Buddy went to school to do homework and I went shopping.
I had my hair styled and my makeup done, then chose an understated, luxurious white pantsuit.
Then I carefully drove the little red car straight to Buddyโs school.
Buddyโs school was a regular public elementary.
I deliberately arrived fashionably late, found his classroom, knocked, and then walked right in.
The teacher on the dais inspected my outfit and plastered on a smile. "Who are you?"
I said, "Iโm Charlie Daltonโs mom."
Her smile froze.
I spotted Buddy in a corner and went to sit down. He stood beside me; other students stood with their parents, so I didnโt pay it more mind.
After the meeting I went to the office to find that teacher.
I was grave, and I didnโt beat around the bush. "Youโre the one always bullying my Charlie, arenโt you?"
She looked flustered and snapped, "He asks for it."
She sneered at me, "Donโt think Iโm scared of you just because youโre here. Youโre nothing but the mistress the old man keepsโwhat right do you have to educate me?"
That was all the confirmation I needed. I hadn’t worn pants today just to stand here arguing.
I set my bag down. Amid the teachersโ shocked cries, I slapped her hard.
I jumped on her, beat both her cheeks until they flushed and swelled, then kicked several times at the exact spot where sheโd hit Buddyโs calf. I stepped on her throat and said softly, “Listen carefully. Our Charlie is the son of the head of the Dalton family. I am legitimately Nathan Daltonโs wife. Scum like you have no right to insult us.”
The Billionaire's Wife Was Not Behaving
She was left utterly defenseless and no one in the office dared pull me off.
Until the police arrived.
I was taken in.
The young officer who took my statement was kind of cute, so I cheerfully cooperated.
"Officer, please let me go. I didnโt commit a crime," I said.
He looked serious. "If you didnโt commit a crime, why are you here?"
I answered matter-of-factly, "I just fought. If you lose you go to the hospital, if you win you go to jailโthatโs the way of the street."
"Iโm here because I won."
He was speechless.
"You beat her so badly sheโs almost disfigured. A rib is broken. Jailโs one thing, but there will be compensation."
I asked in a trembling voice, "Monetary compensation?"
"Of course."
"Canโt it be emotional compensation? I can apologize or something."
I’d only just gotten that money. The thought of losing it brought tears of regret to my eyes.
"No."
"Fine. I wonโt pay. Lock me up. They feed you in there, give you a haircut and clothesโthatโs too good to pass up."
The officer was at a loss for words.
Just as I was about to be temporarily detained, an older man in uniform burst in, breathless. "Which woman did you arrest for public disturbance today?"
The officer pointed at me, bewildered.
The older man grabbed my hand. "Mrs. Dalton, Iโm so sorry. I didnโt know my men would be so impulsiveโhow did this happen?"
Before I could process it, a low voice said, "Donโt touch her."
The older man flinched and let go.
I turned and saw Nathan and Buddy standing at the door. Something clicked. Nathan said, “Claire Bennett, come home.”
I walked over in a daze and Buddy leapt into my arms.
For a moment it felt like some ridiculous, cozy mirage.
As we left, I overheard Liam telling the older man, “Chief, about today’s incidentโฆ”
We reached Nathanโs car.
Nathan glanced at Buddy. “You get in first.”
Buddy obediently climbed into the passenger seat and gave me a sympathetic look.
Nathan took out a white handkerchief identical to the one he’d used before, took my hand, and carefully wiped it.
I was startled, unsure what he was doing. Was it because that old man had touched my hand? Well, okayโso domineering CEO.
My brain raced with ridiculous thoughts. When Nathan finished, he asked, “What are you thinking?”
My mouth outran my brain. “I was wondering whether you buy those white handkerchiefs in bulk.”
Nathan: “โฆ”
In the car, Liam drove. Buddy was in the front, Nathan and I in the back. The atmosphere was heavy. I decided to break the silence and aimed at this walking icicle beside me.
“Nathan, how did you know Iโd been arrested?”
Nathan didnโt look at me. He said flatly, “Charlie Dalton.”
Charlie Dalton?
What theโ???
Seeing me blink, Buddy couldnโt help but sneer and explain, "I went to find Daddy to save you."
Then he added, "If it werenโt for Daddy youโd be done."
Listen to him, Daddy this and Daddy that. Was this really the same kid who’d spent the past few days bad-mouthing his father, or had someone swapped him for a knockoff?
Buddy shot me a meaningful look: their roof, their rules.
Mommy, you have to endure.
Me: -_-||
The car stopped and I realized this wasnโt my house.
I asked Nathan where we were. He didnโt answer and walked inside.
Liam smiled. “This is Riviera Court. From today on, you and the young master will be living here, ma’am.”
Before we could react, he added, "Weโve moved your things and the young masterโs things here. His room is ready. As for your old villa, itโs been sold."
Hearing my beautiful house sold without my consent set me offโthe fury made me miss an even more important detail.
"That was my house! How could you sell it without my permission? Is there no law left? Bring your CEO out hereโI need to argue!"
Liam stayed pleasant. “Madam, that belonged to Mr. Dalton. The deed is in his name.”
Oh, what a delightful misunderstanding.
I stayed silent, afraid Iโd burst into tears.
I couldnโt believe Buddyโs words had come true. Their roof, their rules.
Buddy signaled again with his eyes: Mommy, endure.
I looked at him and felt tears of suffering fall.
Now I finally understood what Iโd been missing.
"Whereโs my room?" I asked Liam.
He said, “Madam and Mr. Dalton share a room.”
What?
Did I mishear, or did he misspeak?
What do you mean "in the same room as Mr. Dalton"???
He ignored my shock and sighed, "After all these years, he's never been this close to anyone."
Yeah, right.
I couldn’t let this go. I needed to take it to Nathan Dalton.
Buddy tugged at me. “Mommy, don’t ruin the whole plan just because you can’t put up with one little thing!”
I said, "If I keep holding back, you'll see your mother dead."
Outside the study I peered around. Buddy was crouched in the shadows watching my moves.
Finallyโan opening. The butler came in with tea for Nathan.
I took the tray, but the butler protested, "Madam, Sir doesn't like to be disturbed while working."
Then he tried to soften it. "I'm just worried about causing trouble for you."
As if a little trouble would stop me. I insisted, and he couldn't refuse forever. He handed the tea over.
I knocked and went in.
The study matched the rest of the houseโcold, minimal, severe.
Just like Nathan.
Right now Nathan wore gold-rimmed glasses and stared at his screen.
When he noticed me, he took off his glasses and rubbed his brow. “Come here.”
For some reason, with his lenses off and those eyes on me, I got nervous.
I set the cup down by his side, about to speak, when he suddenly yanked me and I tumbled into his arms.
He held me close and asked, "What's the matter?"
I panicked and tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip until I couldn't move.
My heartโmy little wild thingโstarted thumping out of control, thrilled.
I scolded it mentally: Get a grip. It’s not like you’ve never seen a man before!
Once I calmed a bit I said, "I can't share a room with you."
He tilted his head. “Fine.”
I was about to celebrate when he added, "But then you won't have any allowance."
Pfft. Trying to buy me with pocket money.
I tossed my chin up. "How much are you offering?"
He stared at me, then dug into a drawer and pulled out a black card.
"Unlimited," he said.
My performance was over. Time to exit stage left.
Too much drama will kill you.
And so my life of luxurious idleness at Riviera Court began.
Buddy transferred to Riverton Preparatory, chauffeured to and from school every day.
One morning, half-asleep, I heard Nathan’s voice: “Get up.”
I rolled over and went back to sleep. I wasn’t getting out of bed just because Nathan asked.
After all, I'd gotten used to being his human pillow at night.
A few days earlier I had made a life-changing choiceโmoney vs. dignityโI chose money.
Luckily Nathan had kept it strictly pillow-related and hadn’t done anything Buddy-inappropriate.
After breakfast, I lounged on the sofa, basking in wealthy-woman bliss. Nathan had already left for work. The butler was getting Buddy’s schoolbag ready when I remembered the chicken-wing shop outside Buddy’s new school. It had gone viral online. I asked him to bring some wings home for me.
Buddy looked at me, sighed as if I were hopeless, and set off.
That night Nathan hadn’t come home. I happily chewed through the twenty wings Buddy knew I liked. This kind of life can make you forget everything.
Late that night, I thought I heard a whisper beside my ear. “You really don’t worry about a thing, do you? I don’t come home, and you don’t even call.”
I muttered that it was annoying and the voice didn't come again.
The next day Buddy went to school and I called, "Wings! And that milk tea shopโI want red bean milk tea."
Buddy glanced at the butler and sighed; the butler looked like he wanted to say something but didn't.
After days of my nagging, at dinner Buddy seized a moment with Nathan present to complain about me.
“Mommy makes me buy snacks every day. I spend an hour in line after school and can’t finish my homework!”
I cursed that little brat inwardly and glanced at Nathan. He sipped his soup calmly and said, “Then don’t do the homework.”
Buddy burst into tears.
He wailed, "No one in this family loves me!"
Then he ran to his room.
I worried I’d really hurt his little heart, but Nathan said, “He’s faking.”
"But… he didn't eat…" I protested.
Nathan: “He ate a whole steak,” then, “See? He finished it before he left.”
A dad is always a dad.
I looked at the clean plate and thought Buddy was getting wiseโkids know you have to be full to sulk properly.
Even Buddy’s complaints hadn’t ended my blissful life. Something else managed it with ridiculous ease.
One day I realized I'd gotten fat.
Feeling the ring of fat around my waist, I suddenly understood a lot of things.
No wonder Nathan kept touching my belly lately.
I shed melodramatic "I ate too much" tears and decided to change.
So I texted him: I'm getting a job!
Nathan replied instantly: Out of money?
Me: No, I want to lose weight!
He didn’t answer. A bit later my phone buzzed with a message from First National Bankโthen Nathan texted: Eat well. Don’t lose weight.
Me: Okay! (๏ฝ๏ฟฃโฝ๏ฟฃ)โ))*๏ฟฃโฝ๏ฟฃ*)o Money beats fat every time.
He'd been so good to me I decided to return the favor and tell him I cared. I texted: I'll bring you lunch today!
He replied after a long while: Mm.
To be fair, I'm used to that.
I took the meal the butler packed and drove my little red car to Nathan’s company.
Impressive place.
Just as I was about to go in, I heard a not-so-friendly voice.
“What do you think this place is? Can just anyone wander in?”
That toneโsignature arrogance. I turned and, of course, there was Mia Carter, with Hazel Morgan at her side.
This street isn't exactly narrowโhow did all my enemies end up here?
I said, "This is Mr. Dalton's turf. Who are you to bark at his door?"
Hazel went pale; Mia glared like she wanted blood.
I laughed. "Keep glaring and I'll gouge out your eyeballs. You only look at people through your nose anywayโthose things are useless."
Mia lunged. I felt a fight coming, set the meal down gently, and before she hit me I slapped her.
"Behave yourself. If you keep snapping like that I'll send you to the slaughterhouse."
Maybe my face was scary enoughโMia backed down.
I stepped toward Hazel. She trembled like a leaf in the wind; fragile, pitifulโenough to make a lot of people feel protective.
Too bad I'm not one of them.
“Relax, Miss Innocent. I wouldn’t dare touch you,” I said. “Last time, all I did was brush a fallen leaf off you by the lake, and in you went. If I touched you now, you’d probably drop dead.”
I bent close and whispered, "You know how you fellโdon't play dumb. If you and your little lackey keep harassing me, I won't hesitate to ruin you myself."
Hazel’s tears fellโher sobbing was more melodramatic than a romance novel heroine.
I didn't bother with her and stepped into the private elevator.
When I reached Nathan’s office there was another enemy insideโCole Dalton, in his red pants.
If I'd checked the almanac I'd have known it was an unlucky day to go out.
I offered Nathan the food like a dutiful housewife. “It’s all your favorites. Eat while it’s hot.”
He stared at meโso intently my skin prickledโthen said, "Mm."
Cole ground his teeth. Angry, and with no filter, he blurted, "Don't act so virtuous. In every way you lose to Hazel Morgan."
Nathan looked up at Cole and the room went cold.
Cole immediately looked frightened and clenched his fists.
I had to correct something crucial. "That's not true."
I got serious. Cole stared back, puzzled.
"At least when it comes to me eating three bowls of rice every meal, Hazel can't beat me," I said earnestly.
Silence.
I didn’t know what Nathan had said to Cole that day. But when Buddy and I ran into him later, he politely called me his sister-in-law.
I shivered.
Cole picked Buddy up and kissed his cheeks several times. Buddy shivered too. Then Cole scratched his head awkwardly. “Sorry, sis-in-law. I misjudged you. If my brother hadn’t told me… I’d still be in the dark.”
Did he know about that earlier thing? How would Nathan know?
Before I could ask, a sweet potato vendor distracted me. I bought a huge bag and invited Cole over to roast them at my place. Cole's eyes lit upโthis rich kid clearly hadn't tried that before.
The three of us roasted sweet potatoes in Nathan’s garden.
The butler protested, "Madam, those are rare, expensive plants Sir bought. If anything happensโ"
Buddy urged us not to, but faced with my and Cole's pressure he had to join in.
We roasted for two hours until the potatoes were charredโand we started a fire in the garden.
The butler wailed, "Oh my God, what will we do?…" like his child had died.
The three of us stood soot-streaked, staring at one another.
Just then Nathan’s car arrived.
We exchanged a look and made a split-second decision.
He stepped out and, taking in our battle-scarred faces, rubbed his brow. "What happened?"
Cole and I both said in unison, "It was Charlie's fault!"
Buddy stared at us in disbelief and declared dramatically, “I never thought you people were like this! It seems I, Charlie Dalton, am destined to die here!”
Nice lineโBuddy's been bingeing martial-arts dramas.
Nathan closed his eyes, then came over, took my hand, andโmuch to everyone’s astonishmentโled me to the restroom.
He bent, dampened a towel, and carefully wiped my face, then washed my hands.
Like he was treating a child.
This was a man with more power, status, and ability than anyone around him.
He couldn’t stand dirt, yet he’d taken my filthy hand and even washed my face himself.
My heartโagainโstarted racing wildly.
Dammit.
If I stayed by his side any longer, I mightโno, scratch that, I had already run.
That night, Nathan was in his study. I crawled into bed early, desperate to sleep because there was no way I could explain why Iโd bolted.
Some things only get worse the more you try to explain.
Unfortunately, I hadnโt fallen asleep when he came in.
I heard him approach, felt the blanket lifted, then he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
What theโ???
My heart thundered. I heard a soft chuckle in my ear.
I couldnโt keep up the act any longer; I shot him a furious glare. โNathan, this is wrong.โ
Nathan: โYouโre my wife.โ
Me: โโฆโ
Oh. Well then, he certainly had the paperwork to prove it.
I was defeated.
The next day, Cole told me the heroine was in the hospital.
I thought for a moment. “Could it be because I told her off that day? But I only used words. I didn’t so much as touch her.”
Cole snorted. โShe just wants my brotherโs attention. Seeing how heโs been nice to you recently, sheโs trying to set you up like before.โ
โJust like back then.โ
I patted Cole’s head approvingly. Not a complete idiot, after all.
Then I plucked a grape, opened my match-three game, and played casually.
The moment Cole saw me playing, he jumped up, excited: โSis-in-law, what level are you on?โ
โLevel 679.โ
Cole laughed out loud three times. โIโm on 1,258!โ
I felt deeply insulted. Before I transmigrated, Iโd once taken that game past two thousand levelsโtop among friends.
This was a new install in this world, and some novice like Cole had already passed me!
I added him as a friend and vowed to overtake him. He swore heโd never be beaten by me.
We stared at each other, the air crackling with challenge. Finally, Cole pulled out his phone and started playing. We were racing the clock now. Forget brother- and sister-in-law: we were rivals.
Then Buddy came along.
I saw the familiar can of milk in his hands and dropped the game in excitement. โIs thatโฆ Wangzai milk?โ
I never thought Iโd see it after transmigratingโused to be my favorite.
Buddy glanced at me, then at the can. โMommy, this is Wangzi milk.โ
I looked closely. Sure enoughโan obvious knockoff had made its way into this world.
โItโs a famous brand,โ Cole said.
Huh?
I sampled it skeptically. It was actually tasty.
Fine, call it Wangzi. If it tastes good, who cares.
I lay in the hospital like a butterfly with clipped wings, thin and fragile.
I hadnโt expected fate to be this cruelโlast night Iโd undergone surgery.
Part of my body was gone now, gone forever.
Seeing the heroine in the same hospital gown, coughing every few stepsโrumor had it Iโd put her in this stateโmade my whole body ache.
She and Nathan stood at my bedside, quietly watching. I couldnโt resist a show.
โFine, you can have my appendix, but you canโt take my kidneyโno way!!โ
Yep. Turns out I had appendicitis.
Heroine: โโฆโ
Nathan sighed, walked over, lowered the bed back, helped me lie down, and said, โStop talking nonsense. Rest. The doctor said you canโt eat recklessly anymore.โ
Hazel’s expression darkened. Catching me watching her, she forced a smile. “My room is next door, Claire. I heard you’d had surgery, so I came to see you.”
As if anyone couldnโt see sheโd come to see Nathan.
Hmph.
Whateverโjust donโt take my kidney.
But then my life descended into real torture.
Five days after being forced to give up takoyaki, spicy wings, chicken cutlets, spicy crawfish, and even spicy strips, I finally protested.
โI want snacks and junk food!โ
Nathan flipped through a book beside me. โNo.โ
Before I could argue, he glanced at me lightly.
My protest utterly failed.
I gritted my teeth. With everything that bastard had to run, where did he find the time to sit here policing me?
That afternoon, Cole arrived in purple pants with Buddy. At the sight of the can in Buddy’s hand, I nearly cried. “Everybody move! My son’s brought me Wangzi milk!”
Buddy looked at Nathan and only handed it over when Nathan nodded.
I hugged Buddy and smothered him with kisses, finishing my drama. โSon, I love you!โ
Cole rolled his eyes at my grossness.
I decided to check on the heroine next doorโafter all, sheโd seen me.
I regretted it the moment I stepped in. The room was crowded.
The older woman from the Dalton household was there, along with Hazel’s little sidekick, Mia. Cole and Nathan had followed me in, too.
The heroine wailed in bed. The moment Nathan showed up, she shouted, โNathan!โ
Turns out I was just a third wheel.
I was about to slip out when Hazel called, “Claire!”
I turned, deadpan. โStay where you are. Donโt move. Iโll go buy you some oranges.โ
Nathan ruffled my hair like petting a dog. โGo where? You look like thatโwhere would you go?โ
Under everyoneโs surprised gazes, I obediently stayed.
Mia didn’t dare insult me this time. She settled for glaring.
I rolled my eyes. She wasn’t worth the effort.
The older woman, however, opened fire.
โI donโt get out much. Today I learned your tricks,โ she said.
I did my best impression of someone too lazy to react.
She kept going. “You’ve looked like a beggar since you were a child. All we got for raising you was an ungrateful little backstabber! You don’t repay our kindness. You turn on us and reduce Hazel to this. Are you satisfied?”
The heroine sniffled on cue.
I whispered to Nathan, โI want to insult your mom.โ
He said, โThatโs not my mom.โ
I blinked. Cole added, โReally not our mom.โ
That made things easier.
Fine. It was time I set the record straight.
I turned to Hazel. “Drop the act. I can’t stand people who pretend not to know exactly what they’ve done. You know better than anyone whether I pushed you six years ago. So stop playing innocent. Keep provoking me, and it won’t just be your mother I curse. Your whole family can drop dead!”
The older woman and Mia stared at Hazel in disbelief.
After a long moment, the older woman stammered, “Hazel, is this…”
The heroine truly started crying then, not a word.
I went on. “And as for you, lady…”
She bristled, haughtily: โHow dareโโ
I didnโt give her time. I darted forward and slapped her twice so fast she was left breathless.
Then I grabbed a handful of her hair and said softly, โI donโt like dogs that bite. From now on, if you see me, go out of your way to avoid me. I canโt promise next time I wonโt gouge your eyes out or break your legs.โ
Mia shrank to the back of the room and tried to make herself invisible.
The heroine lay on the bed, terror in her eyes.
I smiledโthis time it wasnโt an act.
I patted Hazel’s cheek and pointed at Nathan. “Take a good look. That man is mine. Claire Bennett’s. Try chasing him again, and I’ll pluck you bald, you little tramp.”
I walked toward Nathan. He glanced at my hand and said, annoyed, โYou’ve made your hand red. Don’t do the hitting yourself next time. Let someone else deal with it.โ
Classic Nathanโsupportive.
As he left, he issued a deathly warning. โAnyone who bothers Claire Bennett again must be prepared to face consequences. I hope thatโs clear.โ
The room went as quiet as a morgue.
I curled the corner of my mouth. This damn sweetness was starting to get to me.
Day by day I grew closer to Nathan.
I had the odd sense he was falling for Claire Bennett.
But I always knew: Claire Bennett was Claire Bennett. I was meโjust a ghost occupying Claireโs body.
Once I asked him bluntly if he liked the heroine. He calmly said, โNo.โ
โThen why did you go to France with her?โ
โShe followed me. I didnโt want to deal with it.โ
That was so Nathan.
I asked again, โWhat if one day I disappear?โ
He paused mid-task, gripped my wrist hard, and said each word like a vow, โDonโt even think about it.โ
There was something I hadn’t admitted: I liked him. That had nothing to do with the original Claire Bennett.
Thinking about my hopeless love made me ache. I blurted, โNathan, Iโm not really Claire Bennett.โ
He fell silent.
After a long moment he said hoarsely, โI know.โ
I wasnโt surprisedโever since heโd asked who I was before, it felt like he suspected.
โDo you like me or Claire?โ I asked.
He stared into my eyes. โI only like the Claire Bennett thatโs here now.โ
My heart flippedโlike overturning a jar of honey, all sweetness pouring out.
He asked, โWhatโs your name?โ
“Actually… my name is Claire Bennett too.”
Nathan smiled.
I rarely saw him smile, but when he did it made me melt for a long time.
So when he kissed me later, I was still dazed.
Once everything was out in the open, I felt lighter.
My daily routine became beating Cole at match-three and waiting for Buddyโs Wangzi milk.
Nathan watched me drink it every day. Wangzi sounded like a wish for sons. “Trying to give me a few more sons?” he asked.
A few more?
Ha. Men, dream on.
That night I found out Nathan was serious.
The next morning, I got up with a hand pressed to my aching lower back and told Buddy I was never drinking Wangzi milk again. Never.
Buddy peered at me with all-knowing eyes that made me squirm.
He narrowed his eyes and whispered, โConstipated, Mommy?โ
Me: โโฆโ
Constipated? Your mother is…
You canโt scold your real sonโeverything bounces back onto you.
I should have thought: Your father is.
Today Cole and I planned to hit the newly opened mall.
Cole was collecting pants in every color of the rainbow. All he still needed was yellow.
What a flamboyant man.
After shopping, I was going to treat Cole to our usual buffetโlast time I ate light so the owner was excited to see me.
But today, Cole and I disappointed him.
I never expected Cole to be a stomach rival.
Neither of us would back down, and the owner cried as we kept eating.
By the time we waddled out rubbing our bellies, the owner was practically doubled over in tears.
I decided a buffet was only worth visiting with Cole, and he felt exactly the same. Just like that, we’d found a kindred spirit in each other.
We were walking off the meal when we turned into an alley and saw a group of middle-schoolโaged boys and girls picking on a scrawny girl.
Her face was bruised and swollen; a girl was clawing at her school uniform while a yellow-haired kid filmed them.
Monsters.
I glanced at Cole and sent him a look: Iโll take the girls, you handle the boys.
He nodded hard.
He stepped forward first and shouted, โLet her go!โ
Of all people, he stole my line.
The kids sneered, โWho are you guys?โ
Cole didnโt answer at first, so I said righteously, โWe’re the next generation of socialist heroes!โ
They all blinked, confused, until the yellow-haired kid shouted and they surged forward.
I ended up at the police station again.
With Cole, and those brats.
And the same handsome cop was there. The moment he saw me, a vein popped at his temple. โWhat is it this time?โ
I stood my ground. โOfficer, I didnโt break the law โ I was saving someone.โ I pointed at the group and spat, โThose little animals โ what they did wasnโt human!โ
He cut me off. โAlright, alright.โ
Then he motioned toward the door.
I looked and, oh no โ Nathan Dalton had arrived.
The journey home was tense.
I mouthed to Cole, what do we do? He looked utterly defeated.
This is bad.
Nathan was really pissed.
Once we were home, Nathan sent Cole back to his room, then brought me straight to the bedroom.
He opened a first-aid kit and cleaned my wounds.
Nothing serious โ just bruises.
He worked quietly and precisely. Watching him, my conscience prickled.
Should I apologize?
So I kissed his cheek.
He froze, then, after a long pause, deadpan: โIf you hurt yourself again, Iโll lock you in the bedroom so you canโt go anywhere.โ
I shivered, but at least I seemed to be out of trouble for now. I let out a breath.
When Nathanโs expression softened a bit, I hurriedly buttered him up. โI bought you some clothes today. You have such a great figure โ theyโll look amazing on you. There was a sale: buy one, get one, so I got matching sets for both of us.โ
I dug for my shopping bag. Later, Nathan stared silently at a white tee with a cartoon character on it.
I triumphantly pulled out my matching shirt. For some reason, the corner of his mouth lifted.
Ugh, this man is infuriatingly charming.
The next morning, Nathan attracted nonstop stolen glances in his cartoon-print white T-shirt and casual pants.
He completely upstaged my matching outfit.
I didnโt mind. He looked ridiculously good in casual wear.
Cole wasnโt around that morning. And he didnโt show the next few days, either.
I texted: Cole, where did you go? Why havenโt you come find me?
After a long time, he replied with a crying emoji and: โAsk your man and youโll know.โ
Then: โCanโt chat, Iโm drowning in work.โ
Uh-oh. Classic punishment for fighting the day before โ Nathan must be making Cole miserable.
I had special treatment on my side. Cole didn’t.
Heh heh.
I immediately opened our match-three game and checked how far ahead Cole was. This was my perfect chance to overtake him.
I played until I’d used up all my in-game energy, then put down the phone and stared into space.
So bored.
I needed something to do.
I grabbed the newspaper that had been delivered at lunch, curious why Nathan read it like a drama every day.
It turned out to be gripping. One headline caught me at once: “Nathan Dalton to Wed Lin Heiress: A New Business Empire in the Making?”
The photo showed Nathanโs car. Two people in the car were locked in an intimate pose โ like a couple in love.
I scoffed. What a joke.
I called Nathan. No answer.
I messaged him. No reply.
I couldnโt sit still. I hopped a cab straight to his company.
Reporters clogged the entrance. I saw Liam Rhodes, the assistant, smiling at the center and saying, โYes, the CEO is planning a wedding.โ
I stood outside, ready to rip that assistantโs face off.
A little later, Nathan appeared. The crowd erupted. “Mr. Dalton, does Mr. Rhodes’s statement reflect your wishes?”
Nathan was still impossibly handsome, sunlight sculpting his features. He answered flatly, โYes.โ
I felt like a tragic side character in a bad novel.
I didnโt go home. I picked up Buddy from school and said, โWe have to run, okay, baby?โ
He nodded without a second thought.
We bought a plain pink suitcase, cashed out money at different banks and hid the bills inside. Then we bought two sets of cheap market clothes and changed, dumping the original outfits in a trash can.
I was running. Because Iโd realized โ Iโm a side character.
The heroine was so frail. If Nathan ever decided he needed my heart, liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys to save her, I’d be finished.
Nathan… never mind. I didnโt want to think of him.
Dressed to attract as little attention as possible, Buddy and I boarded a long-distance bus without even knowing where it was headed. Flashing money could attract thieves, or worse. With that much cash on me, keeping a low profile was the entire plan.
I tossed my phone SIM out the window during the ride. Things would pass, right?
After changing buses several times, we ended up in an unfamiliar little town.
I rented a plain room and bought essentials with Buddy.
Buddy sighed with world-weary gravity. “I’ll trust men when pigs fly.”
I ruffled my sonโs hair. โStop talking. Carry the snack bag home.โ
He grumbled but obeyed.
I hummed as we shuffled along. Country life was pleasant.
Our room was on the second floor and had a balcony. I munched snacks on the balcony, watching the fields while Buddy studied.
I offered to teach Buddy myself while we were there. He looked horrified. “Mommy, have mercy! Please don’t ruin the next generation!”
We finally made a peaceful deal: Iโd eat snacks, binge dramas, sleep, repeat; Buddy would sweep, mop, make the bed, clean, and self-study.
Buddy regularly muttered, โI misjudged you. Youโre a cruel woman!โ
I soothed him: โThis is all to toughen you up. Itโs for your own good.โ
He scoffed and ignored me.
I was deep into Seasons of Temptation, staying up till 4 a.m. three nights straight. My crying woke Buddy one night. He saw me sobbing and asked, โMom? Are you sad about Dad?โ
I couldnโt speak. I pointed helplessly at my phone playing the show.
I clutched him and wailed, โThe heroineโฆ sheโs soโฆ so tragic!โ
Buddy stayed silent for a beat, then mercilessly peeled my hand away, turned his back, and went to sleep.
Tsk. Another little cynic who’d never trust a woman again.
We went on living quietly like that.
One afternoon, snacking and gazing at the view, I noticed several black cars parked below.
I wondered who was visiting, then squinted โ an odd sense of familiarity.
Footsteps on the stairs, loud and hurried, then the landlordโs voice: โRight here!โ
Buddy was happily reciting from his book. I clamped a hand over his mouth, shushed him through his alarm, and bundled him into the closet.
Someone was opening the door. Sweating with panic, I looked wildly around, then crawled under the bed just before they came in.
My heart pounded. I clenched my fists until I heard a cool, familiar voice: โCome out.โ
That voice โ infuriatingly familiar.
I decided to hold my ground. Then Buddyโs voice: โโฆMom, come out.โ
โฆFine.
I crawled out from under the bed, dusted myself off, and stared at the man in front of me.
He was the man I remembered, yet he looked different. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, his clothes no longer immaculate.
But his gaze was the same.
He didnโt speak. He just stared, unblinking, making it impossible for me to hold his eyes.
I had to do something dumb to break the tension. โPlease donโt look for me anymore, sir. I really donโt know how to cure erectile dysfunction,โ I said.
Everyone: โโฆโฆโ
He didnโt care. He stepped forward and pulled me into a tight embrace.
I heard him whisper, โMy Claire, myโฆ Claire.โ
I returned to Riviera Court.
By the time we arrived, Nathan had regained his composure.
He sat on the living room sofa while Buddy and I stood before him.
Time to settle accounts.
For some reason, I was nervous.
Buddy looked uneasy too. I shot him a reassuring look and grabbed his hand, standing up straight. โIโll say this once: you can hit my son, fine. You canโt hit me. Do what you want.โ
Buddy looked at me in disbelief and pain.
Iโve always known: betraying your allies at the critical moment is how you survive.
Nathan rubbed his forehead tiredly. โCharlie, go back to your room.โ
Buddy obeyed.
It was just Nathan and me left in the quiet room.
After a long pause I cleared my throat and pleaded sincerely, โPlease let me go. I just want to be a harmless nobody.โ
Nathan looked at me, voice hoarse: โWhy did you leave?โ
I was a little annoyed and let out a snort. "You're getting married โ shouldn't I be the one to hurry off? I'm being so self-aware already; aren't you satisfied?"
Nathan stood, towering over me. His gaze held mine through the lenses of his glasses. I refused to be intimidated and glared right back.
After a long moment, he sighed. "If you leave, who will I marry?"
What?
“The story was false. The photos were taken from an angle that made things look different from what they were.”
“Hardly anyone knew I was already married to Claire. I wanted to use this chance to hold a proper wedding with you.”
“When Liam and I spoke outside the company, you were the person we were both talking about.”
I was speechless.
That was the longest he'd ever spoken. The amount of information hit me so hard I couldn't find my bearings for a while.
Seeing me frozen, Nathan assumed I didn’t believe him. He took out a ring, grabbed my hand, and slipped it onto my ring finger.
Me: "โฆ"
So I had misunderstood him.
I felt awkward and blurted, "This ring is actually pretty."
He said earnestly, "Not as pretty as you."
Ugh. Did this damned man have honey smeared all over his words?
I couldn’t suppress my smile. “Am I still your little sweet… Never mind. I’m too scared to ask.”
I ducked my head and stole a glance at him.
Nathan smiled, brilliant and blinding, and his answer landed with a kiss as dazzling as his grin.
"Always, myโฆ princess."
