On the day my ex-husband married my best friend, I dressed up to the nines. When my best friend Amber saw me, her face fell. “Valerie, are you trying to steal the spotlight, dressing up even more beautifully than the bride at my wedding? Are you trying to steal my groom?” “Relax, I have absolutely no interest in your fiancé…” The moment I appeared, the groom, Brandon, stared at me, his eyes wide. “Don’t you remember me?” I asked. Brandon stared for a long time, clearly not recognizing me. “You look familiar, but I can’t quite place you. Are you…?” Seeing that he didn’t recognize me, I felt a sense of relief. I smiled and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll remember who I am soon enough.” It seemed three years was enough for Brandon to completely forget what his “deceased wife” looked like. But me? Even if Brandon turned to ash, I would never forget him. I deliberately approached Amber a while ago, getting close to her, all for this very day. Brandon was gazing at me intently, his eyes practically burning a hole through me. Thanks to my significant wealth, I looked younger, more elegant, and refined than ever before. Amber continued her introduction, “Brandon, I told you, Valerie is the Chairwoman of Synergy Corp., one of our city’s most influential emerging entrepreneurs.” Brandon’s eyes lit up even brighter. He stared at me excitedly. “So you’re Ms. Valerie, the one they call the most stunning Chairwoman in the city! You look even better in person than on TV!” “Oh, that’s just hype, really, from some less-than-reputable media,” I replied gracefully. “Mr. Brandon, you are the true up-and-coming talent, absolutely admirable.” Brandon practically trembled with excitement. “Oh, no, no, my business is just small-time compared to yours, Ms. Valerie. You’re a real powerhouse in our city’s business world!” Amber looked a little jealous, glaring at Brandon playfully. “Alright, Brandon, I need to go get my makeup touched up. You should go do whatever you need to do. And don’t even think about plotting anything with my best friend.” Brandon gave a strained laugh. “Hah, what are you talking about? Just go get ready.” He turned back to me, chuckling again, sneaking a glance at my ample chest. “Ms. Valerie, with your successful career and beauty, your boyfriend must be quite a catch, right?” There it was. I was waiting for that question. I smiled and shook my head. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” Brandon’s eyes lit up. He chuckled. “Is Ms. Valerie’s standard just too high? I get it, I bet most ordinary men wouldn’t even catch your eye.” He subtly shifted his gaze to my shapely rear, his look becoming even more brazen. I shook my head. “Actually, my standards are pretty simple. Just someone who truly cares for me.” Brandon’s eyes widened in surprise. “That shouldn’t be hard to find, should it?” I smiled. “It’s both easy and hard, I suppose.” “You’re right. In this vast world, finding someone who truly cares for you isn’t easy,” Brandon nodded, agreeing with me. He then let out a long sigh, a look of melancholy on his face. “My late wife once said she just wanted to marry someone who truly cared for her. She even said marrying me was the right choice, but sadly we… sigh…” Watching him feign such profound grief made my stomach churn. His so-called “late wife” was pushed overboard by him and Amber, working together. Brandon’s “true care” involved hooking up with my “best friend” Amber less than a month after marrying me. Then, to seize the successful company I founded, they conspired to murder me. They tricked me into taking a trip to a South Asian island nation. Out on the ocean that day, they suddenly pushed me overboard. “Just die in peace, you bitch! I’m sick of you, hahahaha…” Brandon laughed hysterically, shoving my head underwater.
“Hold her down! Don’t let her come up!” Amber cheered him on, while also feigning panic. “Oh my God, help! My friend fell into the water! Everyone, please help her, hahahaha…” Only after I stopped struggling and drifted away with the waves did they happily return. After I was declared missing and presumed dead, Brandon inherited my company and assets. So, seeing Brandon pretending to be so heartbroken and sincere now, I felt nothing but utter disgust. I feigned comfort. “The past is the past, Mr. Brandon, you shouldn’t be too sad. Besides, three years have passed, it’s time to move on.” Brandon, however, shook his head. “Ever since her accident, I swore I’d mourn for her for three years, visiting her grave daily. But three years later, I still can’t let go, I just can’t let her go…” Ugh, the jerk was really milking this ‘devoted widower’ act. In reality, after my “accident,” many suspected him of foul play. So, he fabricated this persona of a heartbroken lover, vowing to mourn for me for three years. Yet, in those three years, besides Amber, he’d been through countless other women. As for his supposed daily visits to my grave, they were just occasional photo ops. Meanwhile, after getting my company and assets, he’d skyrocketed to become one of the hottest young talents in the city’s business world. He started to grow tired of Amber and wasn’t in a hurry to marry her. Instead, he was partying every single night, living a lavish lifestyle. If he hadn’t been afraid Amber would expose their plot to murder me, he would have dumped her long ago. These three years, my company had been almost completely drained by him. Plus, with Amber pressuring him, he finally had no choice but to officially marry her. And now he was putting on this elaborate “devoted lover” performance for me. Clearly, he was up to something. I smirked coldly. “You’re about to marry Amber, so you really should let go. Otherwise, it’s not fair to her.” Brandon gave a bitter smile. “I know it’s not fair to Amber, but it’s still hard to let go of my past. To be honest with you, I’m not really eager to marry Amber. Partly because I feel it’s unfair to her.” “Does Amber know that?” I raised an eyebrow, asking. “Of course she knows. We’ve fought about it,” Brandon said, looking helpless. “That’s why I think this wedding of ours is still too rushed.” “If that’s truly the case, then you do have a point,” I nodded. Brandon’s eyes lit up. He secretly peered at my chest again. “By the way, Ms. Valerie, this might be a bit forward, but I can’t help but say, you and my late wife bear quite a resemblance, both in temperament and appearance.” Heh, I’m your so-called “late wife.” How could I not? “Oh, really? What a coincidence,” I said, unfazed, watching the fish begin to bite. “Yes, it’s a remarkable coincidence,” Brandon chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “It’s almost like fate, quite extraordinary.” Hmph, fate? I came here specifically for revenge. I didn’t reply, just sat down. Brandon sat beside me, attentively pouring me a cup of tea. “Ms. Valerie, honestly, looking at you, it’s like looking at my wife. So familiar, so comforting. I just wish this moment could last forever.” Ugh, the shameless jerk. I smirked coldly. “You certainly seem to have a deep affection for your late wife.” Brandon didn’t catch my sarcasm. He chuckled. “Oh, I can’t help it. I just loved her too much.” I looked at him, sneering. “You’re truly a rare devoted man.”
Brandon, thinking I was genuinely praising him, beamed with delight, gesticulating wildly. “Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Valerie! I feel an instant connection with you, truly. My only regret is not meeting you sooner.” “It’s never too late to meet. Any time is the best time,” I said calmly. “I feel an instant connection with you too, Mr. Brandon.” I was speaking the truth, in my own way. “Really? That’s fantastic!” Brandon’s eyes gleamed, thinking I was reciprocating his interest. On stage, Amber called out to Brandon. “Brandon, come here for a second.” Brandon waved his hand dismissively, annoyed, but still walked over. He then spoke to Amber with a serious expression. “Amber, I think we should postpone the wedding, maybe have it later.” Amber’s face instantly changed. Slap! She slapped him across the face. “Brandon, you bastard, are you trying to delay it again?!” Brandon was stunned for a moment. “What are you doing?!” Amber panted, pointing at Brandon. “I’m telling you, Brandon, I’ve given you my final ultimatum. My patience is wearing thin.” Slap! Suddenly, Brandon, enraged, slapped her back. “You bitch, who do you think you are, giving me ultimatums?!” “I’ll kill you!” Amber shrieked hysterically, lunging at Brandon, and they started fighting. Clang! Bang! They went at it, fists and feet flying, a furious brawl. “You bastard! I put up with you messing around with other women, I put up with you not spending money on me, but today, you still want to delay?! I won’t take it anymore!” “How much money have you blown of mine, and you say I don’t spend money on you?!” “Where did your money come from? Half of it was mine to begin with!” “Go to hell!” “No, you go to hell!” They cursed and yelled at each other as they fought. Everyone else was dumbfounded. After a while, family and friends on both sides finally reacted, rushing onto the stage to pull them apart. “You filthy woman, I swear I’ll kill you today!” Brandon was still seething, cursing viciously. His face was covered in scratches from Amber, and his shirt was torn. “Go ahead and kill me, see if I don’t expose your dirty secrets!” Amber screamed at the top of her lungs. Brandon’s face stiffened, a look of apprehension in his eyes. He pointed at Amber. “Fine, fine, you win this round!” The two were dragged backstage by their relatives to fix their appearance. Judging by their “experienced” manner, they clearly fought often. They had reached a point where they despised each other, but as accomplices in my murder, they were two rotten peas in a pod. Brandon emerged from backstage first, rushing eagerly towards me. “Ah, I apologize for that, Ms. Valerie, you saw how Amber’s temper is. I was just trying to discuss something with her…” Brandon said with an awkward smile. He let out a long sigh, looking utterly helpless. “You forced me to do it, and you still have the nerve to talk!” Amber also approached, yelling angrily. She complained to me, looking wronged. “Valerie, I’m telling you, he’s promised me at least ten times these past few years, and every time he goes back on his word. Look, the wedding is happening today, and he still wants to delay it!” I smiled. “He’s also been unable to let go of his ex-wife. Besides, he once vowed to mourn for her for three years…” Amber rolled her eyes. “Please! That’s all just a made-up lie to fool people. He and his ex-wife had a terrible relationship. Less than a month after they got married, he was already sleeping with me…” Slap!
Brandon suddenly slapped Amber hard across the face, roaring with a twisted expression, “What the hell are you babbling about?! Shut up!” “Brandon, I’m not done with you!” Amber immediately lunged at him again. They started fighting once more. By the time everyone separated them again, Amber’s eyes were swollen. Clearly, Amber exposing Brandon’s lies in front of me had made him furious and violent. Many of their guests couldn’t stand it anymore, urging them to perhaps postpone the wedding. After all, it had devolved into such a spectacle, not only incredibly unsightly but devoid of any festive cheer. Brandon, of course, was thrilled with the idea, but Amber was absolutely determined. She pointed at Brandon and yelled: “Brandon, I’m telling you, this wedding has to happen today! Otherwise, you can look forward to jail time!” Brandon fell silent, his face a grim shade of green. Everyone else was bewildered, wondering why Brandon would go to jail if he didn’t marry Amber. With Amber’s insistence, the wedding was set to continue as planned. Amber went backstage to touch up her makeup again. Brandon plopped down, poured himself a glass of water, and gulped it down, looking angry and helpless. But when he saw me watching him, Brandon forced an awkward smile. “Ms. Valerie, Amber was really talking nonsense just now, please don’t take it seriously. I’ve always loved my ex-wife the most.” “You two are fighting like this, why is Amber so set on having the wedding?” I asked. Brandon snorted. “She’s just after my money. She wants to use the wedding to tie me down!” “People can still get divorced after marriage. How would that tie you down?” I pointed out. “We’re different…” Brandon hesitated, then waved his hand. “Never mind, let’s not talk about it. It’s a mood killer.” I nodded, saying nothing more. Brandon chuckled nervously, then cautiously asked, “Ms. Valerie, your business is so huge, would you be interested in partnering with my company? My company is looking for new investments as we prepare to go public.” I smiled slightly, nodding. “It’s not out of the question. Our group is planning to expand into new ventures. If it’s a good fit, we could consider investing in your company.” Brandon immediately leaped up, excited. “That’s wonderful, wonderful! We would really welcome your group’s investment.” Over these three years, that company had been practically hollowed out by Brandon, struggling even to stay afloat, let alone go public. I sneered inwardly, maintaining a calm expression. “Our group is also looking for a new CEO. If you have any suitable candidates, Mr. Brandon, you could recommend them. Of course, they’d need to be someone I can trust.” “Oh, really…” Brandon’s eyes lit up. After a moment’s hesitation, he chuckled nervously. “How about me, Ms. Valerie? I’d like to put myself forward, hahahaha.” “You? I don’t think so,” I chuckled softly. “While I do trust you, you’re marrying Amber, and Amber is my best friend. We need to keep some distance, or our friendship might suffer.” Brandon grew anxious, frowning, looking helpless. “But… that… we don’t need to keep that much distance, do we?” At that moment, the emcee began to speak. “The auspicious time has arrived! Let us welcome the groom…” Brandon hesitated, gave me a regretful look, then turned and walked onto the stage. A little while later, Amber also came onto the stage. Under the officiant’s guidance, the two began to exchange their vows. Just then, a young man strode in from outside, causing a small commotion. He was impeccably dressed in a suit, carrying a large bouquet of vibrant roses. He walked directly towards me, offering the flowers with both hands. “Ms. Valerie, why have you been avoiding me? I heard you were here and came specifically to find you.”
I didn’t take the flowers. Instead, I turned to look at Brandon on the stage. The officiant was asking, “Brandon, do you take Amber to be your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, and do you pledge your faithfulness to her?” “I don’t!” Brandon suddenly gritted his teeth, interrupting the officiant. “I don’t love Amber at all! I’ve always deeply loved my ex-wife…!” Amber completely erupted. “Brandon, go to hell! Your ex-wife was killed by you…!” Amber’s words instantly sent a wave of shock through the entire venue. Except for me, almost everyone was utterly stunned. Amber pointed at Brandon, swearing loudly. “You bastard! You murdered your own wife with your bare hands, and now you come back pretending to be heartbroken?! Who are you trying to fool?!” “Are you insane?!” Brandon’s face flushed with rage. He slapped Amber, knocking her to the ground. Then he lunged onto Amber, pinning her down, hands around her throat. “You crazy bitch, I’m going to kill you!” Everyone quickly rushed forward in a frantic effort to pull the two apart. Amber coughed violently, pointing furiously at Brandon. “Brandon, you’re finished! You’re absolutely finished!” Brandon glared at Amber with deadly intensity. “You stupid woman! If I’m finished, do you think you’ll be any better off? Has your brain completely rotted away?!” Amber finally seemed to realize the gravity of her words, and suddenly she looked panicked. “Call the police, quickly, call the police!” Some guests couldn’t take it anymore, shouting, “Someone’s going to get killed at this rate!” A few guests had already pulled out their phones. “Don’t call the police! Please, don’t call the police!” Brandon and Amber frantically yelled, trying to stop everyone from calling the police. The crowd paused, confused. Brandon clasped his hands apologetically, forcing a dry laugh. “I’m so sorry, everyone, so sorry. We were just fooling around.” He then kicked Amber. Amber managed a strained smile. “Yes, yes, we were just playing around. Everyone, please don’t call the police.” Many guests were surprised, especially their close friends and family, who looked displeased. “Brandon, what exactly are you two doing?!” Brandon laughed awkwardly. “Misunderstanding, pure misunderstanding! You all know we’re both rather playful. We just wanted to have a unique wedding today, but it completely backfired. So, we won’t be having the wedding after all…” Amber immediately protested angrily. “You think you can just call it off like that?!” Brandon grabbed her throat, gritting his teeth. “Shut up, you! Do you really want to drag us both down with you?!” Amber choked out a few sounds. “You might as well strangle me to death! You won’t get a good ending either…” Brandon released her, pointing at Amber with exasperation. “Stupid woman, truly a stupid woman…” At this point, a guest stepped forward and asked, “Amber, you just said Brandon killed Julia. What exactly happened?” Several other guests quickly chimed in. “Yes, what really happened to Ms. Julia?” They were all my former business partners, and good friends too. “I… I…” Under their questioning, Amber became even more panicked, looking around helplessly, unable to speak. “Hah! What are you all thinking? She’s just talking nonsense,” Brandon quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over. “Julia’s death was a complete accident. The official investigation concluded it was an accident long ago. What’s there to doubt?” He shoved Amber hard. “Go on, explain yourself!” Amber understood, nodding and forcing a dry laugh. “Yes, yes, I was just saying all that in anger. Please don’t take it seriously.” “What goes around comes around. You two better watch yourselves.” The few guests didn’t say anything more.
This wedding had turned into a complete farce. Some guests, including those few, were preparing to leave. Brandon, however, raised his hand and waved, loudly announcing, “Everyone, please don’t leave just yet. I hope you can all stay and witness an even more important event for me.” Everyone looked at him, puzzled. Brandon picked up the bouquet of fresh flowers, which was originally meant for Amber, and walked towards me. Brandon came up to me, staring at the young man who had just presented me with flowers. “May I ask who you are?” His gaze was extremely aggressive. The young man smiled, extending his hand. “Hello, my name is Kevin.” Brandon didn’t shake his hand. He snorted. “Kevin? Never heard of you. I don’t recall you being invited to this wedding today, do I?” Kevin looked a little awkward. “I’m not here for the wedding. I’m here to see Ms. Valerie…” Brandon waved his hand, cutting him off. “Alright, you’re not welcome here. Now, leave.” Kevin’s face turned crimson. He gritted his teeth, then turned and slunk away, utterly humiliated. Truth be told, I didn’t know Kevin very well either, but he had been relentlessly pursuing me. His showing up here today was because I had someone discreetly tip him off that I’d be attending a wedding here. His arrival provided crucial assistance, pushing Brandon over the edge and making him publicly annul the wedding. Watching Kevin leave, Brandon smirked triumphantly, spitting. “What a complete nobody, trying to pursue our Ms. Valerie.” Then, he suddenly put on a fawning smile, presenting the bouquet to me with both hands. “Ms. Valerie, these flowers are for you, to express my most sincere… heartfelt intentions.” The crowd gasped again. Many people couldn’t help but show their disdain. “Brandon, what the hell are you doing?!” Amber erupted again, rushing over and pushing Brandon hard. Brandon replied impatiently, “It’s none of your business!” “None of my business?! You just called off our wedding, then turned around and declared your feelings to another woman! How is that none of my business?!” Amber’s eyes were practically spitting fire. Brandon’s eyes widened. “Don’t talk nonsense! While Ms. Valerie and I do have an instant connection, I’m a man of boundaries. I’m simply expressing my respect to Ms. Valerie, and offering myself to be the CEO of her corporation.” “CEO?” Amber looked confused. “Exactly.” Brandon shook his head proudly. “Ms. Valerie’s company is looking for a new CEO, and I think I’m quite suitable.” “Oh, so you were trying to hook up with Valerie, and that’s why you wanted to dump me, right?!” Amber yelled furiously. “Hook up? We just weren’t compatible, so let’s part ways amicably!” Brandon snorted. Amber then turned her angry gaze on me. “Valerie, what is going on? Are you deliberately trying to break us up? Are you seducing Brandon, aren’t you?!” “You bitch, can you stop talking nonsense?!” Brandon shoved Amber hard. Amber glared at me aggressively. “Alright, Brandon, both of you step aside for a moment. I need to talk to Valerie.” Brandon immediately looked wary. “What do you want to talk to her about?” Amber spoke with some seriousness. “Just move aside, okay? Valerie is my best friend. If you really want to be CEO, you’d better be polite to me, otherwise, one word from me and you’re out of the running.” Brandon scoffed, unconvinced. “You’re really full of yourself. Ms. Valerie has to listen to you? Ms. Valerie and I are good friends with an instant connection. You can’t drive a wedge between us.” “Then move aside!” Amber yelled.
I nodded at Brandon. “Mr. Brandon, perhaps you two should step away for a moment.” Although Brandon was reluctant, he still retreated further. Amber sat down next to me, asking indignantly, “Valerie, what on earth is going on? Are you interested in Brandon? You even want him to be your company’s CEO? Is his canceling the wedding related to you?” I raised an eyebrow, my voice cold. “Do you really think I’d be interested in someone like Brandon?” Amber thought for a moment, then a smile appeared on her face. “You’re right, how could you be interested in him? His company is just an empty shell. Even a dying camel is bigger than a horse, but it’s nothing compared to yours.” I smiled. “Tell me, why are you so determined to marry Brandon when he treats you like this?” Amber giggled. “Do you think I really love him that much? Let me tell you, I’m only after his money. I’m marrying him so I can officially take a share of his assets.” I frowned. “Isn’t that a bit… wrong?” Amber snorted. “What’s wrong with it?! That money was partly mine to begin with! He promised me half back then, but after he got the assets, he actually refused to admit it!” I thought for a moment. “I heard Brandon’s assets were mainly inherited from his ex-wife. Why would he be willing to give you half?” Amber’s face hardened, and she grew wary. “That, I’m not at liberty to tell you. You don’t need to know anyway; it has nothing to do with you.” Then she giggled again. “Valerie, I’m telling you, Brandon has a massive secret that I’m holding over his head, so he can’t possibly shake me off. I don’t mind if you make him CEO, as long as he makes money, I’ll benefit too.” “Can you tell me what kind of leverage you have?” I asked. Amber chuckled dryly. “Still can’t say. After all, it’s the biggest secret between him and me.” I chuckled softly. “Alright, I’m just kidding. Did you really think I’d be interested?” Amber suddenly got a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, right, Valerie, if you’re genuinely interested in Brandon, I wouldn’t oppose you two dating. In fact, I’d support you marrying him. After all, you’re my best friend.” I rolled my eyes at her. Amber cackled. “I’m serious, not joking. As your best friend, I can share Brandon with you.” “Amber, if you say something like that again, don’t blame me for ending our friendship,” I said coldly. Inside, I was scoffing endlessly. Amber was truly a viper. She called me her best friend, claimed to support my marriage to Brandon, but in reality, she was just after my assets, trying to replicate the scheme she and Brandon used to murder me back then. “Alright, alright, I won’t say it again,” Amber chuckled dryly. “I’m going to go take off my makeup now.” With that, she turned and left, giving Brandon a defiant glare as she passed him. Brandon looked somewhat puzzled but ignored her, instead anxiously walking towards me. I secretly turned on the voice recorder I carried with me. “Ms. Valerie, what did she just tell you? She didn’t talk badly about me, did she?” Brandon asked, feigning nonchalance. “Brandon, was your ex-wife Julia killed by you and Amber working together?”
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