To go on a solo trip with his childhood sweetheart, Lucas posted online to have other men take care of me. [“One girlfriend, hot body, proactive in bed. I’ll be away for three months, looking for a decent guy to watch over her.”] When I saw that post, my heart went cold. Our wedding was in three months. But he was already tangled up with another woman. Not just that—he was handing me off to another man himself. Just as I was about to break up with him, a new message popped up under the post: [“I’ll pay ten million. Give her to me.”] 1 My fingers froze, and I clicked into the user’s profile. He had sharp, deep-set features that looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him right away. Meanwhile, Lucas was packing his bags, casually telling me, “Ava, I need to accompany Isabella to Europe for three months. She’s been down lately. I don’t like you being alone, so I’ve hired a reliable caretaker for you. This ten million can be your allowance.” I closed my phone and stared at his face. I’d met Lucas at work, and our wedding was set for three months later. Isabella was supposedly his first love from his startup days, sharing a tiny apartment and instant noodles. But after Lucas made it big, his family forced them apart, saying he had to marry someone from a similar background. That’s when he turned to me. Back then, I’d had a crush on him for ages, so when he pursued me, I thought it was fate. Turns out, I was just a tool for him to secure his status—a marriage of convenience. His true love was someone else. Snapping out of my thoughts, Lucas’s phone buzzed. [Your account has received: $10,000,000.00.] He paused, then immediately checked the details. I saw his face darken. “Alexander?” he spat out, almost gritting his teeth. “How could it be him?” Alexander, the rising star in the city’s elite business circles, known for his ruthless, unpredictable moves. Also Lucas’s biggest rival in business. Lucas’s expression was grim, but he forced a smile. “You know Alexander. He’s from a good family. I trust him to take care of you.” I found it laughable. He wasn’t trusting—money talks. With enough cash, he’d ditch anyone, no matter how long they’d been together. I nodded softly. “Okay.” Lucas was taken aback; he probably didn’t expect me to be so compliant. But once I saw his true colors, this man didn’t deserve a spot in my heart anymore. Lucas gave me a complicated look, then answered a call. His voice turned unusually gentle. “Isabella, I’m almost at the airport. Don’t worry.” He walked out without looking back. I sat in the dark room for three hours straight. Then I threw all our photos from over the years into the trash. Along with the matching necklaces, bracelets, and rings he’d given me. I listed them all online for $9.99 each. After that, I got a message from Alexander. He said he was downstairs to pick me up. My heart skipped a beat as I slowly dragged my suitcase down. A black Bentley pulled up to the curb. A man in a black coat stepped out, long legs striding forward. The night blurred his stunning face, adding to his intimidating aura. When he saw me, he gave a slight smile. “Hello, Ms. Ava.” “I’m Alexander, here to collect you as your ’employer’.” 2 He naturally took my luggage and put it in the trunk. We didn’t exchange any extra words. “Are you upset?” Alexander asked suddenly. I knew he meant about Lucas. I said softly, “Someone who’d abandon their loved one for money isn’t worth my tears.” I just hated that I hadn’t seen his true self sooner. Alexander’s lips quirked slightly. “Where do you want to go?” he asked. “Anywhere.” “Then to my place.” I didn’t object. Alexander’s home was a penthouse in the city’s top riverside area, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city lights. “These are for you. Let me know if you need anything else.” I was stunned by the empty room and brand-new seasonal items. “Mr. Alexander, you…” “Just Alexander.” He then prepared a rose bath for me, with fruits and desserts. Finally, I slept on a soft velvet bed, dreamless all night. It had been so long since I’d slept that well. The next morning, I woke up to Isabella’s social media post. A photo of her and Lucas kissing under the Eiffel Tower, caption: “Defying odds for true love. Thanks, darling, for the most romantic honeymoon.” In the photo, Lucas was beaming—a side I’d never seen. I remembered how many times I’d asked to take photos under the Eiffel Tower. He always said he was too busy with work, never agreeing. But with Isabella by his side, Lucas made it happen instantly. Alexander came up behind me, handing me a glass of water. His brow furrowed slightly. “If it hurts, don’t look.” I took the glass, my fingers trembling a little. “I’m fine.” “Really?” He chuckled. “Good. There’s an auction tomorrow with the Heart of the Ocean you love.” “I’ll win it for you, and you’re not allowed to be sad anymore.” I felt embarrassed and was about to refuse. But then it hit me—how did this man know my preferences? Alexander added, “In return, you’ll accompany me as my plus-one.” I’d never seen Alexander bring a date to public events before, even when I attended with Lucas. People said he was cold, untouchable even by the city’s wild roses. Yet here he was, inviting me. I agreed readily. “Okay, I won’t embarrass you.” He looked surprised, but his lips curled up unconsciously. Over the years, I’d grown used to being the center of attention at events with Lucas. This time, it was just a different man by my side. The next evening, I walked into the venue on Alexander’s arm. Almost every eye turned to us. After all, everyone knew I was Lucas’s fiancée. “Is that Ava? Why is she with Alexander?” “I heard Lucas went abroad with his first love, Isabella, to Bali for a honeymoon!” “Yesterday it was France, today India—sounds like he’s taking her around the world! Isabella has no background at all; she’s lucky to be with Lucas!” “Does that mean he and Ava broke up? Lucas never took Ava anywhere publicly…” I listened to the whispers, my expression calm. But Alexander guided me to the front row and sat me down. He held my trembling shoulder, but I gently patted his hand. “It’s okay.” Midway through the auction, the host finally unveiled the centerpiece: the Heart of the Ocean necklace. Alexander raised his paddle, his voice steady. “Fifty million.” The room fell silent. The host was about to close the bid when he took a hurried call. Then he announced excitedly, “Lucas, calling from Europe, bids seventy million!” 3 All eyes landed on me. “What’s Lucas playing at? Splurging on an ex but not letting go of his fiancée?” “I heard Isabella loves the Heart of the Ocean too…” Alexander remained calm beside me. “Feeling pressured?” I shook my head. He raised his paddle again, speaking unhurriedly. “One hundred million.” The room gasped. Over the phone, Lucas’s voice was furious. “Who dares outbid me?!” The host replied respectfully, “It’s Alexander.” Silence for ten seconds. When Lucas spoke again, his voice was fierce. “One billion! If Isabella likes it, I’ll get it for her!” “Wow, a billion! Lucas has lost it for Isabella!” “One billion once! One billion twice!” Everyone stared at Alexander and me, but he didn’t flinch. The host slammed the gavel. “Sold for one billion! Congratulations, Lucas!” The crowd looked at me with pity. “Guess Alexander isn’t serious either—he gave up at a billion.” “Probably just playing around. I’ve never seen Alexander truly care for any woman.” “Poor Ava, dumped by Lucas, and now Alexander doesn’t value her.” I didn’t respond, following Alexander to the VIP room backstage. Then Isabella sent a flood of photos and voice messages. In the photos, she wore the Heart of the Ocean, hugging Lucas intimately on a luxury yacht. [Ava, see this? Lucas spent a billion on me!] [Not like some people, treated as toys, thinking they can climb high.] [But in the end, he wouldn’t even spend a billion on you. How pathetic.] I laughed at the fake on her neck. So Lucas had such poor taste—he couldn’t even tell real from fake. Alexander ordered his assistant to bring a red velvet box. The assistant knelt, opening it to reveal a gem shining brilliantly, blue like the ocean under stars. This was the real Heart of the Ocean. I took a close-up and sent it over. … The message went through, and Isabella’s texts stopped. Within a minute, Lucas called. “Ava! What do you mean by this?” “Where’d you get that fake? Trying to piss off Isabella?!” Before I could speak, Alexander took the phone, his tone leisurely. “Lucas, get your eyes checked. If you can’t tell real from fake, don’t embarrass yourself at auctions.” “Alexander?!” he sounded shocked. “Why are you two together?” “You agreed to it. Ten million, and Ava’s mine.” Alexander’s voice held mockery. “I didn’t—I didn’t say you could touch her! Ava’s my fiancée! Alexander, I warn you, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll ruin you in this city!” I found it ridiculous. He pushed me away, yet now he acted the devoted partner? “Lucas,” I took back the phone, coldly. “The moment you posted about me on eBay, I stopped being your fiancée.” I hung up before he could reply. I thought he’d give up, but I underestimated his obsession. Days later, scandals about me flooded the internet. [The Social-Climbing Ex: How Ava Used Dirty Tricks to Seduce Alexander!] [Insider Reveals: Ava and Lucas Were Already Split—She Cheated with Alexander Before the Wedding!] 4 The “details” were exaggerated, as if witnessed firsthand. No need to guess who was behind it. Lucas couldn’t have me, so he wanted to destroy me. Isabella posted on her socials: [Some people act like proper ladies but do shady things behind closed doors. Feel sorry for Lucas, betrayed by the two closest to him.] Fans and trolls swarmed my accounts, hurling insults. “Slut! Stealing someone else’s man!” “Scheming witch! Hope you and Alexander crash and burn!” I felt chills reading those vile comments. This was the man who claimed to love me for five years. For his so-called “true love,” he’d put me through hell. Alexander had his PR team suppress the热搜, but the rumors kept spreading. In the midst of the chaos, an unknown number called. “Sis… did you and Lucas have a fight?” It was my brother, Liam! “He said… if you don’t behave, he’ll make me ‘fall’ from the construction site…” My world shattered. Our parents were always busy, so Liam and I relied on each other. Lucas had promised to protect us. Now he was using my loved one against me. “Sis, don’t worry about me! Don’t come back!” Liam’s cries were cut off as the call ended. Then Lucas’s message popped up. [Ava, come back. Marry me, and I’ll clear your name. Liam will be safe.] [I promise, you’ll still be my wife.] [But don’t test me. And leave Isabella alone.] “Don’t agree!” Alexander gripped my hand, his eyes worried. Remembering Liam’s screams, I gently pushed him away. Then, slowly, I typed. [Okay, I’ll marry you.] [Christmas Eve, Hilton Hotel. The wedding is on.] After a long pause, Alexander’s voice trembled. “So, you’re going back to him?” I looked up at his pained, disappointed face. This man who appeared when I was at my lowest, spent fortunes on me, shielded me from storms. In less than a month, he’d etched himself into my soul. I pulled a velvet box from my bag, opening it to reveal a pair of wedding rings. “Alexander,” I took a deep breath. “Will you… do me one last favor?” … On the wedding day, I sat in the makeup room, calm in my expensive dress. Lucas wasn’t there—he was busy soothing Isabella’s latest tantrum. Isabella’s social media was active. [The hardest pain is loving someone you can’t have.] [They say class is an unbridgeable gap. We… couldn’t cross it.] [If society’s rules didn’t exist, could we be together?] Our mutual friends commented. “Isabella, don’t cry. We know Lucas loves you most.” “Yeah, if not for the family alliance, you’d be the bride!” I replied to Isabella’s latest post: [Fine, the dress and venue are ready. The bride’s spot is yours. Want it?] In two minutes, the door burst open. Lucas stormed in, followed by a tearful Isabella. “Ava, what’s your problem?!” he yelled. “You know how sensitive Isabella is! Why provoke her? Can’t you tolerate her?” I said flatly, “Then marry her. I approve.” Lucas faltered. “I…” He stumbled over his words, finally mumbling, “I know you love me. You’re the only one who can be my wife.” Isabella, in her bridesmaid dress, clung to his sleeve. Resentful but silent. Their act was laughable. Lucas wanted status and true love, but he’d lose both. I made an excuse to send them away. But as the wedding car neared the venue, I told the driver to turn toward another hotel. Where the real groom waited. … Meanwhile, at Lucas’s wedding, the bells rang. But the bride never showed. Lucas called me 99 times—no answer. Isabella sobbed in her bridesmaid dress beside him. He grew agitated. Guests whispered: “What’s Lucas doing? Marrying for alliance but tangled with Isabella?” “Shh, it’s his big day.” Time dragged on; guests arrived, but no bride. A bad feeling crept in. His assistant rushed in, panicked. “Sir, trouble! The Ritz-Carlton across the street—there’s another wedding today!” Lucas frowned. “So what?” “But… the bride is Ava! The groom is Alexander!”
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