Four years into our marriage, Alex Thorne was keeping a young college student outside our home. She was bright, pretty, and full of life. She’d drag Alex, a multi-billionaire, to greasy food trucks and cheer on her favorite e-sports player. Alex called me: “I’m not coming home tonight, I’m watching Jax Ryder’s game.” The girl beside him let out a snicker: “That boring old woman? Does she even know who Jax Ryder is?” They had no idea. After the call ended, Jax Ryder pressed me against the dim glow of the car headlights. His sharp canine tooth gently grazed the back of my neck, a faint sting spreading. “Sister, I won the game. How are you going to reward me tonight?” The first time I saw Chloe Evans was on my twenty-sixth birthday. I was still smiling, chatting with guests at the party. “Something came up at the office, Alex will be home a bit later, but his gift has already arrived—” My words hung in the air. Alex walked in, Chloe right beside him, in front of everyone. Chloe wore a vibrant red dress, clinging to Alex’s arm, curiously glancing around. Fluttering around like a little bird, chattering non-stop: “You said you’d take me somewhere fun, is this it?” She scanned the room, her gaze pausing on my face for two seconds before moving on. “Wow, that cake looks good, I want some!” Alex smiled at her, letting her turn my birthday party into a chaotic mess. Guests around us whispered: “How can she be so brazen, causing a scene right in front of Eve?” “She’s favored, I guess. Even if they’re married, Eve was the one practically throwing herself at him, wasn’t she?” “How embarrassing. Her birthday ruined, and she doesn’t even dare to say a word. If I were her, I’d be mortified to death.” I just stood there, encased in my expensive gown, pretending not to hear their cutting remarks. I found Alex and spoke softly: “We had an agreement, you wouldn’t bring anyone to my face.” “No matter what, some basic decorum should still be—” He cut me off roughly before I could finish. Having had a few drinks with Chloe, his eyes held a slight, drunken haze. When he looked down at me, the contempt and disdain in his gaze were even more pronounced. “Eve, it seems I’ve spoiled you too much.” He laughed. “Who are you to demand ‘decorum’ from me, Eve?” I froze. The exceptionally bright lights overhead shone down. The hard shell I had painstakingly built up melted like ice and snow under his mocking gaze. Coming from a modest background like the Hardings, yet marrying Alex Thorne. Everyone thought I had climbed my way up. In fact, I wasn’t even truly considered a Harding. “She’s pretty cheap, but women from that sort of background always are…” Behind me, someone’s voice grew carelessly loud. It reached our ears. Alex, his expression distant, handed me a check: “That project you mentioned wanting to invest in, go ahead and do it yourself.” “Eve, don’t think I owe you anything more.” He raised an eyebrow, “If you learn to please me better, you might just boost your worth a little more.”
The evening, which had devolved into a farce, finally ended. Alex, with a drunk Chloe in his arms, left. They hadn’t even walked out of my sight before they kissed under the garden lights. Through the rain-streaked glass, I watched them calmly for a while. Then I lowered my head and carefully put the check away. I pulled out my phone and tapped on the pinned chat. A simple “Miss you a little” I’d sent before the party had received six replies. Five hours ago: “1.” Four hours ago: “Training now.” Three hours ago: “Actually, I don’t mind being interrupted during training.” Two hours ago: “They said it’s your birthday today.” An hour ago: “Happy birthday.” And the one that had just popped up: “I’m coming to see you.” I curved my lips into a small smile. I replied: “No need. I’ll come watch your game next week.” The “Typing…” above his name flickered for a long time. Then he sent two replies: “Okay.” “Don’t mess with me.”
Over the next month, Alex and Chloe openly attended various events. Like a young couple deeply in love. She’d drag Alex, a multi-billionaire, to greasy food trucks, take goofy photo booth pics, and kiss under the sea breeze in Bali. He even went with her to watch Jax Ryder’s offline game. Jax Ryder. The hottest e-sports player right now. A nineteen-year-old prodigy, already showing astonishing talent. Last year, he led his team to victory in the World Championship. Chloe wore his fan headband, clinging to Alex’s arm, enthusiastically taking photos outside the stadium. Alex, a hint of jealousy in his voice, pulled her waist closer: “Why do you like a kid who’s barely out of diapers so much?” “I just like watching him play.” Chloe smiled and kissed his cheek. “Of course, I love you most!” My car was parked by the roadside, and I witnessed the entire scene. I had just swallowed back the bitter taste in my mouth when Alex called: “That project you mentioned yesterday, let’s talk about it another time.” His tone was cold and impatient. “I’m busy tonight, not coming home.” I gave a silent laugh and deliberately asked him, “What are you busy with?” “Watching Jax Ryder’s game—” Before he finished speaking, Chloe beside him suddenly snickered, “That boring old woman? Does she even know who Jax Ryder is?” Through the car window, I watched her snatch the phone from Alex’s hand. “Ma’am, don’t ask what you shouldn’t. Hanging up.” Her tone was spoiled and arrogant. But she was young and beautiful, like a bright flower in full bloom. So Alex just indulged her, pinching her cheek, and walked with her into the VIP section. Everyone prefers what’s younger and more beautiful. I, of course, was no exception. My phone screen lit up again; it was Jax Ryder calling. His tone wasn’t very good: “Are you here yet?” “Last time you said you’d come to my game but then had an excuse. It’s not like that again, is it?” “I’m here.” I tapped my knuckles on the car window. “But… you’re too popular. I could only get bleacher seats. I’ll find you after the game.” Jax Ryder chuckled: “Tsk, you think you need to buy tickets to watch my game?” “I had the club set aside a private box for you. Go straight there.” He paused, then suddenly added, “Sister, have you thought about it? Last time you stood me up and promised to make it up to me. If I win this time, what’s my reward?” “What do you want?” “Whatever I want… is that allowed?” The last few words were hoarse, almost a whisper. Even over the phone, I could picture the curve of his lips. And the secret desire that would slowly ignite in his beautiful, sharp eyes as they fixed on me. I gave a lenient smile. “Whatever you want.” There was a second of silence. He said: “Eve, if I win the championship, tonight, your time is mine.” The game began. Through the glass, I saw Jax Ryder put on his headphones, his fingers flying across the keyboard. His expression was serious and stern, his focused gaze never wavering. Until the bright red “3:0” flashed on the screen. “Champions!!—” He stood up amidst the deafening cheers of the crowd, and across the people and the crisscrossing lights, his eyes met mine. My lips moved silently: “Congratulations.” He smiled too, mimicking me, mouthing: “Now, you’re all mine.” This night belonged to Jax Ryder.
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