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Mia cooked,scolding me:
"Why not stay with Ethan?Being a tycoon's wife gets you much more money than what’s in that card.Even if you didn't end up marrying him,life by his side wouldn't be bad."
Looking at this modest courtyard,which was completely different from Ethan's grand mansion,I took a sip of whiskey and sighed:
"Maybe because I really fell for him.Mia,you know,I dreamed of marrying Ethan,hiding my true self to fit into his world."
"But the moment I saw April,I knew I'd lost.Love is possession,devotion.How could I watch the man I love pining for another?I loved him,so I had to leave."
"Plus,I wasn't happy at the Caldwells."
I mumbled the last part.I'd kept it from Mia to spare her worry,letting her think Ethan adored me,that I'd thrived.
Mia set down the dishes on the table,comforting me:
"Enough moping.Instead of crying over spilled milk, work hardl.Ethan left you money,but to live well,you need to rely on yourself.Let's start a company together!"
Four years with Ethan had taught me plenty.I didn't just bask in luxury—I absorbed business know-how by his side.
The money in that card my startup capital,enough for Mia and me to launch a small firm.
The first month after I left Ethan,I was invited to a charity gala—a great networking chance.I didn't expect to see Ethan,let alone did I expect what would happen.
That night,I hid in a corner,eating dessert,unaware of a sleazy,potbellied man approaching.He raised a glass:
"Miss,heard you started a company.Have a drink with me—call me if you need help!"
I'd seen him with Ethan—a playboy known for spiking drinks to prey on women at events.
Word of my split with Ethan must've already spread,inviting such filth.I couldn't offend him outright,so I smiled,claiming I didn't drink.
He wouldn't back off however,grabbing my hand:
"Not drinking?That's disrespect.Without Ethan,let's see how long your company will last."
Please,I'm just a nobody now—how dare I disrespect you?In panic,I spotted Ethan and blurted his name:
"Ethan!"
He turned,surprised,but the man's grip tightened around my wrist,hissing in my ear:
"He won't help you."
It hit me.Though I was only a stand-in,I dated Ethan for real.For this creep to act so boldly in Ethan's presence meant someone bigger was behind it...was it Ethan?Why?
My obvious plea made Ethan step closer.The creep loosened his grip.I exhaled—ex or not,he'd help out of decency,right?
But April Sterling stopped him,looking pitiful:
"Ethan,don't go."
Those soft words sealed my fate.
Ethan glanced at her,patted her head fondly,then gave me a cold look.He walked away,his back resolute,as if his brief concern towards me was only my imagination.
April glanced back,her eyes smug and filled with hatred,saying:One word,and you're discarded—a mere stand-in.
In my daze,the creep forced wine down my throat.I choked,coughing.No one intervened—who'd risk offending a powerful man for a nobody like me?
My body started to heat up,head spinning.With my last strength,I shoved him away.Glasses shattered behind me.Ethan's cold back and gaze haunted me—he truly felt nothing.
I bit my lip to stay conscious,vaguely seeing a man approach.
Was it Ethan?How stupid of you!Still hoping for him?
The man barked,"Get lost!"Then I fell into a warm embrace,smelling woody cologne—not Ethan's scent.
Half-conscious,I felt I was carried to a car.My body burned,throat parched.I leaned toward the man,his cool hands and face felt soothing.I wanted to press closer.
He grunted,pushing me back to the seat,forcing water down my throath,calling my name:
"Chloe Evans,hold on.We're almost there."
I couldn't.I needed to get closer to him,my heart itching uncontrollably.I felt myself floating.
