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It was Daniel.
Good—I had things to say.
"Daniel,tomorrow,1:30 p.m.,meet me at our apartment.We'll talk face-to-face."
I hung up before he could respond.
I'd fight for what's mine.
At least,I'd get my hard-earned money back.
"Hungry?Want a snack?"
Evan entered the ward with food,startling me.
Seeing it was him,I relaxed.
He offered me the snacks but didn't eat himself.
"You...not eating?"
He adjusted his silver-rimmed glasses,his gaze landing on my wrist.
He smiled faintly,shaking his head.
Following his eyes,I saw the red string bracelet on my wrist with a copper coin.
He pointed."That bracelet's unique.Who gave it to you?"
"I've been wearing it since I was a kid..."
He pressed,"How much do you remember from childhood?"
I tilted my head,thinking."My memories start from maybe after being adopted,around eight..."
He nodded.
Silence followed.
He coughed,breaking the awkwardness,glancing at me before looking away.
"I...need a wife.Would you...?"
Choking on my water,I coughed.
He patted my back,helping me soothe my breaths.
I wiped my mouth,incredulous."Are you serious?"
His blushed,but he nodded firmly."Of course.A businessman's word is gold."
But I wasn't willing.
Betrayal's pain cut too deep.
I'd known Daniel for six years and dated him for three.
He spent two years winning me over,crafting dreams of happiness.
But it was all an illusion.
Evan and I had known each other only for days.
I just wanted my money back.
If I could teach those people a lesson,I'd be thrilled.
Only a few slaps would be letting him off too easily.
But I wasn’t Daniel’s match.
Melissa's wordswere crude but true:a lowlife like me,my savings from a lifetime couldn’t even pay for one of her bags.
Evan sensed my hesitation."I know what you're thinking."
"Jessica,I can help."
I looked up.
He produced a thick stack of documents."These are detailed evidence of how Melissa Rhodes'company evaded tax—fake contracts,hidden income,inflated payrolls..."
He continued,but from the moment he showed the files,I was sold.
For revenge,it was worth it.
Evan,self-made,handsome,wealthy,showed immense sincerity.
It would be making a fuss over nothing to refuse.
I placed my hand on his and said under his eager gaze,"Next month,the 15th,it’s a good day.Let's get married."