“It wasn’t using her,” he said smoothly. “My
mom adores you now. She got her perfect
daughter–in–law, you got your money, and I got
you.” “So, everyone wins?” I thought about it. “I
guess so.” He was devious, but… my heart
fluttered. Perhaps being chosen did give one a
sense of boldness. I could walk away from him
once, go abroad, build myself up. And I could
walk towards him again, now. He didn’t want
<
my money. He didn’t want my dog. He just
wanted me. Who could resist a handsome
husband who offered financial security and
solved all your mother–in–law problems?
What’s stolen must be repaid. After my parents‘
death, my family’s company was carved up by
greedy relatives who mismanaged it, stuffing it
with unqualified cronies. Three years later,
employee morale was rock bottom, and the
stock price plummeted. With Sugar Mama’s
final payment and my own earnings, I started
buying back shares, eventually becoming the
majority shareholder and kicking out my
parasitic relatives. I hired a team of financial
experts to handle the actual management. I
preferred being a dog–loving, life–enjoying
designer. “Bella, how’s my ‘Dream of Xiang
River‘ coming along?” Chloe’s voice floated
over. I put down my phone and opened the box
on my desk. A green diamond necklace
shimmered in the sunlight. “Three million,
upfront.” Chloe pouted. “No discount for a
く
regular customer?” “It’s already discounted,” I
reminded her. “Don’t push your luck.” She
preened, holding the necklace against her neck.
“How do I look? Will this crush those two
bitches on the red carpet?” My old client,
always efficient with the down payment. Chloe
beamed, putting the necklace away. “This cost
a fortune. Good thing Ethan bought me a few
extra houses.” Her smile widened. “Bella, you
and Ethan are my lucky charms! I hit the
jackpot with you two!” Barking echoed from the
hallway. “Your son’s back! Gotta run!” Money
bounded in, panting and licking my face. Ethan,
dressed casually, followed with the leash. I
patted Money’s head, and he sat obediently at
my feet. “Good boy. Didn’t like your walk with
Daddy?” Money barked twice. “Mommy will take
you next time, okay?” He wagged his fluffy ears
and nuzzled my hand. Ethan casually slung an
arm around me, just like he did on that first day
of high school. He leaned in, his voice serious.
“Honey, a dog’s development requires the
involvement of both parents.” So, don’t even
<
extra houses.” Her smile widened. “Bella, you
and Ethan are my lucky charms! I hit the
jackpot with you two!” Barking echoed from the
hallway. “Your son’s back! Gotta run!” Money
bounded in, panting and licking my face. Ethan,
dressed casually, followed with the leash. I
patted Money’s head, and he sat obediently at
my feet. “Good boy. Didn’t like your walk with Daddy?” Money barked twice. “Mommy will take
you next time, okay?” He wagged his fluffy ears
and nuzzled my hand. Ethan casually slung an
arm around me, just like he did on that first day
of high school. He leaned in, his voice serious.
“Honey, a dog’s development requires the
involvement of both parents.” So, don’t even
think about leaving him again. A notification
popped up on my phone, a new answer to a
question I’d been browsing: A broken mirror can
be put back together because it was never truly
broken. I never changed. I still love you.
