02
Merely calling off the engagement was hardly sufficient, in my estimation.
I even prevailed upon my father to cease all investments in Howard Lee.
And I discreetly contacted key associates within his company.
His initial ascent was predicated on the surreptitious erosionaf my family’s holdings, thereby
granting him the means to exact revenge upon myself and my kin.
This time, I won’t give him the chance.
A wretch who crawled out of the mire deserves to be thrown back in.
Just then, my phone rang.
It was Howard Lee.
Seeing his name on the screen, I couldn’t help but tremble.
A bone–crushing pain seemed to emanate from every pore, and a cold sweat instantly
beaded on my forehead.
After a long hesitation, I finally answered.
The moment the call connected, Howard’s voice, laced with a sinister edge and barely
suppressed rage, filled my ear.
“Madeline Chase, what exactly were you attempting just now?!”
Reflecting on this very moment in my previous life, Howard Lee and I presented a facade of
marital bliss. He consistently feigned tenderness and consideration, never once raising his voice,
much less addressing me by my full name.
This inevitably leads one to wonder: has he, too, been reborn?
His subsequent words, alas, confirmed my suspicions.
“So, you’ve come to inform me that Vivian is afflicted with AIDS, urging me to distance myself,
and even fabricating a Medical Examination Report, have you?”
“These are stratagems from a bygone era; do you truly believe I would be so easily
deceived?”
“I would advise you to quell your petty jealousies. Fortunately, Vivian has emerged unscathed
this time; otherwise, you would not find me so forgiving.”
I gave a mirthless laugh, though my eyes, betraying me, began to sting with tears.
He remains, predictably, unchanged; capable of anything for Vivian Lynn.
But is he aware that Vivian Lynn falsely claims to be terminally ill, when in truth, she suffers
from AIDS?
I mustn’t reveal my hand so soon, lest he become suspicious.
Thus, a plan formed. Feigning innocence, I squeezed out a few tears and said, with affected
sorrow:
“What are you implying? What about AIDS?”
D
“I merely wished to inform you that Father is now somewhat opposed to our union, Little did I know that upon my arrival, I would find you engaged in such activities with Vivian Lynn in the
bedroom!”
11:20 Sat, 3 May
97%
marital bliss. He consistently feigned tenderness and consideration, never once raising his voice, much less addressing me by my full name.
This inevitably leads one to wonder: has he, too, been reborn?
His subsequent words, alas, confirmed my suspicions.
“So, you’ve come to inform me that Vivian is afflicted with AIDS, urging me to distance myself,
and even fabricating a Medical Examination Report, have you?”
“These are stratagems from a bygone era; do you truly believe I would be so easily
deceived?”
“I would advise you to quell your petty jealousies. Fortunately, Vivian has emerged unscathed
this time; otherwise, you would not find me so forgiving.”
I gave a mirthless laugh, though my eyes, betraying me, began to sting with tears.
He remains, predictably, unchanged; capable of anything for Vivian Lynn.
But is he aware that Vivian Lynn falsely claims to be terminally ill, when in truth, she suffers
from AIDS?
I mustn’t reveal my hand so soon, lest he become suspicious.
Thus, a plan formed. Feigning innocence, I squeezed out a few tears and said, with affected
“What are you implying? What about AIDS?”
“I merely wished to inform you that Father is now somewhat opposed to our union. Little did I know that upon my arrival, I would find you engaged in such activities with Vivian Lynn in the bedroom!”
“Didn’t you say she was just your sister? You’ve disappointed me so profoundly.”
Howard Lee was dumbfounded; these events hadn’t transpired in his previous life.
Ultimately, Vivian Lynn wasn’t harmed by my actions this time, so he couldn’t simply sever ties with me. He could only offer insincere reassurances.
“Alright, don’t dwell on it. Vivian isn’t feeling well; I was merely giving her a massage.” Detecting that almost imperceptible undercurrent of disgust and impatience in his tone, I nodded acquiescently.
“Very well, I believe you.”
“And what of my father…”
Howard Lee interrupted before I could even finish my question.
“Since your father disapproves of us being together, let’s just call off the wedding.”
“You know Vivian is very ill. Her lifelong dream has been to marry me, and I want to fulfill her wish.”
He hung up before I could say a word.
That evening, Vivian Lynn gleefully posted a photo of Howard Lee’s proposal, announcing the wedding would be held in a week.
口
That day was, ironically, the day Howard Lee and I were originally scheduled to marry, same time, same place, different bride.
He doesn’t even bother with pretenses anymore: he’s simply itching to marry Vivian Lynn
