- 9.
After my online meeting with the lawyer, Mark
hurried home.
He reeked of cheap perfume as he casually
put his arm around me.
“Honey, I sent her home. There’s really
nothing between Chloe and me, but since you
mind, I’ll do whatever you say.”
He sounded sincere, his hand starting to
wander over my body.
But I turned my head away.
“Since when do you call her Chloe?”
Mark froze. “I, I just…”
I ignored him and went into the bedroom,
locking the door behind me.
The next day, I packed my bags and left,
leaving only a note saying I was going out of
state for research.
I’d never been guarded with Mark; he had a
key to the safe at home, just like I did.
Inside were confidential company documents,
property deeds for several houses, and a
bank card with a large sum of money.
The card was in Mark’s name.
When we got married, I was afraid he’d feel
inferior having nothing Even though he was
interior having nothing. Even though he was
marrying into my family, I never revealed his
true status to outsiders. I gave him money,
gave him confidence.
He was so concerned with appearances that
he begged me to tell our relatives he came
from a wealthy family, that the company was
all his. I agreed to it all.
I thought that between two people in love,
such things didn’t matter.
I was so naive.
As soon as I got off the plane, my assistant
called.
“Ms. Lin, you were right. Mr. Shen brought
Chloe to the company this morning to handle
her onboarding.”
“He also said that from now on, Chloe will be
the first choice for all company resources…”
My assistant hesitated. “But with Ms. He’s…
qualifications, her looks… how is she
supposed to become a star?”
I said cheerfully, “That’s the point. Spread the
word that she’s my sister. Reality shows,
talent competitions, throw everything at her,
make her as famous as possible.”
The higher she climbed, the more complacent
she’d become, and the harder she’d fall.
Meanwhile, Mark started transferring assets.
Compared to mine, his wealth was small, but
still a considerable sum. I thought he’d be
content with that, but he wasn’t satisfied.
He emptied the education fund we’d set up
for our child, using it all to buy a large
insurance policy.
Every night I was away, Mark would video call
me before bed, just like always.
“Honey, when are you coming back? I miss
you so much.”
“It’s so lonely at home without you.”
“Goodnight, honey.”
“I love you.”
But when I checked the security cameras at
く
home and at the downtown apartment, the
man who’d just told me he loved me was
ripping Chloe’s clothes off.
They kissed passionately.
Chloe whispered seductively, “Mark, doesn’t it
feel more exciting wearing Ashley’s clothes?”
I ran to the trash can and threw up.
