Chapter 7
“You like Ben.”
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On the drive back, Nelson suddenly spoke up, using a statement rather than a question. Seeing me purse my lips without responding, he asked again, “What do you like about him?”
I blurted out, “He’s handsome.”
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In the awkward silence, I added, “He’s handsome, comes from a good family, and he’s a university professor–educated. It’s perfectly normal for me to like him. Makes complete sense.”
“Plus, my best friend married his brother, so if I married him, there wouldn’t be any sister–in–law drama!”
“Keeping it in the family—what could be better?”
Nelson frowned after hearing this. “So you know Matt. What do you think of him?”
I made a disgusted face. “A spoiled playboy, typical rich second generation.”
And yet he had my best friend completely smitten.
“Well, let me tell you something–everything Matt’s playing with
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now are just his brother’s leftovers.”
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“Ben in his early twenties? His little brother couldn’t match even half of that.”
“That man is no simple university professor. His past, the things he hides deep down–they’re far more complicated than you can imagine.”
“He’s ruthless in his methods, extremely arrogant in his actions, and when it comes to interests, he’ll turn on his own family. In Beijing’s high society circles, no one dares to marry into his family.”
“He’s not right for you.”
Nelson’s words struck like lightning bolts in my mind. I found it hard to connect Ben’s image with Matt as he is now. The refined, aloof university professor was once a hedonistic playboy too? It was too jarring.
Suddenly, I recalled Ben’s expression and tone when he warned me not to mess with him, and those crude words outside the club that didn’t match his image. Were those unguarded moments the real him?
Ben had never been just an untouchable figure.
For Mr. Harrison’s sixtieth birthday, dignitaries from all walks of life were invited to the banquet. My best friend Sarah asked
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me to go. I initially wanted to decline, but thinking of Ben, I shamelessly went.
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I heard Nelson’s warning but didn’t take it to heart. After all, the old Ben was in the past–now he was just a university professor.
My main goal from the beginning was to marry into the Meng family, and Ben was just my stepping stone. Thinking this way, all my troubles disappeared. Finding my original intention made everything simple. Love, that ethereal thing, wasn’t important—having a handsome, wealthy husband who wouldn’t be a bother was what mattered most.
After arriving at the Meng house and greeting my best friend, she asked if I still liked Ben. I nodded repeatedly.
She told me, “There’s a woman who’s gotten very close to big
brother.”
“I asked Matt, and he said she’s big brother’s close female friend.”
“I can see that woman’s eyes are full of love. Your rival isn’t simple.”
I thought of the woman in the red dress from the private dinner.
After spotting Ben’s figure, I walked straight toward him. He wasn’t surprised to see me, but his attitude was cold.
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That familiar woman in red was there too, still wearing a red dress. This was the first time I got a clear look at her face.
She had an incredible figure, full of feminine charm, with upturned eyes and seductive features. I stared so intently I nearly drooled, completely forgetting she was my rival.
Seeing me stare at her so directly, she laughed and said to Ben, “Your little friend here can’t even walk straight after seeing me.”
Ben stepped forward, blocking my view. I suddenly remembered my purpose and grabbed onto Ben’s arm, saying to the beauty before me, “I’m not a little friend.”
The beauty laughed even more at my action. “Ben, aren’t you going
to introduce us?”
Ben glanced at me and said, “No need.”
Then he pulled his arm away. I glared at Ben angrily and left.
Earlier he had confronted Nelson and clearly had feelings for me, but now he was playing aloof. Fine, keep pretending.
In a huff, I started chatting with the young elite men at the party.
“Taylor.”
While we were chatting, a familiar figure suddenly appeared
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beside me. I stared at the newcomer in shock. “Albert Walker.”
“It really is you. Long time no see.”
Albert’s gaze was gentle, making my heart race. Meeting someone I’d had a crush on during my youth again, I felt like I was back in my student days. “You’re back in the country.”
Albert nodded. He hadn’t changed much from our younger days – his tone still warm, his demeanor still gentle. My attention was completely drawn to Albert, my first love who had suddenly appeared. Ben, who had been watching me the whole time, had a storm brewing in his eyes, but I was completely oblivious. Albert spoke eloquently, chatting about people and events from our school days, instantly bridging the eight–year gap since we’d parted. Glass after glass of alcohol went down, and my head began to spin. Before I knew it, I had left the banquet. Albert supported me as we walked to a car. “You’re drunk. Let me drive you home.”
My instincts told me something was wrong, so I pushed away his support. “I need to say goodbye to Sarah.”
Albert grabbed my arm and said gently, “I already spoke with her. You don’t need to go back.”
I shook my head. “No, I need to find Ben.”
“Can’t let him be stolen away by other women.“.
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I tried to leave, but Albert kept holding onto me. Gradually, he lost his patience and cursed, “Damn it, you’re so difficult.”
That refined, gentle face turned vicious as he forcibly dragged me toward the car. My foggy brain sounded an alarm, and I struggled desperately, screaming for help. Albert completely dropped his mask. Hearing my cries for help, he raised his hand to hit me. The next second, someone grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hard. The force was tremendous, knocking him to the ground where he couldn’t get up. Two bodyguards in black emerged from nearby, covered Albert’s mouth, and dragged him away. Looking at Ben’s dark expression, I finally realized how scared I should be and burst into tears. Ignoring his ugly mood, I threw myself into his arms, sobbing. Not only did he not comfort me, he spanked me hard. His hand was incredibly heavy, and the pain made me curse at him, which only earned me harsher punishment. Finally, I sobbed and begged for mercy: “Stop hitting me, it hurts so much.”
Ben’s voice was cold and hard: “Only when it hurts will you learn your lesson.”
B
