Chapter 3

The gossip spread faster than I could act. Social media was flooded with candid photos of Lucas and Sophia.

As a rising tech star, Lucas had gained some fame in recent years.

Among the many photos, one of Lucas bending down to tie Sophia's shoelaces was particularly eye-catching.

The media speculated that Lucas would become the Newman family's son-in-law.

"What a perfect match!" they said.

I tossed my phone aside, grinding my teeth in anger.

This couple that seemed so well-matched in the public eye was actually quite unremarkable when you dug deeper.

Lucas's "wealth" was all thanks to my love-blind support.

As for Sophia.

I had carefully studied her background too. There were many suspicious points.

The scumbag and his dream girl had finally reunited, while I became the object of pity and mockery.

The reports only mentioned that I was Lucas's college classmate, somehow lucky enough to be with such a "business genius" like Lucas.

They said I had been "freeloading" at home after graduation, and it was only thanks to Lucas's lack of disdain that we hadn't broken up earlier.

To be fair, the media can't be fully blamed for getting it so wrong.

When I was young, my cousin from my uncle's family had shown off his wealth and nearly got kidnapped. It left a deep impression on my parents.

So my family always told me to keep a low profile and not rush to reveal my identity unless necessary.

Except for my longtime best friend, few people, including Lucas, knew that I, Lily Thompson, was actually the daughter of Thompson Real Estate.

I had given Lucas all the opportunities to be in the spotlight, since he craved recognition from others more than I did.

Who would have thought...

I had wasted my time and money on an ungrateful dog.

My parents saw the news too and rushed back in a panic.

My mom wanted to find media bigwigs to ruin Lucas's reputation. My dad was ready to blacklist him immediately.

Seeing my usually calm parents so worked up, I actually felt more at peace.

"Dad, I own shares in that company too. It's not worth ruining it now."

"Honey, you're not planning to stay involved with him, are you?" My parents crowded around me, faces full of worry.

Ugh...

I guess I really had been too blinded by love before.

I sat my parents down and solemnly promised:

"I won't keep the company or the man, but I won't let them shortchange me a single penny I'm owed."

"Ruining the company now would affect my shares... but after I get my money, do whatever you want."

Haha.

Seeing that I was thinking clearly, my parents' expressions improved slightly.

"But sweetie, won't you feel wronged? You were about to get married after all..."

My mom had looked at a lot of wedding-related things with me. She understood how much I had been looking forward to my own wedding.

"Oh, I'm still getting married. Just not to that Lucas guy anymore."

My parents looked confused. I mysteriously pulled out Samuel's photo.

"I'm going to marry this man, and make Lucas respectfully call me 'Auntie'."

My parents exchanged bewildered looks. My dad even felt my forehead and muttered under his breath.

"Oh no, our girl's really been traumatized. She's even starting to crush on some guy way out of her league!"

My mom's eyes immediately welled up with tears as she pulled out her phone, wanting to contact the most authoritative psychologist.

I snatched my mom's phone away and solemnly declared once again:

"I'm not crazy. I will definitely make Samuel marry me. Just you wait and see!"