Chapter 2

When I initially refused an arranged marriage to be with Phoebe, who had saved me, my parents were strongly opposed.

They believed that since I would eventually carry the Lin family legacy, I needed a wife who could support me.

But Phoebe came from a poor background, hadn't attended college, and had parents who favored sons over daughters. She didn’t meet the requirements for the Lin family matriarch. They even thought that without money, Phoebe and I wouldn't last three years.

I argued with them, and in the end, we signed a challenge agreement.

If Phoebe and I stayed married for three years, they would drop their prejudices and accept her.

Just this past New Year, I was smug.

But who would have thought it was all wishful thinking? Our marriage ended today.

Dad was surprised, "There's only a week left until three years. You're giving up now?"

Hearing his disbelief, I laughed bitterly.

"Stop pretending. You already knew, didn't you? That person, you sent him, didn't you?"

When Orion claimed to be the heir of Lin Corporation, I suspected my parents were involved.

But to my surprise, Dad sounded even more confused.

"Pretending? What person?"

"Your mom and I are vacationing abroad. We finally have some time off. How could we be involved in your affairs?"

I felt puzzled, "Then, do you have a secret son, or did you adopt another child?"

"You brat, what secret son, what child!"

"I would if I could, but your mom wouldn’t agree. Otherwise, I'd have cut ties with you."

Dad said angrily.

I knew he was just venting, so I quickly reassured him. When he heard I wanted to take over the company, he was soon all smiles.

But I grew even more confused. Dad had no reason to lie to me. If Orion wasn't sent by them and wasn't an adopted child, then what was the deal with the heir of Lin Corporation?

My head hurt, and considering my fever, I decided not to think further.

"Foolish boy, what nonsense about illegitimate children? You're my son!"

"If it weren't for your mom's objections, I'd have cut ties with you long ago," my dad fumed.

I knew he was just venting, so I quickly reassured him. When he heard I was going to take over the company, his mood lifted instantly.

Yet, I was more confused. My dad had no reason to lie. If Orion wasn't someone my parents sent or adopted, then how was he involved with the Lin Corporation as an heir?

Feeling a headache coming on, and still feverish, I decided to stop thinking about it for the moment.

I returned to the home I hadn't seen in three years. Thanks to the care of the family doctor and housekeeper, I was mostly recovered by the next day.

Remembering I needed to finalize my divorce with Phoebe, I went back to my apartment to collect some documents.

As soon as I entered, I heard laughter from the living room.

My slippers were missing from the shoe cabinet, replaced by a pair of men's sneakers. I recognized them as Orion's.

"Orion, you're incredible. I didn't expect someone like you to be into gaming," Phoebe applauded him, then her tone shifted.

"But Declan is hopeless. He's so bad at games that playing with him ruins my appetite."

I found it ironic.

Phoebe had always complained about my earnings, prompting me to work tirelessly, even sacrificing sleep.

Phoebe, full of energy at home, always insisted I play games with her after work. Wanting to please her, I found time to play, despite her earlier claims that winning didn't matter, just having fun.

Now she was criticizing me for being bad at it.

I chuckled and walked into the living room.

Orion, wearing my pajamas, sat cross-legged on one side of the sofa, while Phoebe, in matching pajamas, lay with her head on his lap, looking cozy.

Upon seeing me, Phoebe hesitated, seemingly wanting to sit up.

But quickly, as if remembering our impending divorce, she remained where she was. "You didn't come home last night? Where were you?"

"Probably clearing the path for us. Didn't expect this loser to be so considerate," Orion sneered.

I glanced at him, ignored the comment, and headed to my room to pack my belongings.

Phoebe didn't seem to mind him calling me a loser and continued enjoying herself with him.

Their laughter echoed through the door.

I planned to pack my things, finalize the divorce, and leave. But barely two minutes later, Phoebe walked in.

I didn't look up, continuing my task.

"You still have this?" Phoebe suddenly spoke.

I looked up to see her holding an envelope.

After she once helped cover my medical bills, I tried to repay her. But she put the money in an envelope and handed it back with a smile.

"I don't like being repaid. I prefer to be remembered forever."

She got her wish.

Since then, I hadn't forgotten her.

Even after marriage, I never touched that money. No matter how broke I was, I wouldn't use it.

"Take it. Once we finalize the divorce, we'll be completely done."

I said calmly.

Phoebe frowned.

After a few seconds of thought, she gently said, "We don't have to get divorced. If you can accept my relationship with Orion, I won't divorce you."

I was taken aback.

Then I laughed and asked, "He doesn't want to marry you?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Phoebe was visibly upset and embarrassed. "He dreams of marrying me."

Yet, her face paled a bit, and her tone softened.

But there was a hint of disappointment.

"But in Orion's circle, that's not common. Marriage is usually for alliances."

"Declan, it's not that I don't like you. I'm just considering my future."

"With your current salary, you can't even buy me a house. I'm tired of living in a rental, seeing a future that's so predictable. I don't want this life anymore."

Seeing her impatience, I couldn't help but ask.

"You're giving up on me just for money? Do these three years mean nothing to you?"

"What if I told you Orion's a fake, and I'm the real heir of the Lin family?"

Phoebe laughed dismissively. "Stop being ridiculous."

She looked at me with disdain.

"Declan, I thought we might stay together because of some feelings. But now you're lying and slandering Orion."

I didn't explain. I just found it amusing.

We were together for three years, yet she chose to believe another man over me.

"I've printed the divorce agreement."

"Let's part ways."

I handed her the divorce papers.

For some reason, Phoebe seemed upset but still took the papers, immediately checking the asset division clauses.

"You drafted this before. If there are no issues, sign it," I said.

Phoebe had drawn up this prenuptial agreement before our marriage, specifically noting that I would leave with nothing upon divorce.

Sadly, I thought it was a joke at the time.

After checking, Phoebe signed both copies. I left one with her, took my suitcase, and prepared to leave.

"Wait."

After taking a couple of steps, Phoebe suddenly came forward and grabbed my suitcase.

I looked at her, puzzled.

Phoebe waved the agreement. "Declan, don't forget. It says you leave with nothing, so nothing here is yours."

I laughed out of frustration.

"These are my clothes and personal items, not assets."

"How are they not? Didn't money buy these things?"

Phoebe sneered. "Strictly following the contract, you should strip, not even keep your underwear, unless you pay for them..."

I didn't want to argue, so I took out my phone and transferred money to her.

Most of my clothes were cheap, bought from street vendors. They weren't worth much.

But I never kept money on me. Seeing I really transferred the money, she was surprised.

"Where did you get the money?"

"Declan, are you hiding money from me?"

This time I didn't feel sad about her distrust. I ignored her and left with my suitcase.

I had returned home. Why would I need to hide money?

All the money would rightfully end up in my pocket.

I focused on the family business. Hearing I was home, Mom and Dad were so happy they took a few extra days for their honeymoon.

I joined the company.

My parents wanted me to take a high position immediately, but I refused.

After all, I'd been gone for three years. Even if everyone listened to me because I'm their son, they might not respect me. So I started from the bottom, hiding my identity.

Thinking about Orion claiming he's the Lin heir, I looked into him. But everyone seemed tight-lipped.

Eventually, I pieced it together.

But I didn't tell Phoebe. During this time, she posted a lot on social media, and Orion was in every post.

They traveled together, dined together, exchanged gifts.

Once, she posted a picture on the beach with Orion, dressed lightly.

Orion commented inappropriately.

Phoebe just replied with a coy emoji.

I realized there was no need to say more. Phoebe's heart was entirely set on Orion, and there was no point in trying.

I focused on work.

One day after work, I had nothing to do. Since my parents were returning the next day, I wanted to leave a good impression, so I cleaned the executive office.

Halfway through, a loud voice came from behind.

"Hey, isn't this Declan, the loser?"

I turned to see Orion standing at the door, with Phoebe holding his arm, looking cozy.

"Why are you here?"

Phoebe looked at me disdainfully, her eyes scanning the cloth in my hand.

I wanted to ask the same.

Lin Corporation's security is strict. How did they get in?

Before I could speak, Orion laughed exaggeratedly.

"Wow, couldn't find a job so you're cleaning at Lin Corporation? You know, if you want a good job, I could help. Cleaning is beneath you."

His words were full of sarcasm.

Phoebe looked at me with even more disdain.

"Declan, I didn't expect you'd end up like this."

"Orion, help him out. He's my ex, and I don't want others gossiping."

Phoebe said softly to Orion.

Her attitude towards me was completely different.

Orion was pleased and smiled proudly.

"Sure, I'm not one to hold grudges. Since you asked for him, I'll let the past go."

His words dripped with sarcasm.

Phoebe's face showed even more displeasure.

"Declan, I didn't think you'd fall so far."

Orion was pleased and smiled smugly.

"But if you want my help, you'll have to show some sincerity. Declan, kneel down and apologize, and I'll consider transferring you."

I couldn't help but laugh at his arrogance.

"What are you laughing at?" Orion frowned.

I replied, "You claim to be the heir to the Lin Corporation, but your name isn't on the executive list. If you don't believe me, check it yourself. The Lin Corporation's executive list is publicly available."

Phoebe's eyes filled with doubt, as if she was considering verifying it.

Orion's expression flickered with unease but quickly returned to normal.

"It's just to avoid suspicion."

"Regardless of whether my name is on the list, I'm still my dad's son."

Hearing this, Phoebe seemed to agree and nodded, dismissing her doubts.

"Enough, Declan. Orion is kindly offering to help you. Don't be ungrateful."

"Kindly?"

I sneered, "More like a wolf in sheep's clothing."

Perhaps because I exposed him, a flash of malice crossed Orion's eyes. Angrily, he grabbed a vase next to him, intending to throw it at me.

I immediately recognized it as my dad's prized antique, which he had spent millions on at an auction.

"You'd better put that down, that's..."

Before I could finish, Orion smashed the vase at my feet with a vicious throw.

"So what if I threw it? It's my dad's stuff. I can do whatever I want with it!"

Phoebe gently traced a finger along his chest. "Don't get upset. Declan's just a poor soul without parents and doesn't understand much. Don't bother with him."

When Phoebe and I were together, I had spun a tale about being from an orphanage, and she promised to keep it a secret forever. But now, she just revealed it.

Orion sneered, "No wonder he's so uncultured. But we don't take just anyone at Lin Corporation."

He gestured to the security guards nearby.

After giving them instructions, the guards nodded and were about to throw me out.

"Stop! I'm the real heir to the Lin Corporation!" I said coldly.

As soon as I spoke, a guard struck me hard with a baton.

The strong electric shock made my whole body ache, and I couldn't help but scream.

"Come on, we've seen the real young master countless times over the past three years. You're just a newbie. If you're the young master, then I'm the chairman."

The guards laughed loudly, and Phoebe looked at me with even more disdain.

Orion insulted me while dragging me toward the stairs.

Just then, my dad's deep voice suddenly boomed from behind.

"Are you out of your mind? Let's see who dares touch my son!"

I struggled to turn around and saw my dad looking in my direction, his face stern.

Behind him were a dozen people, and I recognized that most of the company's executives were there.

Orion froze at first, then quickly let go of me and stepped forward with a smile.

"Dad, you're back. Weren't you supposed to return from your honeymoon tomorrow? Why didn't you..."

Before he could finish, my dad slapped him hard across the face.

The slap was loud, and he was immediately stunned.

"Who do you think you are? You dare to hit my son and then claim you're related to me?!"