Chapter 2

"Hi, I'm Lucas Davis." A charming, boyish grin curved his eyes into flirtatious crescents. He was effortlessly handsome and undeniably captivating.

Looking at the man I had once given my entire heart to, an icy dread washed over every inch of my skin.

In my past life, he was the one who choked the life out of me with his bare hands. Every cell in my body screamed to run, but I forced my feet to stay planted.

Right now, he was my only ticket out of the Miller household. I had to make him fall head over heels for me.

I put on a shy, demure demeanor, ducking my head to conceal the icy hatred and calculated malice swirling in my eyes.

"I... I'm Nicole."

I had deliberately chosen a soft, pastel-pink sundress. My long black hair cascaded past my waist, and my lowered head exposed a slender, pale neck. I looked gentle, fragile, and utterly harmless.

After a few rounds of wine, both my future father-in-law and Lucas were thoroughly enchanted by me. Having lived with them for five years in my past life, I knew every single one of their likes, dislikes, and subtle ticks.

"Old Jack, this boy of yours doesn't look a thing like you," Director Davis remarked casually, eyeing Toby.

I noticed Helen's face pale instantly. I stifled a laugh. Of course he didn't look like Jack—because I knew the face he actually resembled.

"He's far better-looking than the two of you," Director Davis added with a chuckle.

Oblivious to the undertone, Jack raised his wine glass with an oily chuckle. "Isn't that the truth, Director? Everyone says so!" Pride practically dripped from his voice.

"Nicole, pour the Director some more wine," Jack ordered. Watching my quiet obedience, both men became even more pleased.

"Lucas, why don't you take Nicole out for a walk?" Jack suggested with a greasy smile.

Lucas smoothly took my hand in his, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. His gaze was dripping with rehearsed romance.

"Nicole, to be honest, I've stayed single all these years because I just hadn't met the one who made my heart race. But today, I did. I really like you, Nicole. Would you give me a chance to pursue you?

Don't worry, I promise I'll treat you like a queen."

In our past life, long after the wedding, Lucas had drunkenly confessed the truth: he married me because he had an obsession with innocent, pure girls.

Back then, he saw me as weak, pristine, and untouched—the ultimate pure white moonlight, completely different from the materialistic women he usually ran around with. Seeing someone so fragile only made him want to taint and claim me.

"You don't have to give me an answer right now, but I'll always be here waiting," he said softly.

"Why are your hands so cold? And trembling? Is this your first time holding a guy's hand?" His tone was overwhelmingly gentle and considerate.

I nodded timidly. A wave of profound satisfaction washed over Lucas's face.

He showered me with an endless stream of sweet, practiced lines, strutting his feathers like a peacock in heat.

I simply fed him whatever words he wanted to hear. Lucas quickly convinced himself that I was the destined soulmate of his dreams.

In reality, I stood there watching his performance with complete, chilling detachment.

What true devotion? It was nothing more than a playboy's standard playbook.

A heavy, sweet trace of women's perfume clung to his collar, and his phone buzzed continuously with flirtatious notifications. Who had he been hooking up with right before this dinner?

Once upon a time, I had fallen entirely for his romantic front, believing he was my savior. In truth, he was the monster who shoved me straight into the abyss.