Chapter 2

I slipped my hand through Derek's arm, gazing up at him sweetly.

" promised my followers I'd buy some lottery tickets for a giveaway. They all say I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. They want to share in my good fortune."

As a minor influencer, I'd carefully crafted the image of a perfect marriage for my audience.

The reality was... different.

Before Derek could respond, I added, "I already had Scarlett bring the car around. The three of us can go together."

At the mention of Scarlett's name, his expression shifted instantly.

I knew. Today was his anniversary with his mistress. They'd planned to celebrate together, and I was crashing their precious date.

Feigning innocence, I continued, "ou're so gentle, thoughtful, and loyal. Being married to you is truly the greatest honor."

Hearing me praise, his expression softened into a proud smile.

"In that case, you'd better hold on to me tightly. Don't give any other woman a chance, alright?"

A wave of nausea washed over me.

How could I have been so blind in my past life? He was a gold-digger who genuinely believed he was a coveted prize.

Just as we reached the curb, Scarlett pulled up in her car.

"Ava, Derek, hop in."

Scarlett was wearing a red, deep V-neck dress today, her ample chest drawing all attention.

It looked like Scarlett had put a lot of effort into their anniversary.

In my previous life, I only found out right before I died that Derek and Scarlett weren't cousins, as he claimed, but his lovers.

Scarlett was sexy, fiery, and knew how to charm men. Taking her out probably boosted Derek's ego immensely.

I was a career woman, a boss. At home, he was a freeloader around me, but only with Scarlett could he feel like a man again.

He even recommended his "cousin" Scarlett when I needed to hire an assistant for my busy job.

I remembered how he used to come to my company frequently to bring me coffee.

Turns out, he wasn't coming to see me at all. He was coming to see Scarlett.

Such blatant cheating! I was truly blind in my last life!

And at this moment, Derek was staring at Scarlett as if he wanted to rip her dress off.

I feigned jealousy. "Honey, you're staring at Scarlett like that. People might think you two are a couple."

My words made a flicker of panic flash in both their eyes.

Scarlett waved her hands frantically. "Ava, don't joke around. Derek's my cousin!"

"Is he?"

My gaze lingered between the two of them, my tone flat, as I stepped into the car.

My sarcastic question made them squirm.

The car was eerily quiet the whole way.

Derek frequently glanced at me, his lips moving, but he said nothing.

"Scarlett, how long have you been my assistant now?" I suddenly asked.

Scarlett paused, then said, "Three years."

Scarlett had been my assistant for three years. And Derek's mistress for three years.

I had been kept in the dark for three whole years!

Derek retorted, "Why do you ask? Scarlett is diligent and responsible. She's helped you a lot, hasn't she?"

I looked at him desperately defending Scarlett and found it amusing.

The car stopped. I turned my head, staring intently into Derek's eyes.

A flicker of panic crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a smile.

I smiled. "Nothing, just thinking Scarlett's been here three years, figured I'd give her a raise."

"I didn't expect you two to be so excited."

I pushed the car door open and stepped out ahead of them.

Walking straight into the lottery shop, I approached the counter.

"I'd like to buy every ticket with a 9 in its number. Every single one."