Chapter 3

For the next few days, Chloe reported punctually every morning, noon, and night, bringing carefully prepared meals.

I never touched them, though.

I ignored her.

She would tidy up the hospital room, making it feel cozy and home-like, even subtly mirroring how our room used to be in my past life.

This only made me feel more uncomfortable.

As soon as Chloe left, I checked myself out of the hospital.

Time to go home!

But I was too optimistic.

I had barely stepped through my front door when Chloe showed up at my house.

She doted on my parents, eagerly offering them shoulder rubs.

"Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, if your shoulders are sore, I can always come over and massage them for you."

My parents glanced at me as I came downstairs, then called out:

"Liam, you just got out of the hospital. Why don't you let her give you a massage first?"

Chloe immediately looked at me, her eyes seemingly filled with anticipation.

There was no mistaking it. My parents had completely sided with her.

I could understand why my parents were suddenly so fond of Chloe. Before I knew her true face, I, too, was fooled by her gentle thoughtfulness.

But what exactly was Chloe after?

I slapped my forehead in annoyance as it suddenly clicked: the Miller family's company was facing a funding crisis, which was why they sought a marriage alliance. Chloe was probably afraid my family wouldn't help.

She worried for nothing. In my past life, after the Millers overcame their crisis, their company indeed flourished.

It was a completely sound investment.

With that understanding, my gaze toward Chloe softened considerably, becoming more like an evaluation of an investment target.

My parents, seeing my attitude had relaxed, quickly nudged Chloe towards me.

Chloe lost her balance, stumbling towards me like a feather.

I instinctively caught her, only to realize how alarmingly thin she was beneath her clothes. She felt weightless, like she was nothing but bones, as if she might break if I squeezed too hard.

My brow furrowed.

Her eyes met mine, her face flushed with embarrassment, filled with what looked like pure joy.

But I felt only irritation and pushed her away, somewhat roughly.

Chloe swayed for a moment before steadying herself, but she still looked delighted.

Even my parents gave me knowing looks, as if my resistance was just a childish display of defiance.

I couldn't stay in this house.

"I have plans. I won't be home tonight."

I grabbed my phone and walked straight out.

Chloe, ever persistent, jogged after me.

Everywhere I went, she followed.

When I headed to my car, she even tried to open the passenger door.

I snapped, losing my patience:

"Stop it! Can you just leave me alone?"

My voice was sharper than I intended.

Chloe seemed startled, freezing in place, her shoulders involuntarily trembling.

Seeing her so fragile only agitated me more:

"I know you want my family's money. Don't worry. Even without marriage, I'll invest. Are you satisfied? If so, just leave."

Seeing no reaction from her, I slammed the accelerator and drove off.

Inside the bar's VIP room, acquaintances-some not even close friends-were all discussing my exploits.

"Liam, you're a legend! Dumped the school queen you chased forever, just ran from the wedding!"

"I knew it, our Liam isn't some desperate lovesick puppy. It was all an act to reel Chloe in. She totally lost face this time."

"Serves her right, honestly. All high-and-mighty before, looking down on us party-goers. Now she's the one being played."

Listening to their snide remarks, I realized my runaway wedding had made Chloe the laughingstock of our social circle.

Her former 'school queen' glamour was shattered, and now she was fair game for anyone to mock.

But I didn't want to engage in their gossip. I just kept drinking.