Chapter 8
The livestream was recorded and uploaded online, instantly setting off a firestorm of public opinion.
Countless people spoke up for me.
“Are her parents even human? Forcing their daughter to such extremes–it’s unbelievable she managed to get into Harvard in that environment. I can’t imagine what she must’ve gone through.”
“I’ve heard about Susan–she’s notorious for being a troublemaker. She tried to ruin someone’s life over a bet with the socialite heir and ended up making herself the biggest joke. Serves her right!”
“Screw school bullies! And an illegitimate kid acting so arrogant? If you know your background is dirty, just keep your head down and try to be a decent person!”
“But Natasha is so clear–headed. Her family was a mess, so she used the outside world to break free, and she doesn’t care at all.”
When Kelvin found me again, he was still holding a bouquet of Ecuadorian roses.
He stood at my front door, eyes red, tears falling onto the petals.
“I’m sorry, Tasha. I had no idea Susan was that kind of person.
“I love you. For the rest of our lives, let me protect you, okay?”
I took the roses and inhaled their scent.
The fragrance was intoxicating, and his promises were beautiful.
But flowers wither, vows break–I only trust myself.
I handed the bouquet back, smiling softly. “It doesn’t matter anymore, Kelvin. I already got what I
wanted.”
He thought it was because he hadn’t tried hard enough. Suddenly, he dropped to one knee and pulled out a diamond ring the size of a pigeon egg.
“I’m sorry, Tasha I was just being stupid when I agreed to play that dumb game with Susan
“But as time went on, I realized I’d fallen for you–your strength, your kindness, your
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Chapter 8
gentleness…”
But all those precious qualities can be faked.
I’ve always been selfish, cold, and driven by self–interest.
I swept the ring aside with a sneer.
“How do you know I wasn’t acting with you all along?
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“Kelvin.” I leaned close to his ear, my voice soft and icy. “Thank you for the paycheck. It was
generous.”
Kelvin froze.
“All of that… was fake?”
He’d been the master of the game for years, always in control of love.
But this time, he’d been played by me–the supposed lamb.
There’s always another hand guiding the strings, and this time, it was mine.
But he wouldn’t give up. “Even if it was fake, I accept it. I’ll start over. Chase you for real. Go wherever you want. Do whatever you want.”
I looked at him, suddenly tempted to test just how sincere this playboy really was.
“Take off your clothes,” I said.
He didn’t react at first. “What?”
I raised my brows. “I said, take off
your
clothes.”
I was humiliating him, just as he’d once looked down on me.
He bit his lip, set the roses aside, and undressed piece by piece.
Always the high and mighty heir–never had he lowered himself like this for anyone.
Soon, he was left with just his boxers, eyes wet and pleading as he looked at me.
Like a wounded dog, begging for a little love.
“Tasha, Susan, and I were just messing around. It was like picking a girl at a club–you get what you want and never go back for seconds.
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Chapter 8
“I really was just being reckless when I agreed to her bet.”
I smiled faintly and finally pushed the door all the way open.
Behind the half–closed door stood Susan, eyes rimmed red, body trembling.
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She’d come to give me trouble, but luck was on her side–she got to witness this entire love–struck drama.
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