I stared intently at Victoria on the shore, the woman I had loved for five years.Five years ago, my family’s company faced a crisis. My father, to protect me, publicly announced our family’s decline and sent me abroad.Overseas, I met Victoria, who was still a struggling student.I hid my identity, ate cheap takeout with her, lived in the shabbiest apartments, and backed her entrepreneurial dreams.I genuinely believed we shared a true love, enduring hardships together.
When she returned home to start her company, I followed, willing to be the man behind her success.To avoid burdening her, I never mentioned my family background, not even calling my parents often.She used to hold me, crying like a child, “Julian, I swear, I’ll never let you suffer, not ever.”Her promises still echoed in my ears, yet now, she was the one personally sending me straight to hell.
On the shore, Brandon pulled out his phone, frantically filming my pathetic state.“Everyone look! A drowned rat! Ha ha ha, he looks absolutely pathetic from this angle!”“Victoria, look at Julian’s face, it’s hilarious!”Victoria didn’t stop him. Instead, she handed Genevieve a bottle of champagne, a fawning smile on her face.“Genny, are you enjoying the show? My husband will do anything you want, as long as you’re pleased.”
Genevieve swirled her glass with satisfaction, her eyes raking my drenched body with a light, teasing gaze.“Not bad, this is quite entertaining.”“Victoria, if you can make your husband kneel and beg me today, I’ll have my father consider investing in your project.”Victoria’s eyes instantly lit up. “No problem! Just watch, Genny!”
She turned, yelling at me as I struggled in the water, her voice cold and commanding:“Julian Hayes! Do you hear me?! Hurry up and beg Genny! Kneel before her!”The icy pool water and the biting wind were nothing compared to the chill her words sent through me.I looked at her and suddenly laughed.“Victoria Caldwell, you will regret this.”“I promise you, you will pay a price worse than death for everything you’ve done today!”
