Chapter 2

I mocked Mr. Caldwell, who then belatedly realized Chloe was still standing there. He promptly ordered his men to escort her out.

Chloe shot me a look of pure contempt before storming out.

After the auction, I went to the Millers' house.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller's eyes were filled with worry.

Seeing me, they immediately dropped to their knees before me.

"Julian, please, save Chloe. She's our only child, and it's all our fault she's in this mess."

Looking at the two old people before me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

In my previous life, when they found out I'd been poisoned, they immediately called an ambulance, but it was too late.

They had watched me grow up and always treated me with kindness. After Chloe and I married, they treated me like their own son.

I told them about Chloe's current situation and gave them a million-dollar card, telling them to rescue Chloe themselves.

While Mr. Caldwell was a lecherous man, the Millers had once been prominent in Silverwood. He'd still give them some face.

I then brought up the topic of ending our engagement, and repeatedly cautioned them not to tell Chloe that I had provided the million dollars.

"Julian, you and Chloe have always been so close. Why are you suddenly canceling the engagement?"

"She has someone she loves, and it's not me. In fact, they've been together for a while."

I explained the reason for breaking off the engagement. A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes.

"Could there be a misunderstanding? Chloe has never told us about having a boyfriend."

"I saw it with my own eyes."

Though reluctant, seeing my earnest attitude, they couldn't help but agree, saying they'd talk to Chloe when she returned.

Chloe was brought back home, and I went to apply for a visa, preparing to leave everything behind.

But while waiting for the visa, I still ran into Chloe at a friend's gathering.

Everyone had heard about the auction, but out of politeness, they kept quiet.

Only the brief glances between Chloe and me carried an unspoken tension.

When Chloe saw me, her eyes were filled with hatred.

"Julian, there's a limit to playing hard to get. Don't come crying to me to take you back later."

I didn't understand. I was letting them have their happiness, yet she still felt the need to humiliate me.

I offered a slight smile, saying nothing.

Finding herself ignored, she didn't push it further.

Just as everyone was having a good time, Chloe's first love, Blake, burst in.

He lunged at me, his fist connecting squarely with my face. I couldn't dodge in time and hit the ground hard.

"They auctioned off Chloe's virginity, and you didn't even look at her. You just threw money at some stupid necklace!"

"Her life would be ruined if she married a man like you."

My gaze flicked to Chloe in the corner. The moment she saw Blake, her eyes lit up, softening with unmistakable tenderness.

My mind drifted back. To that other life.

In my previous life, she never gave me a moment of kindness, let alone such an expression.

Only when she needed my help would she offer a symbolic smile, which always looked worse than a frown.

And only when Blake was in trouble did she need my assistance.

For Blake, she would swallow her pride and try to win me over.

I thought that if I was good enough to her, one day she would see me.

But I forgot, solid ice can never be truly warmed.

My silence only fueled Blake's anger. He lunged forward and grabbed my collar.

"Are you deaf? I'm talking to you!"

"What kind of monster are you? Just standing by while your fiancée suffers?"

At Blake's words, the gathered friends broke into hushed whispers..

"Julian always acted like Chloe's lapdog. How could he not spend a million when she was in real trouble?"

The taste of iron flooded my mouth, pulling me back to the present. I shoved his hand away violently.

"Why do you sound more concerned about my fiancée than I am?"

"Why didn't you bid for her that day, no matter the price?"