Chapter 13
Two years ago, when the lie began, Lucas lived every day behind a mask. He hid his true self from Wendy, carefully maintaining his act.
Even though the cramped, run–down apartment was smaller than his family’s bathroom, he pretended to love it like it was home.
Even though the clothes she carefully picked from discount sales were stiff and
uncomfortable, he acted like they were his favorite.
Even though he hated street food, he sat beside her, devouring greasy skewers and
laughing like he had never tasted anything better.
Over time, something strange happened.
He got used to it.
A life without wealth.
A life filled with warmth instead of luxury.
The tiny apartment felt more like home than his cold, empty mansion.
The cheap, scratchy clothes carried a sincerity that no designer brand ever could.
And without even realizing it, Lucas fell in love.
It was not just with Wendy but with the life they shared.
Yet, all of those were nothing but lies, and they were meant to be shattered.
Wendy did not seek revenge. All she left behind was a simple blessing.
Lucas felt like a stranded man who could go nowhere.
He could not hold on any longer.
Chapter 13
His knees buckled, and he crashed to the floor.
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When Lucas woke up, Natelie was casually scrolling through her phone beside his hospital
bed.
As she realized Lucas was awake, she glanced at him and smiled. “Lucas, my parents said if you apologized, we would forget about today. Our engagement will still happen.”
Lucas turned his head away from her. He could not stand to look at her.
“Go home, Natelie,” he said coldly.
“The engagement is off. I’m not changing my mind.”
Natelie had spent her whole life being adored. She had never been rejected. Her face twisted
in disbelief.
“What? But you’ve always wanted to marry me!
“Don’t tell me you fell for that lowly girl.”
Lucas‘ expression turned ice–cold.
“Don’t insult Wendy.”
Natelie stared at him, searching his face for any hint of hesitation.
Then, she laughed.
“Lucas, do you even remember what you used to call her?” she sneered.
“Two years ago, you called her a pathetic little beggar.
“You acted poor for two years, and now you
think you’re one of them?
“Look at you now, crumbling because she found out the truth. Do you really think she’ll forgive you? After everything you’ve done? After so many times of helping me humiliate
her?
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Chapter 13
“Wake up. She’s gone.”
Natelie’s words were harsh to Lucas.
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If he had known he would fall in love with Wendy, he never would have agreed to Natelie’s
plan.
He was regretful. Yet, there was no undoing the past.
Lucas closed his eyes. His voice was low, laced with undisguised coldness.
“This is none of your business. Leave now.”
Natelie’s face burned with anger.
She never thought Lucas would fall for Wendy in two years, let alone give up his entire
family instead of marrying Natelie.
“Fine!” she snapped.
“If I walk out of here, I’ll never return!”
She gritted her teeth.
“You’re really choosing that worthless, cheap girl over me?”
Lucas‘ gaze turned razor–sharp.
“Get. Out.”
Natelie clenched her fists, let out a frustrated scream, then spun on her heel and stormed
out as she slammed the door behind her.
The room fell into silence.
A message notification lit up his phone.
It was from his assistant.
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Chapter 13
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[Mr. Shalton, I found her. Wendy’s on a university exchange program. She left the country today. She should’ve already landed in England.]
His grip tightened. He took a deep breath and then replied.
[Get me the address. Book me the next flight to England.]
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