Chapter 1
We were halfway through signing our marriage papers when Jake’s precious ex sent him a photo of her faking a suicide pose.
Without a second thought, he ditched me there, rushing to his first love. In a flash, they got married, and he took her abroad for their honeymoon.
That very night, his fist love updated the post, and the photo showed used condoms all over the floor.
Jake’s news followed closely. “I know you can’t live without me. Once your dad’s business is signed over to me, I’ll spare one day a week to see you.” He sneered.
“Ivy hates pain, so any kids you have will be hers. She’s the wife, you’re the mistress–if you want to keep me around, you need to accept that.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
As the only heir to the Shred empire, whoever marries me can get my family’s entire fortune…
Jake had no idea.
The moment he abandoned me, I’d already changed who I was marrying!
A month later, I ran into Jake at a private charity auction.
He had Ivy sitted on his lap, tongues down each other’s throats like we were in their bedroom.
The playful buzz of the crowd turned into snickers when I walked in.
“Look who couldn’t stay away! Jake’s little puppy dog finally showed up.”
“Damn, Luna! This time, you lasted a whole month without stalking him–must be a new record. Bet you’ve been going crazy without your Jake fix.”
Jake lifted his head from Ivy’s neck like this was all perfectly normal. He raised an eyebrow, dripping with contempt.
“Luna, I think I’ve been way too nice to you. Don’t you know your place by now? Playing hard–to–get? You’re not qualified.”
“If you had any self–respect, you wouldn’t be here begging for attention. Being this desperate is honestly making me sick.”
During our five years together, I’d heard this exact tone, seen this exact expression countless times.
Back then, my whole world revolved around him.
Whenever he publicly humiliated me, , I’d fight back tears, terrified of upsetting him more.
Later, I’d cry myself to sleep, soaking my pillow while obsessively analyzing what I’d done wrong.
Afraied that he’d dislike me more.
But today? I simply replied, “I’m not here for you.”
Jake wasn’t expecting that. He thought I was still playing games.
He kicked away the chair in front of me. “Getting addicted to this act? Stand up. When the auction starts, you’re bidding on anything Ivy wants. Make her happy, and maybe I’ll consider forgiving you.”
“Jake, baby,” Ivy pouted in his arms. “I don’t want anything bought with her dirty money. Unlike this trust fund princess who just flashes Daddy’s cash, I believe in earning my own things. Who knows where her family’s money even comes from?”
Jake squeezed her cheeks adoringly.
“That’s right. My Ivy is strong and independent–nothing like this useless parasite who only knows how to burn through her parents‘ money.”
“If Luna insists on buying me things, well… you know how pathetic she is. She gets physically uncomfortable if she’s not worshipping us and throwing
16:17
5 Years of Lies, Now I’m the Heir He Can’t Touch
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money around. Consider it charity helping ease her desperation
Ivy giggled, reluctantly nodding.
Then she looked up at me with disgust. “Miss Luna, I’m just saying, you’re supposed to be from a good family. Why are you so clingy? Women should be self sufficient like me. If you rely completely on men, how are you any different from garbage?”
I glanced silently at her custom designer dress worth millions, and couldn’t help but smile.
A housekeeper’s daughter lecturing the sole heir of Boston’s wealthiest family about independence?
I walked to a quiet corner and sat down.
Jake furrowed his brow, momentarily confused. Something about me seemed different.
Before he could think more, his friends started laughing again.
“Look at her, hiding in the corner about to cry. Luna can’t survive without our Jake.”
“You know, the Shred family is still Boston’s richest. Luna’s their only child, and word is her father plans to announce her marriage match at her twenty–fifth birthday gala, choosing from the other three elite families. Whoever marries Luna inherits the entire Shred fortune.”
“We’re talking billions, minimum. Wonder who’ll get
that jackpot?”
Someone snickered. “Who else but our Jake? Everyone knows Luna’s obsessed with him. If Jake told her to jump off a bridge, she’d ask how high? Look at her–just one month of cold shoulder and she comes crawling back.”
“Seriously, she’s the ultimate simp. Once Jake gets the Shred fortune, the entire Boston will belong to the Griffins. Jake’s a master player–teach us your ways, bro!”
Jake pretended not to care, but his slightly upturned lips betrayed his satisfaction.
He deliberately raised his voice so I could hear. “These desperate women who throw themselves at you aren’t worth Ivy’s pinky toe. If she wasn’t amusing to play with, I wouldn’t give her a second glance.”
“She’s practically begging me to marry her. Can’t shake her off no matter how hard I try.
He waited for me to break down in tears.
Back then, my eyes would have already welled up, unable to hold back the pain.
But now? I didn’t even spare him a glance, let alone tears.
So exhausting.”
Jake’s face darkened. He started toward me, but Ivy clung to his arm. “Baby, the auction’s starting. Stay with me?”
Jake had no choice but to sit back down with her.
