2#02

2

Simon moved forward, positioning Audrey behind him as if she were a protective barrier. His face bore an anticipatory look, but I didn't react as he clearly hoped I would.

As time passed, his confident expression began to waver. Eventually, he remarked with a sneer, "Well, it seems you've matured a bit. No more tantrums or yelling like you used to."

I chose not to acknowledge his taunt.

As the gathering came to a close and everyone began to leave, Simon halted me in my tracks.

"It's getting late and dangerous out there. I'll drive you home," he offered.

I accepted the free ride without protest, not wanting to walk. As I approached the car, Simon quickly blocked the front passenger seat, stating, "You'll sit in the back."

He then assisted Audrey into the front seat with care, as if it were perfectly normal.

"I apologize, Bianca," Audrey said with mock concern. "Simon's just being cautious. He's worried I might get carsick..."

I remained silent and slid into the back seat, which had been my intention all along.

Throughout the journey, Simon and Audrey chatted and laughed as if they were alone in the world. At a stoplight, Audrey playfully asked Simon to help her apply some lip balm.

Their shared glance seemed to heighten the atmosphere's tension.

Abruptly, Simon's eyes darted to the rearview mirror, as if suddenly remembering my presence. When our gazes met, and I deliberately looked out the window to avoid them, his expression faltered briefly.

For a moment, I glimpsed raw anger cross his face. Then, before I could process it, he abruptly accelerated.

Upon reaching my residence, Simon did something unexpected. He grasped my arm once more.

"Stop pretending," he said dismissively. "Don't act like you're indifferent. It's unbecoming." He then thrust a bracelet into my hand. "This is my engagement gift to you," he added condescendingly. "If you behave, I'll arrange a wedding. At least on paper, everyone will believe you're my wife."

I looked up at him, meeting his eyes. "And who do you actually plan to marry? Audrey?"

Simon's face contorted with rage, but there was an underlying smugness, as if he relished the discord he was causing.

"I knew it. You've been faking all along," he sneered. "Listen carefully—don't you dare mention this to anyone in our families. My relationship with Audrey is not your concern. She's kind and delicate—unlike your petty schemes." His voice lowered menacingly. "If you ever harm her, don't think I'll still go through with this wedding."

I couldn't help but chuckle. He lacked the courage to be honest with the Hughes family, yet somehow I was cast as the villain in this scenario.

I said nothing more. I simply turned and walked into my apartment, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me.

As soon as I entered, my phone vibrated. It was a video from Audrey.

I hesitated before viewing it, but when I did, I saw Simon gently helping Audrey fasten a necklace. The brand was unmistakable. Then it dawned on me: the bracelet Simon had just given me was the complimentary item that came with that very necklace.

They were incredibly close, their necks almost touching. Then, as the camera zoomed in, they kissed. The sound pierced the silence—sharp, intrusive, like a blow to my chest.

[Bianca, Simon must have informed you by now, right? After the wedding, he's going to legally marry me.]

[Just so you're aware, without a legal marriage, there are no inheritance rights. Looks like it's my turn to become the wealthiest woman in Evergreen City!]

Audrey... she had been reborn as well.

Everything fell into place. Although Simon and Audrey had no connection in our previous life, this time, mere days in, they were already behaving like a couple. Engaging in all the typical romantic activities.

It was as if they shared an unspoken understanding, as if they were trying to resume exactly where they had left off.

I lowered my gaze, recollections of my past life flooding back. I reflected on when I first married into the Hughes family.

Immediately after the wedding, it seemed everything changed. The company began receiving numerous partnership offers, securing new contracts left and right.

Hughes Enterprises' assets grew exponentially, and before long, they had become the wealthiest company in Los Angeles.