Chapter 3

I stared at the words "I’m Alex Lewis" on my phone screen for a long time, hesitating. Finally, I tapped "Accept".

The moment I added him as a friend, a message popped up instantly.

"You're the one who messaged me that day and told me not to sign the contract, right?"

My heart skipped a beat. But I quickly steadied myself and replied:

"I just thought someone as young as you, who’s already made something of yourself on your own, would be wasting your potential as Rachel’s boy toy. I just wanted to say my piece, but in the end, the choice was yours. So, when faced with an offer too good to be true, what did you end up choosing?"

It took a while, but eventually, he replied with just one word: "Thanks."

Then, another message followed right after that. "If you ever need anything, just say the word."

Meanwhile, preparations were underway for Adrian and Rachel's engagement party.

Adrian was spending less and less time at the office. Most days, he was out shopping with the heiress, getting her nails done, and dutifully trailing behind her giggling entourage while playing the role of human handbag.

He doted on her so much that Rachel was over the moon, thrilled with her new pet.

However, Adrian’s health was deteriorating. He broke into cold sweats out of nowhere, got winded after just a few steps, and his mind was slowing down. His memory was slipping more and more each day.

"Sick again?" Rachel asked with feigned concern, handing him a glass of milk. "What are we supposed to do about our wedding if you’re this weak?"

Adrian forced a weak smile. "I’m fine. It's probably just the flu going around. It won’t affect our wedding."

He raised the glass of milk and downed it in one gulp, completely missing the venomous green glint that flickered in Rachel’s eyes as she watched him.

Satisfied, she pounced on him playfully, her voice syrupy-sweet. "I’ve been in such a good mood lately. Whatever you want, I’ll pay for it."

Adrian sat up, his eyes lighting up with surprise. "Well, I want to be the company’s general manager. Could you talk to your dad about it?"

Rachel froze, then burst out laughing. "With the way your body is now, you want to go back to work? You should rest at home."

"Then, once I’m better—"

Before he could finish, she cut him off sharply, "Forget the company. You’ve already been let go."

The words hit Adrian like a bolt from the blue. He jerked upright, nearly falling off the couch.

"What?"

"You’re the Carter family’s son-in-law now," Rachel said casually, inspecting her freshly done nails as if he were invisible. "Your job is to go shopping with me and make me happy when I’m upset. Everything else? Not your concern."

Adrian sat there, stunned. He had thought marrying the chairman’s daughter would be his golden ticket. Instead, he’d become nothing more than a pampered lapdog.

Honestly, what was the difference between what he was doing now and being some male escort at a nightclub?

Seeing the look on his face, Rachel feigned a little anger.

"What? Don’t you realize how many people would kill for the position you’re in? No job, no effort, and all you have to do is be my obedient little pup to get a fortune. What more could you possibly want?"

Adrian’s face turned ghostly pale, but he didn’t dare go against her.

All he could do was nod.