Three Steps from Having Nothing

Victor Lyon was visibly taken aback by my reply. Then, he carefully scrutinized me with a look of suspicion, as if trying to detect a hint of mischief in my eyes.

Only after confirming that I wasn't joking did he smile with relief.

"That's more like it," he said, stepping forward and taking my hand. In an earnest tone, he continued, "You know Carol comes from a poor background. Plus, Mr. Braun Senior, her grandfather, is seriously ill, so I'm just trying to fulfill his wish."

I quietly withdrew my hand and nodded with a smile.

In my previous life, because I failed to understand his "good intentions", I caused a huge scene at the wedding.

To get back at me for Carol Braun, Victor did everything he could to ruin my father, Terrence Holcomb's, company. He even hired a bunch of thugs to drive Dad to jump to his death.

I tried to report it to the police. But on the way to the station, he caught me and brutally broke both my legs. Then, he admitted me into a mental hospital.

Every day, the nurses forced me to take large amounts of hallucinogenic drugs. Whenever I failed to comply, I was electrocuted, beaten, and gang-raped in turns.

Carol would occasionally visit me. Snuggled in Victor's arms, she would mock my misery without restraint.

It wasn't until three years later, on a cold winter night, that I finally died from the torment.

Thus, when I opened my eyes and confirmed that I had been reborn, the first thing I did was quickly transfer all my assets.

Love was overrated. It would never be as dependable as money. Only what I held in my own hands truly belonged to me.

Without prompting, Victor said, "Come to think of it, today's our third anniversary. I promise you that no one will disturb us this time."

I nodded and said softly, "Whatever you say."

Since I was being so understanding, Victor was naturally in a great mood. He even began making elaborate preparations in earnest, booking the best table at a restaurant and arranging a fireworks show.

Watching his back, I suddenly felt a bit dazed. For a moment, I almost thought that the man who had promised to protect me forever three years ago had returned.

But soon, reason prevailed.

I turned on my laptop and got to work.

In just 15 minutes, I received the confirmation. All the properties under Victor's name had been transferred to my overseas accounts. Those properties alone were worth several hundred million dollars.

After finishing all that, I picked up the long-cold coffee from the table and drank it in one go. The coffee was bitter, but it made me feel immensely satisfied.

As dusk fell, Victor and I arrived at the top floor of the Rotating Garden Restaurant in the city center. Sitting by the window, I could take in the entire city's night view with just a slight turn of my head.

I had to admit that he'd really put some thought into this.

After we were seated, he said to me mysteriously, "This is just the beginning. I've also prepared a special surprise for you."

I took a sip of red wine. Before I could respond, the phone in his pocket rang. It wasn't the usual serious, plain ringtone, but rather a playful, girlish one.

His expression changed instantly. Without a second thought, he answered it.

On the other end of the line, Carol's tearful voice came through.

"Victor, my grandfather's condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. I'm so scared. What should I do? Can you come and keep me company?"

Victor froze. Instinctively, he looked up to gauge my reaction.

I set down my wine glass without a word and just looked back at him calmly.

After a brief silence, he made up his mind.

"Carol, don't be afraid. I'm coming over right now."

He had made his choice.

After hanging up, he put on an apologetic and troubled expression.

"Lilian, you heard what happened with Carol—"

"Go ahead," I interrupted, cutting off his explanation. "After all, it's a matter of life and death. It's only natural that a young woman like her can't handle it alone."

Victor was stunned.

He'd probably braced himself for me to pick a fight with him. Heck, maybe he'd even rehearsed the lecture he would give me about being understanding.

The only thing he hadn't expected was for me to be so calm, without showing the slightest ripple of emotion.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he still didn't think much of it. He leaned down and gave me a peck on the cheek.

"I knew you were the most reasonable person in the world. If you get hungry later, go ahead and order something. I've prepared a surprise for you—don't forget to watch it. After you've eaten, just let me know, and I'll have the driver take you home."

With that, he grabbed his coat and hurried off without looking back.

I picked up the napkin from the table and scrubbed the spot where he'd just kissed me.

Ugh, disgusting.

As for the fine food and the night view, they were innocent; I saw no reason to let them go to waste.

At 9:00 pm, a thunderous boom exploded in the air, and a riot of colors spread across half the sky.

I knew this was the surprise Victor had prepared for me.

But then, as the fireworks burst apart, the words they formed in the mid-air read, "Carol, I will spoil you for a lifetime."