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Chapter 5

Author: Upside-Down Mouse
"Mom, what are you two talking about? Why aren't you joining us for the cake cutting?"

Randy suddenly approached, brows slightly furrowed, his probing gaze shifting between me and his mother.

"I'm tired. I'd like to rest first," Anne said, turning away.

Randy immediately followed to support her.

I stayed where I was, watching their figures recede.

I don't know how much time passed before the crowd suddenly burst into cheers. Jeanne, cheeks flushed, stood beside Randy as the two of them cut the cake onstage.

When it was done, Randy affectionately brushed the tip of her nose.

The scene looked far more like their engagement banquet.

The hall was filled with laughter and congratulatory voices—all directed at Randy and Jeanne. The noise grated on me, so I turned and left.

By the poolside, I stared blankly at the rippling water.

Footsteps sounded behind me. Jeanne sat down at my side.

"What's wrong? Can't stand seeing me and Randy so close?"

Her tone had shed all pretense; her eyes were cold, laced with scorn.

"You're nothing but my stand-in—a worthless substitute who will never be worthy of the stage."

Her words were so absurd that I almost laughed.

With my last refuge of quiet shattered, I rose without a word, unwilling to spar with her any longer.

But she wasn't about to let me go so easily.

She grabbed my hand, yanking it hard, then suddenly leaned back and plunged into the pool.

The movement was so swift and seamless that I didn't react in time.

"Zoey! How dare you do that to Jeanne?!"

Patricia's shrill voice pierced the air as she came running in high heels, the sharp clicks echoing off the ground. Without giving me a chance to explain, she slapped me hard across the face.

"Jealous witch! You can't stand that Jeanne has my brother's love! Let me tell you, Zoey, if Jeanne gets injured because of you, you're finished!"

While she spoke, Jeanne had already swum to the railing, gasping for breath.

Seeing her in such a pitiful state only fueled Patricia's fury. She suddenly lunged forward and shoved me into the water.

"Let's see how you like it!"

The icy, unyielding pool water rushed into my throat. I forced myself to stay calm, but a sudden cramp seized my calf.

My body grew heavier, my vision darker… until I vaguely saw a shadow cutting swiftly through the water toward me.

Driven by instinct, I reached out.

The next second, I was pulled into a firm embrace.

Once onshore, I coughed up a mouthful of water. Patricia's furious voice exploded beside me.

"Randy! Why did you save her? You should've let her drown, then she wouldn't be around to hurt anyone again!"

Tears streamed down Jeanne's face, mingling with the pool water as she sniffled pitifully.

"Randy, don't blame Zoey. I… I believe she didn't mean it."

Patricia chimed in, fanning the flames with every word.

With each accusation, Randy's gaze toward me grew colder, until it was nothing but ice.

He didn't speak to me. Instead, he scooped Jeanne into his arms and hurried off to find his private doctor.

From beginning to end, he never asked for my side of the story, nor did he give me a chance to explain.

So be it. I'd long grown used to it.

By the time I returned home, still drenched, there was less than an hour before my flight.

After tonight, I would sever all ties with the past.
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  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 11

    "You're relieved as head of Johnson Group. Effective immediately." Randy's father's voice held the finality of a judge's gavel. "Prove you're worthy again, and we'll discuss reinstatement."The settlement with Tom's family was swift after that—security escorted Anne and Randy from the hall.After the banquet ended, I hurried to pack my belongings.Now that Randy had been removed from his position, he suddenly had more free time. And I couldn't be certain he wouldn't try to entangle himself with me again.But fate had rougher roads in store.Anastasia caught me mid-packing. "Anne has passed away," she said.The words caught me off guard. I froze for a moment, then glanced at Anastasia with a bitter smile.Of course.Banished daughter. Disgraced heir. The Johnson empire handed to Mr. Johnson's second family like a consolation prize. Whatever nuclear argument happened after they got home, it had stopped Anne's heart before midnight.The funeral was crowded with mourners.When

  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 10

    A scene from three years ago played out in my mind. Now, behind me stood an identical towering cake display.I fixed my gaze on Patricia, who was charging straight toward me. Just as she was about to shove me, I stepped nimbly aside.In an instant, she plunged headfirst into the hundred-tier cake, cream smearing her from head to toe. Her arms and chest were scratched by the supporting rods hidden within the layers.The commotion was loud enough to draw the attention of the guests, who quickly gathered around.Anastasia, seeing me under attack, rushed over in a fury. When she confirmed I was unharmed, she lashed out with a swift kick to Patricia."If you can't cure your rabies, then stop coming out to bite people!" she snapped. "If I remember correctly, three years ago you were the one who pushed Zoey, weren't you? Now you're trying the same trick again? Do you really think Zoey is that easy to bully?!"But Patricia ignored every word. She scrambled to her feet and glared at me wi

  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 9

    I had always despised being threatened, especially by a man as hypocritical and self-righteous as Randy.So I turned on my heel and walked in the opposite direction.Randy was driving on the one-way lane of the riverside bridge; there was no way for him to turn around quickly. As I left, I caught a glimpse of his dark, stormy face from the corner of my eye. The knuckles gripping his steering wheel were pale from the strain.I let out a cold laugh and quickened my pace.I was nearly home when he suddenly appeared in front of me and pulled me into his arms. After what happened at the photography exhibition, I had learned to guard myself against him. Without hesitation, I drove my knee up hard.He let out a muffled groan, clutching his abdomen, and staggered into a crouch. Under the dim glow of the streetlamp, his expression was shrouded in shadow.Looking down at him from above, I said icily, "Randy, stop doing those revolting things you call affection."He clung to the hem of m

  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 8

    The social circle was small. Sooner or later, we were bound to meet. Since avoidance was impossible, there was no need to run.At the photography exhibition, I introduced my works to the distinguished guests in attendance.One piece in particular drew their attention: a landscape of distant mountains, which I had titled Escape.Smiling faintly, I spoke about the piece, but as I turned, I collided head-on with a solid chest. The clean, crisp scent of cedar filled my senses—an aroma I knew all too well.Randy held me tightly. "Zoey, it's been three years… you've finally come back."Tears shone in his reddened eyes, the corners tinged with pink.I shoved him hard, but his grip only tightened, keeping me trapped.It wasn't until Tom rushed over that he was dragged away."Zoey, are you hurt?" Tom asked.Anastasia's face was clouded with worry as her gaze swept over me, checking me from head to toe. Then, she spun toward Randy, fury igniting her voice."Randy, do you have no shame a

  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 7

    "Whatever happens back home has nothing to do with me anymore."At my words, my friend let out a long sigh before turning back to her work.Life at school was busy and fulfilling.One day, my friend and I found our professional class canceled. Word had it that a prominent figure in the photography world was coming to give a lecture at our university.We squeezed our way through the crowd, finally slipping into the packed lecture hall.After a long wait, the guest finally arrived.The moment he appeared, the noise in the room evaporated into silence.No wonder. His looks were striking, almost distractingly so—sculptured features, amber-like eyes glinting with cold reserve. But when his gaze found mine, a fleeting warmth curved through his expression.I froze, staring at that familiar face.He pushed through the crowd and stepped down from the stage."Zoey," he said softly, "we finally meet again."In that instant, nothing else mattered. I threw myself into Tom's arms and brok

  • Too Late to Want Me Now   Chapter 6

    After landing, I immediately bought a ticket to Nerovia.The country I was in now had been arranged by Anne, and there was no guarantee she wouldn't leak my whereabouts to Randy. Since I had already decided to sever all ties with the past, I might as well make a clean break.Once in Nerovia, I moved into the apartment the school had arranged for me.Not long after, Fiona Briggs called. She was my "orphanage mom." I had grown up in an orphanage, and even after becoming an adult, I had stayed in close contact with her.The moment I answered, Fiona's cheerful voice burst through the receiver."Zoey, after you left, Randy came looking for me. He asked where you'd gone. From the look on his face, I'd say he already knows your marriage to him was because of that contract. You didn't see how anxious he was. He looked like he wished you could appear right in front of him that instant."I could only give a quiet laugh.What else was there to say?For five years, all my efforts had gone

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