Chapter 4

See? He wasn't emotionally oblivious. He knew how to lower his head. He knew how to spoil someone.

He just didn't love me.

If Nina was tricked by his handsome facade, what about me?

Aside from the brief period when he chased me, he spent the last few years looking down on me with cold disdain.

Begging for cash like an arrogant parasite, then using my money to court his dream girl.

What was I to him? An endless ATM?

"That scumbag deserves to burn," Nina fumed. "Chloe, you're not staying with him, are you?"

"I think you need to hear the rest of that video."

"Brace yourself."

Nina looked at me worriedly and placed her phone on the table.

On screen, Kyle was still on his knees.

His eyes were red, burning with desperation.

"Nina, as long as you don't leave me, I'll do anything! Even if you want that woman dead, I wouldn't hesitate!"

"Nina, I only stomach being around her for her money, and every single dime went to you!"

"Everything I do is to give you a lavish life! Why can't you see that, Nina?"

"Once I bleed her completely dry, I'll buy us a mansion and luxury cars, and we can live happily ever after!"

"If you wait for me, I'll manipulate her into marriage, take out a massive life insurance policy, and stage a fatal accident. The insurance payout and her entire estate will be ours!!"

My hands clenched so hard my fingernails bit into my palms, but I couldn't feel the pain.

I gave him everything.

And he wanted my life.

Nina gently covered my hand with hers.

"Chloe, are you okay?"

"I didn't send you this part earlier because I was scared you were too blinded by love. I was afraid you'd confront him, and he'd come after me in retaliation."

"Seeing you today showed me you're ready to walk away. That's why I felt safe showing you."

"Chloe, Kyle is far more evil than you realize."

I exhaled slowly, my fingers trembling.

A blur of tears clouded my eyes.

"Yeah. It's time to end this."

Nina pulled a bank card from her purse and pushed it into my hand.

"Chloe, this is the money Kyle sent me—thirty-five thousand dollars in total. I'm giving every cent back to you."

"And all the luxury gifts he bought, I have them packed up for you."

"You're a good person. You don't deserve this."

I shook my head and gently pushed the card back.

"Nina, thank you for telling me the truth. If it weren't for you, I might have stupidly married him and ended up dead."

"You saved my life. Keep the money and the gifts. Consider it the tuition fee I had to pay to see a monster for what he is."

She tried to refuse, but I insisted.

"Alright," Nina said softly. "I'll hold onto it for now. But if you need anything—anything at all—tell me. Let's take this scumbag down together!"

A cold smile curled on my lips.

"Actually, there is something you can help me with."

"Help me put on a show."