Chapter 3

With what was left on my card, I went down to the gym.

My in-laws bought this place. We got everything right downstairs. After getting a three-month membership, I still had 900 dollars left.

I stocked up on whole grains, eggs, and fruit, lugging bags and bags back home.

Looking at my messy hair in the mirror, I went for it and cut it all off in one go.

For the next three months, I threw myself into working out.

Xavier was gone every other day, but honestly, I barely even noticed anymore.

After dropping over twenty pounds, none of my old clothes fit me anymore.

I asked Xavier for money to buy a few new outfits, but he wasn't as quick to say yes as he used to be.

He sent me a bunch of one-minute voice messages, ranting about how I was wasting money and buying useless crap.

After chewing me out for ages, he finally sent me 300 bucks.

For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

If I got married for the cash, so I wouldn't have to suffer, getting this chump change made me look pathetic.

Gritting my teeth, I accepted the money, but I couldn't even focus on my run anymore.

Just then, a guy walked over.

He looked like a real gentleman and asked me out for dinner.

When I caught sight of the Rolex on his wrist, a lightbulb went off in my head.

Marriage was supposed to be about sharing life's comforts. If I wasn't getting anything out of being with him, then what was the point of getting married?

Maybe it was time to start looking for someone new.

So that night, I went with Leonard Stone to a private fishing farm. It was pretty secluded, but everyone there looked loaded.

I didn't like Leonard at all. He wasn't good-looking, and his eyes had a shifty vibe.

We chatted for a bit, but he kept steering the conversation toward hooking up.

This guy was way too eager, definitely bad news. I shouldn't get involved with him.

I lost my patience and stood up to leave.

But Leonard started to panic and grabbed my arm. "Where do you think you're going? Once you get in my car, it's not that easy to walk away."

I actually found his words funny. "Dude, this is a law-abiding country. If you're so tough, go ahead and stab me."

Leonard still wouldn't let go. "I'm not gonna kill you, but trust me, I've got plenty of ways to make you beg."

What a nutjob!

I tried to kick him, but Leonard dodged out of the way.

Then I yanked his hair, and it turned into a full-blown scene.

The owner heard the commotion and rushed over. He quickly pulled us apart and dragged Leonard off to the side.

"Bro, take it easy today. I've got guests here," the owner said.

Leonard, still pissed, tugged at his shirt. "Who cares about your stupid guests? Why should they care if I'm hitting on someone?"

"The chairman of Richmond Holdings got here. You know his background. He doesn't like people making a scene," the owner said.

Leonard's expression shifted. "Richmond Holdings? You mean Mr. Maddox Richmond?"

"Yeah, that's him," the owner replied.

"I heard his wife passed away a few years back, and he moved the company to a new city so he wouldn't be reminded of her everywhere he looked. Why would a widower come all the way out here in the wilds?" Leonard muttered.

"Come on, maybe he wants to clear his head and enjoy nature. Not everyone's here for the same reasons as you," the owner shot back.

I stood off to the side, listening as their voices got quieter and quieter.

Annoyed, I snuck out, trying not to draw any attention.

Barely took a few steps before I got lost.

After twisting and turning through the place, I somehow ended up behind a garden.

There was a guy chilling in casual clothes, staring off into the distance. When he heard me coming, he turned his head.

When our eyes met, we both froze for a second.