Chapter 4
That's right, that's right! I was unworthy of any spotlight! I didn't deserve him! You'd better snap him out of it and take him away, quick! I was desperately hoping Lilian would save me.
I stared at Lilian, my eyes pleading, like she was my only lifeline.
Norton's face darkened.
He pulled me behind him, shielding me from Lilian's view.
"She's mine," he said, his voice icy and unyielding.
There wasn't a hint of warmth in his tone.
"Lilian, I warned you. Don't mess with her," he added, his words sharp and final.
Lilian's face turned pale, her eyes reddening with emotion.
"I... I'm just worried about you! Norton, please, she's fooling you! She's just after your money!" she pleaded, her voice shaky.
That's right! I was only after his money! Please, just believe her already! I was mentally hyping Lilian up.
Inside, I was going wild, cheering Lilian on like she was my personal hero.
But Norton just stared at her, his gaze icy and unyielding.
I could feel his hand behind me, trembling just a little.
Was he...actually scared? I was surprised.
What was he so afraid of? I felt a bit confused.
Was he afraid that if I heard those words, I would misunderstand and leave him? The thought popped into my head out of nowhere.
A crazy idea suddenly popped into my head.
"Get lost," Norton said, his voice cold as ice.
He didn't even hesitate, just spat it out.
Lilian stared at him in disbelief, her eyes filling with tears.
"Norton, please..." she whispered, her voice shaking.
"Should I call security to throw you out?" Norton's voice was cold as ice.
Lilian bit her lip, glared at me with pure hatred, and stormed out, crying.
The room fell silent again.
Norton spun around and wrapped me in a desperate embrace.
He held me so tightly, it felt like he wanted to fuse me into his bones.
"Don't listen to her," he murmured in my ear, his voice carrying just a trace of barely noticeable panic.
"Don't leave me," he whispered, almost desperate.
His hold was so tight, I could barely breathe.
The savior...had fallen. I was sinking into despair.
Physical confrontation failed, and even gossip couldn't help.
I decided to target what he prides himself on most—his precious loyalty.
Time to put horns on him.
What couldn't a man stand the most? Betrayal! As long as I cheated on him, he would definitely kick me out of the house! A feeling of a surge of determination rose inside me.
I started digging through my inherited memories, searching for any guys the original me might've known.
Eventually, I remembered Caleb Ellis—a senior, the devoted second male lead in the story, always quietly watching over the tragic supporting girl, doomed to be cannon fodder.
He got a pretty rough ending, too.
Sorry, Caleb, I had to borrow you for a bit. After it was done, I'll send you some offerings in the afterlife, I promise! I felt a mix of guilt and desperation.
Using the excuse of wanting to watch TV, I snagged the apartment's tablet.
While the nanny wasn't looking, I quietly logged into my social media and shot Caleb a message.
[Caleb, I miss you so much. Can we meet up?]
Ugh, so disgusting. I almost threw up myself. I felt a wave of disgust.
Caleb replied almost instantly.
[Sloane? What's wrong? Did something happen?]
[I... I'm not doing well. Caleb, can we meet tomorrow at three at the Willow & Wisp, the café by school? I really need to talk to you.]
That was exactly that kind of hesitant, teary-eyed "green tea" bitch vibe. If Norton ever found out, wouldn't he be furious? I felt a rush of excitement.
After sending the message, I deleted the chat history and put the tablet back, feeling smug as hell.
The next day, I made up an excuse about wanting to go for a walk and get some fresh air.
To my surprise, he actually agreed.
But of course, he sent two bodyguards and a car to follow me.
It didn't matter, as long as I could get out! I felt pretty satisfied.
At three o'clock sharp, I showed up at the Willow & Wisp.
I picked a window seat, feeling anxious and hopeful as I waited.
Come on, Caleb, hurry up! My freedom would be riding on you! I prayed he'd show up soon.
How was I supposed to act when the time came? Throw myself into his arms, crying? Or take his hand and pour my heart out? Which one would get under the skin of Norton's spy more? I was plotting the most dramatic move.
I was already imagining all kinds of soap opera-worthy drama in my head.
The door to the Willow & Wisp swung open.
My eyes lit up, thinking Caleb had finally arrived.
But instead, it was Norton.
He strolled in, dressed in casual clothes, sunlight streaming behind him, wearing a smile I couldn't quite decipher.
My heart skipped a beat.
Why on earth was he here? I freaked out, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest.
But what really sent chills down my spine was that he didn't come alone.
Behind him was a guy, pale as a ghost and shaking like a leaf.
It was Caleb.
Norton pulled out the chair across from me and sat down.
Caleb stood off to the side, stiff as a board, looking like a kid who'd just been caught doing something wrong.
"Been waiting long?" Norton asked with a smile, his tone so casual it was like we were just chatting about the weather.
I was so freaked out, I couldn't even get a word out.
"Didn't you set up a meeting with Caleb?" Norton jerked his chin at him. "Well, here he is, just for you."
Caleb's legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed right then and there.
"M-Mr. Ashford, I swear, we're just friends! Nothing happened, really!" Caleb blurted out, practically shaking.
Norton ignored him, his eyes locked on me.
"You said you had something to tell him," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of challenge.
"Now, go ahead. I'm listening," he pressed.
What the hell was he saying? Wasn't this a trap? Wasn't this a setup to catch someone in the act? My heart was pounding.