Chapter 3

I didn't move.

Erasmus turned back, confused, trying to hide the panic in his eyes. "What's wrong, Susan?"

I frowned, pretending to hesitate. "I don't want to get married right now."

His expression froze. "What do you mean you don't want to marry me?"

He squeezed my hand tighter, then forced a smile. "Susan, are you feeling insecure? That's fine. I'll give you half of my shares in the company. That'll make you feel better, right?"

He pulled out a contract for the shares, smiling like victory was already his.

It was the exact same setup as before.

In my first life, right after he proposed, Erasmus had offered me half of his shares in the Fisher Group—just to make me fall for him completely.

I was so touched that I gave him part of the company my parents left me.

Later, when the Fisher Group went under, my company went down with it.

It had all been part of his well-laid plan.

A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn't help but scoff, "I don't want to marry you. Can't you understand that?"

Erasmus froze, clearly stunned by how sharp I was being. The tenderness in his face vanished, replaced by coldness.

He suddenly yanked his hand away. "Fine. If you don't want to marry me, then have it your way. We're done. There's nothing between us anymore."

He spun around and stormed off.

At first, I wanted to just let him go. But then I caught a glimpse of a white dress disappearing around the corner. Something about it made me follow.

In the stairwell, the girl in the white dress threw herself into Erasmus's arms.

"Erasmus, why did you suddenly break up with her?" Beatrice's beautiful face was pale with worry. "Without her, how can we ever have a happy life together?"

But Erasmus just smiled, completely sure of himself. "I only said that to trick her. Don't worry, Beatrice. Over the past year, I've made Susan fall head over heels for me. She's just acting out right now because she's mad about the ring."

He let out a small laugh. "The more I try to please her, the more spoiled she gets. If I give her the cold shoulder, she'll realize how much she needs me.

"When she comes crawling back to apologize, I'll act like I'm being generous and forgive her. Then I'll give her the shares. She'll be so touched that getting her company will be a piece of cake."

His voice grew more and more cheerful. "Her company's worth a fortune. If it can save the Fisher Group, I don't mind keeping her around at home. She can take care of my mother and my nephew while I spend my time with you."

Beatrice's face lit up. "But what if she says no?"

Erasmus's tone turned cold. "If she became a cripple and had to depend on me, do you really think she'd dare to say no?"

Beatrice's voice was soft but cruel. "And if she's crippled and still refuses, then just make her disappear. With that much money, it'll be easy for you to find another woman who'll do anything for you."

Even in the summer heat, their words sent ice through my veins.

So, their first plan hadn't been faking his death—it was to bleed my company dry to save the Fisher Group.

I was supposed to be crippled or killed in an "accident." They only faked his death and ran when they realized the Fisher Group couldn't be saved.

I wanted to jump out and choke the life out of both of them right then. But I thought about my own plan and forced myself to stay hidden.

Letting them die so easily would've been merciful.

They deserved to suffer the same hell I went through.

While Erasmus waited for me to apologize, I kept busy. I signed deals with all the companies that had just pulled away from the Fisher Group.

Within days, my company's reputation skyrocketed.

Erasmus waited a few days. When he saw I still hadn't reached out, he couldn't stand it anymore and came to my office.

The second he saw me, his face darkened. He stood there silently, clearly waiting for me to start begging.

I ignored him completely and went on discussing plans for the company's future with my vice president.

"Susan, are you pretending I'm invisible?" Erasmus snapped, storming toward me.

Only then did I look up at him, feigning surprise.

He pressed his lips together. "Susan, just say you're sorry, and I'll forgive you."

Was he out of his mind?

When I didn't respond, he must've thought I was just being stubborn.

His voice softened, and he sighed as he wrapped his arms around me, "Okay, Susan, stop being mad. I was just confused for a moment because I love you so much. You have no idea—my biggest dream is to make you my wife."

He lowered his voice, trying to sound tender. "I'd give up my life for you if you'd just marry me."

Then he added gently, "Don't be upset anymore. Theodore's been asking when you're going to officially join our family."

Theodore was that ungrateful nephew of his.

I had treated him like my own child since I didn't have one of my own. He always seemed respectful and obedient.

But before I died, I learned the truth—he'd known Erasmus was alive all along. He'd been secretly sending them money, helping them live comfortably while I struggled.

Seeing me still silent, Erasmus started to frown, his anxiety leaking through.

I knew he was getting desperate. The Fisher Group was crumbling fast, and he needed my company's money to save it.

I thought for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. For Theodore's sake, let's get married in a few days."

A flash of triumph crossed Erasmus's eyes before he quickly hid it. "Good, Susan. You're going to be the happiest bride in the world. I'll start planning right away."

He rushed off, probably to tell Beatrice the good news.

I followed him quietly. Sure enough, he was already on the phone. "I knew Susan couldn't live without me. I just gave her the cold shoulder for a few days, and she agreed to marry me. Baby, wait for me at Honeydrop Residence. I'm on my way."

I pulled out my phone and texted the address he'd just said—to Beatrice's parents.