Chapter 2

2.

"Dad, I changed my mind. I will move to New York to take over the family business."

My father sounded thrilled over the phone. "Good. I will have the paperwork ready in a week."

I hung up, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

In my last life, I gave up my inheritance to stay with Mina.

I worked myself to the bone to give her a home without using my family's help.

But she never loved me. Not even for a second.

I went to the university to handle my withdrawal.

My friends insisted on throwing me a farewell party at a high-end club.

I didn't expect to run into Mina there.

"After you walked out of the auction, Peyton couldn't pay," a friend whispered to me.

"Mina had to beg on her knees until Mr. King agreed to buy her contract."

I saw Mina looking at me with pure hatred in her eyes.

She purposely wrapped her arms around Mr. King's neck.

She pressed her body against the old man, making sure I saw everything.

"Mr. King, do you like me like this?" she cooed.

The man groaned and squeezed her waist.

"I paid a hundred million for you. Of course I like it!"

She climbed off his lap and walked over to me with a smirk.

"See? I would rather give myself to any man but you. You don't deserve me."

She always knew exactly how to hurt me.

In my past life, if I even asked her to stay away from Peyton, she would retaliate.

She would go out and send me photos of herself with strangers just to break me.

I used to cry and beg for her forgiveness.

But now, I felt nothing.

I smiled coldly. "Good for you. Keep it up."

Five minutes later, Peyton burst into the room.

He suddenly fell to his knees in front of me and started slapping his own face.

"Weston! I am sorry for outbidding you! I was wrong! Please, just give me a chance to live!"

I looked at him, confused.

"I haven't done anything to you. We haven't spoken since the auction."

Mina tried to pull him up. When she touched him, she saw bruises all over his arms.

She turned to me, her face twisted with anger.

"Weston! Did you hire people to beat him up? How can you be so petty!"

Peyton sobbed, showing off his injuries.

He pulled his sleeves down, acting like a victim.

"Mina, don't blame him. It's my fault for being poor and trying to compete with him."

"He sent those men to teach me a lesson. I deserve it..."

Mina's eyes were watering. She glared at me.

"Apologize to Peyton right now!"

I had seen this act too many times. I wasn't going to explain myself to someone who hated me.

I looked at the greed in Peyton's eyes and chuckled.

"Apologize? Why don't you tell her what you really want, Peyton?"

Peyton hid behind her, his eyes darting around.

"If you could just... pay for my medical bills, I would appreciate it."