Blurb：
When Irene agrees to date the notorious playboy Samuel Nelson, everyone thinks she’s hopelessly in love. For three years, she plays the perfect girlfriend—taking notes when he skips class, covering for his flirtations with others like Anna Harding. But when Samuel dumps her for Anna right before college, claiming Irene is “too dull,” the entire school expects her to collapse. Instead, Irene checks the $50 million transfer from Samuel’s mother, Mrs. Nelson, and calmly wishes him well. No one knows their relationship was a paid arrangement to reform the rebellious Samuel into a top-college student. Now free and funded, Irene vanishes abroad, leaving Samuel questioning everything. Can Samuel uncover the truth? Will Irene’s escape from her controlling parents lead to a new life—or will fate bring them back together? Dive into this emotional rollercoaster of betrayal, secret deals, and ultimate revenge!
Content：
I start dating Samuel Nelson, who’s known for being a playboy. Everyone thinks I’m hopelessly in love with him.
When he skips class to fight, I take notes for him. When he flirts with others, I cover for him.
I spent three years as the pushover who grovels at his feet. I pour my heart and soul into helping him get into a top college, but just before the semester starts, he dumps me.
He says haughtily, “I know you’ve liked me for a long time, but you always have your head buried in books. Compared to Anna, you’re far too dull and uptight.
“Let’s break up. I want to be with Anna instead.”
Everyone waits to see me have an emotional meltdown.
However, I simply check the 50 million that has been transferred to my bank account and reply earnestly, “Sure. I wish you two the best.”
No one knows that I only devoted myself fully to being Samuel’s girlfriend because his mother offered me far too much money to refuse.
Now that I have the money, even if he didn’t dump me, I would’ve dumped him myself.
Chapter 1
“Did Irene just wish Samuel the best after he broke up with her?”
“She ended the call in under a minute, too. It’s like she couldn’t care less about it. Do you think she’s so heartbroken that she’s gone off the deep end?”
“I don’t think so. She was too calm about it. It felt more like she’s been looking forward to getting dumped.”
Once those words fell, someone cast a cautious glance at Samuel Nelson. He had his arm around his new girlfriend, Anna Harding, but he was scowling in displeasure.
Therefore, the crowd quickly backpedaled.
“We’ve all seen how crazy Irene has been about Samuel for years now. There’s no way she’d really be unbothered by the breakup. I’m sure she’s just trying to bottle up her feelings. I bet that in less than three days, she’ll come crawling back to him, begging him not to dump her!”
Samuel’s expression eased a little as he remarked, “If she comes begging to get back together with me, I’ll consider patching things up with her—depending on what she does.”
…
I knew nothing of their conversation as I lugged my suitcase to the train station. Even if I’d heard their taunts and ridicule, I would’ve simply smirked indifferently.
My parents believed that there was no point in giving daughters an education. It was far better to have them married off as quickly as possible in exchange for some kind of benefit for the family.
They’d tried to stop me from attending high school. My drunken father had beaten me to within an inch of my life. It was then that Samuel’s mother, Mrs. Nelson, approached me and made me an offer.
If I could help Samuel get into a top college, she would not only cover all the expenses for my high school education but also give me 50 million dollars.
Had it not been for that, I would never have latched myself onto Samuel, who was famous for being the hottest guy in school but also the one who should never be crossed. I wouldn’t have let myself be at his beck and call, like the most loyal pushover.
For three whole years, I did everything I could to turn the arrogant and defiant slacker into a high-achieving student who managed to earn a spot at a top college.
Now that my mission was complete, I could finally leave with the money. I was nothing if not thrilled. Why would I be upset that Samuel had found himself a new girlfriend?
From the start, my only goal was to claw my way out of hell and carve out a place for myself in this world where I could be free. Love was never part of my consideration.
When the college semester began, I didn’t show up at the college I’d been accepted to. I knew my parents would never leave me alone. After all, graduating from a renowned college only made me a more marketable daughter to marry off to the highest bidder.
Since I wanted to leave, I had to make a complete departure.
During the three months of summer vacation, I got my foreign language certification and achieved intermediate proficiency in the Farvian language. I was able to successfully enroll in a college abroad.
As I was about to board my flight to Barie, in the country of Farvia, I got a message from Samuel, who seemed to want to mend our relationship.
“Why did you block me everywhere? It’s been an entire summer, Irene. Haven’t you thrown your tantrum long enough?
“Even though Anna and I have gotten together, you and I can still be friends. Stop kicking up a fuss and unblock me.”
Every word dripped with his usual haughtiness. He seemed certain that I’d do what I’d done the last three years—that regardless of the ways he would willfully trample on my feelings, I would still obediently return to his side.
I took out my SIM card and deftly broke it in half before tossing it into the trash can at the airport. With it, I discarded my unbearable past, which had been filled with schemes and humiliation.
The plane soared through the sky, leaving all of my past behind. Later on, a friend of mine, Melinda Greene, told me that Samuel posted messages in the comment section of all my old social media accounts. They were all largely about the same thing.
“Are you done with your tantrum yet?”
“All I did was break up with you and date someone else. Must you be so upset about it?”
“Hurry up and unblock me!”
Melinda informed me, “At first, Samuel was convinced you’d come back to him. He didn’t expect you to stay away from him completely. He started becoming more and more foul-tempered. Sometimes, just the mention of your name makes him scowl.”
Chapter 2
When I heard what Melinda told me, it felt like I was listening to someone else’s story. It didn’t stir a thing in me.
I started a new life in Barie with the 50 million dollars from Mrs. Nelson. I chose to study at the top design academy. My days were filled with learning a new language, becoming familiar with a new culture, and balancing a heavy course load.
Everything was a new challenge. But here, I didn’t need to appeal to Samuel or a family that suffocated me. Instead, I was surrounded by my pencils, my sketches, and my dreams of the future.
The years flew by in a blur. As a result of my hard work and talent, my jewelry designs began to shine at the major Fashion Week. I won several prestigious international awards.
Soon, I was named the new head designer for Lumina, a jewelry brand. I was assigned to return to Carsinia and spearhead Lumina’s business expansion into the Pan-Anlatic region.
…
On my very first day back in Carsinia, I was having lunch at a restaurant right beside the office when I heard a hesitant voice calling out from behind me.
“Irene Stewart? Is that you?”
I turned my head around and saw a vaguely familiar-looking woman. She looked like Celia Young, who used to sit in front of me back in high school. Her eyes widened as she openly looked me over, a mix of astonishment and disbelief.
“Goodness me. It really is you! You’ve changed so much,” Celia declared.
I’d lost the timidness and the forced eagerness to please that I once had in high school. Time and experience had given me composure and an air of confidence.
“It’s been a while, Celia.”
“It really is you, huh? What a coincidence!” Celia exclaimed excitedly. “We’re having a class reunion tonight at the rooftop restaurant right here in this building. Many of our old classmates are coming, including Samuel.
“You have to come, too! I’m sure everyone won’t be able to recognize you anymore.”
Samuel? His name was a blast from the past. It’d been ages since it popped up in my head.
I wanted to decline, but after a moment’s thought, I realized there was no reason to deliberately avoid him.
“I’ll be there,” I replied.
For the rest of the day, I was fully immersed in work, taking on my new responsibilities at the company. By the time I remembered the class reunion, it was almost time.
Too tired to head back to the hotel and change, I simply went straight up to the restaurant in my casual clothes. When I opened the heavy door, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere. The private dining room was huge, and many people were already seated around the massive table.
I swept my gaze across the room. Almost instantly, my eyes landed on Samuel—the man seated at the head of the table, basking in the limelight.
He now looked significantly more mature than he had back in high school. His features had sharpened and become more defined. He was dressed in an expensive casual suit. He sat at the table in a relaxed manner, always the center of attention.
A pretty young woman sat extremely near him. She was all dolled up and dressed in a flashy manner as well.
It wasn’t Anna. It seemed like he’d swapped her out for a new woman, too. After a brief silence, one of the more drunkenly male classmates recognized me first.
“What the hell? Look, Samuel! It’s Irene Stewart, the one who used to simp after you. She’s here!”
His remark seemed to set off everyone in the room. They all turned to me with looks of shock and mocking glee.
Samuel whipped his head up. When he saw me standing in the doorway, his gaze hardened. The nonchalance on his face was swiftly replaced by shock and a mix of other emotions that were harder to read.
The young woman at his side immediately sensed the peculiarity in his reaction. She gripped his arm tightly before scrutinizing me with hostility.
“Irene Stewart?”
Ignoring the remarks and stares, I walked over to the empty seat next to Celia and calmly poured myself a glass of water.
“Long time no see, Irene!” Janice White, who was quite tackily dressed, was the first to speak to me. “I heard you didn’t attend college. It’s not surprising. Your family couldn’t have afforded it.
“What have you been up to all these years, then? Don’t tell me you married some old geezer, like what some of them have been saying. After all, considering how casually dressed you are today…”
She’d deliberately emphasized the part about me marrying an old man, drawing snickers from a few of the other young women around the table.
“I spent a few years abroad and just returned to the country,” I responded evenly.
I didn’t feel inclined to say much else.
“Oh. You went abroad, huh?” Greg Lewis piped up with an exaggerated tone of pity. “It must be hard for those returning from abroad to find jobs now, huh?
“Back over there, you might’ve been able to engage in all sorts of shady jobs, but they’re all illegal back here. Have you found a job yet? Since we’re old classmates, why don’t I help you get one?”
Chapter 3
“My uncle’s company is looking to hire a clerk. The requirements are fairly simple. You just need to know how to use a computer.
“It doesn’t pay well, but at least it’s an honest job. It’s far better than what you used to…” Greg trailed off meaningfully.
“That’s right!” Janice instantly chimed in with feigned sympathy. “Although men abroad might have a thing for Carsinian women, they’re only interested in fooling around with them.
“We’re all classmates here, Irene. If you need help, please let us know.
“Considering your situation… I mean, since you never attended college and don’t even have decent clothes to wear, you won’t even be able to go for a job interview. Why don’t I take you shopping on another day for some more suitable clothes? If you don’t have the money, I can lend you some.
“After all, you used to be the top student in our grade. I feel so bad to see that you’ve ended up like this.”
Samuel remained silent, but he tightened his grip around his wine glass as he stared darkly at me. Meanwhile, his new girlfriend, whom I later found out was named Tina Upton, couldn’t stay quiet anymore.
Snorting, she leaned forward with an air of superiority and blatant derision.
“Irene Stewart, right? I heard about you before. They say you used to follow Samuel around everywhere like a pathetic simp. You did his homework, took notes for him, and even dealt with the teachers for him, right? That must’ve been so hard on you.”
Tina paused, savoring the looks of ridicule from the rest of my classmates.
“But I guess you still had some semblance of self-awareness left. You and Samuel were worlds apart. You knew there couldn’t possibly be a future between you two, so you ran off, huh? But it seems like you haven’t done too well for yourself.
“Well, Samuel is now running his family’s company, Nelson Group. I’ve just taken over the reins of my family’s fashion brand as well. We’re in talks to collaborate with a top international design house. If you’re struggling, we can help you.”
I calmly sipped my water before replying, “No thanks. That won’t be necessary.”
Tina glanced at me scornfully before saying in a smug tone, “I’m guessing you’re unaware of what I can do. Have you heard of Lumina?
“It’s a rising Farvian luxury jewelry brand. Their head designer is a genius who won international awards back in Barie.
“She’s both brilliant and extremely enigmatic. I had to pull many strings just to establish a connection with her. I’m hoping to get her to design an accessories collection for my family’s brand. If she agrees, our collaboration will definitely make a mark on the entire fashion industry!
“When the time comes, I could easily toss you a few crumbs with just a snap of my fingers.”
Everyone in the room immediately gasped in awe and began showering Tina with flattery.
“I know about Lumina. Their pieces are impeccably designed!”
“I heard that their designer is incredible. She’s got an exceptionally keen eye. Most people couldn’t even dream of catching her attention!”
“You’re so well-connected, Ms. Upton! It’s so impressive that you managed to work with a designer of such high calibre. Only someone like you is worthy of being with Samuel!”
Tina lifted her chin proudly as she relished everyone’s sycophantic remarks. She’d said all those things for the sole purpose of achieving this outcome.
“What’s the name of the designer? Is she really so amazing?” someone asked curiously.
“She goes by the initials I.S., but I heard her last name is Stewart, and she’s a Carsinian, too,” Tina said as she continued to brag about the designer. “She’s said to be young but extremely talented. She holds a very high standing in the design industry back in Farvia.
“It won’t be easy for a niche brand like mine to collaborate with her, but I’m confident I will succeed!”
Leaning affectionately against Samuel, she asked, “Don’t you think so, Samuel?”
Samuel responded with a half-hearted hum. His eyes were still glued to my face. They seemed to be filled with hatred. He refused to look away or say anything.
The others continued to taunt and jeer me in order to suck up to Tina.
I simply took another sip of water, looking completely unbothered.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
A young woman in a fitted business suit came in with a stack of files in her hands. She had a respectful but slightly hurried expression on her face as she said, “I apologize for the interruption, Ms. Upton.
“I’m bringing over the urgent documents for the Lumina project that you asked for. As for the designer—”
Tina quickly interjected, “How is it going with the designer? What did she say? Has she agreed to meet with us to discuss the collaboration in more detail?”
Chapter 4
Tina’s voice brimmed with anticipation.
Still clutching the stack of document folders, Tina’s assistant nodded. “I met the designer today, but she already had plans tonight. She agreed to have another meeting tomorrow.”
The moment the assistant confirmed that she’d personally seen the elusive designer—and had a meeting set—Tina broke into a triumphant smile.
“That’s perfect!”
She turned toward Samuel, her eyes glittering with pride.
“See, Samuel? I told you I could do it. I’m definitely going to get her to agree to the collaboration tomorrow!”
My other classmates immediately erupted in eager praise.
“It’s just as expected that you’re able to do what others can’t, Ms. Upton!”
“How incredible! We’ll be relying on your support in the future, Ms. Upton.”
“Samuel is so lucky to find a partner like you who can be of such great help to him, Ms. Upton!”
Their brown-nosing immensely satisfied Tina’s ego. She glanced at me, who was sitting quietly in the corner, before addressing her assistant again.
“By the way, Lucy, do we have any entry-level positions open at the company? Maybe in the janitorial department?”
She paused and cast another meaningful glance in my direction.
“Irene over there helped my boyfriend out a lot in the past. I heard she still hasn’t been able to find herself a proper job. Since she and Samuel were classmates, I figured I’d help her find a steady job just to help her out a little.”
The room fell silent for a moment before everyone burst out laughing and chimed in happily.
“Heavens, no, Ms. Upton! It’s good to be kind, but you really shouldn’t get mixed up with people like her, and that family of hers, too!”
“That’s right. You probably didn’t hear about it, but when she ran off without a word back then, her parents came to the school and created such a huge fuss! They caused such a scene, even wailing outside the principal’s office, insisting that the school had sold their daughter off to human traffickers!
“Even the reporters got involved, you know. I can still recall what happened that day… It was a complete circus, and so very disgraceful, too.”
“Exactly! She and her family are all the same. They’re completely unreasonable! Your fashion brand is just getting started, Ms. Upton. This is a pivotal point in the company’s growth. What if her parents barged into the company demanding that you hand her over? What would happen then?”
Upon hearing that, Tina put on an expression of alarm.
“Is that true? In that case, I’m terribly sorry, Irene. It’s not that I don’t want to help you. But my company is finding its footing.
“We don’t have a firm foundation in the industry yet, so we can’t afford any scandals. We can’t possibly risk getting caught up in trouble from you and your family.” After saying that, she purposely scooted closer to Samuel, as if being near me would somehow bring bad luck to her.
Samuel simply looked at me. This time, his lips parted slightly. It looked like he wanted to say something to me, but in the end, he suppressed the urge with a stormy look on his face.
Everyone else was looking at me as though they reveled to see me being humiliated. Their gazes were filled with condescension and scorn.
I couldn’t understand why Tina was so eager to give me a job. Still, I remained calm and repeated the rejection I had given Greg earlier.
“No thanks. That won’t be necessary. I have a job.”
Sighing, Tina remarked, “You should really quit that job of yours. I know that being young and beautiful gives you an advantage, but… It’s easy to catch some kind of disease if you stay in that line of work for too long, you know.”
The crowd snorted derisively. Even Tina’s assistant, Lucy Ziegler, laughed along. But when she spotted me, her expression stiffened. She dropped the Lumina project documents she was still holding, and they scattered all over the floor.
The room went silent.
Looking utterly displeased, Tina snapped, “What are you doing? Can’t you even hold onto a bunch of documents?”
However, Lucy completely ignored Tina’s rebukes. Pointing at me, she exclaimed in terror, “I-It’s you, the designer, Ms. Stewart! W-What are you doing here?”
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