The Price of a Lie

I spent three years with Charles, believing that even caring for an animal for three years would create some emotional bond.

But when his first love returned, everything shattered.

That night, I was tricked into attending the welcome party Charles personally hosted for her.

At the party, she casually remarked, "I don't like it when someone wears the same dress as me."

Without hesitation, Charles threw me out like I was a beggar.

Later, when I was offered a position at Magnify Group, he personally canceled my employment and ensured that no other company would hire me.

He explained, "I just don't want you to work so hard."

When my mother questioned him about our relationship, he coldly said, "We’re just using each other, that’s all."

That night, when I returned home, he warned me that he would never marry me. The only woman he’d marry would be someone of his status.

But, he added, "You’ll be the only woman I’ll keep outside of my marriage. I love you."

I was so disgusted I felt like throwing up.

That was when I gave up on him completely.

The day Charles got engaged to his first love, I left Chicago.

I returned five years later, bringing with me a sweet, adorable daughter.

When Charles saw my daughter, who bore an 80% resemblance to me, he was overjoyed.

How laughable. Did he really think the child was his?

***

This morning, before Charles left for work, I was tying his tie for him. His handsome face remained expressionless as he said, "I’ll be home late tonight. Don’t wait up for me."

A faint disappointment crept into my heart. Had he forgotten? Today was my birthday.

But around noon, I received a call from Lily, the eldest daughter of the Miller Family. Normally, she would mock me relentlessly at any gathering Charles brought me to, but this time, she sounded unusually polite.

"Tonight at 8 PM, at Golden Pavilion, Charles has prepared a surprise for you. You must come! Without you, the party won’t be complete. Oh, and he’s arranged a dress for you—you’re going to be the star of the evening! Just make sure to arrive exactly at 8 PM," she said, laughing cheerfully.

Instead, I felt flattered and a little thrilled. So, Charles hadn’t forgotten after all. He just wanted to surprise me.

That afternoon, I received a package containing a stunning evening gown. It was so beautiful it took my breath away, though the deep rose-red color wasn’t to my taste—it was too bold for me.

Still, filled with anticipation, I arrived at Golden Pavilion at precisely 8 PM.

The servant escorted me inside to an outdoor party buzzing with life.

The women wore luxurious gowns and the men were dressed in perfectly tailored suits.

As I stepped into the dazzling scene, I hesitated. It was my first time attending such a high-society event. Charles had never brought me to gatherings like this before.

The moment I entered, I felt all eyes turn toward me.

But what caught my attention most were the two most radiant figures at the center of the party.

Charles looked breathtakingly handsome in a perfectly tailored suit that highlighted his noble demeanor. Normally cold and aloof, his expression softened surprisingly as he gazed at a woman beside him.

I had never met her, yet her name slipped from my mind as if I had always known it: Susan.

Her alluring features, delicate face, and those captivating eyes—eyes that seemed to speak—resembled with mine by at least 50%.

And suddenly, I recalled how, whenever Charles was overcome with passion, he would always kiss my eyes and never my lips.