Chapter 4

Natalie rolled down the window.

Dominic leaned against the frame, casual as ever, like he owned every inch of the air around him.

"Natalie, remember President Zhao from the Wuzhen conference?" His voice was silk. "He wants to discuss the AI internet project. Why don't you send your assistant ahead and ride with me?"

"Okay."

No hesitation. Not even a breath.

Everything I'd said to her moments ago? Gone. Erased. As if the words had never left my mouth.

She stepped out of our car and slid into his.

Something cracked open in my chest—sharp, hollow, spreading. It wasn't jealousy. Jealousy would have been easier. This was loneliness so thick it pressed against my lungs, made each breath feel borrowed.

The taillights shrank into the distance.

I stood there for a long time. Then I went home.

---

Past ten o'clock when I unlocked the door. The TV blared. Mom, Dad, and my younger brother huddled in the living room like they'd been waiting for me—or waiting for something.

Mom smiled and walked over. "Liam, what took you so long?"

"I just... missed you guys." The lie scraped my throat. "Wanted to see you and Dad."

Dad chuckled from the sofa. "You've got a big-shot CEO girlfriend and you still miss us? Speaking of which—where is she? Didn't come up?"

He didn't wait for an answer.

"Your mother and I were just saying—when you two get married and have a kid, we'll move in. Help with the baby. It'll be nice, the whole family under one roof—"

"Dad."

The word came out flat. Dead.

"I'm not marrying her."

His smile froze. "What did you say?"

"I want to break up with her."

"Shut up!"

His face twisted, all pretense gone. "You useless thing! Did I raise you for nothing? I was counting on you to marry into wealth so this family could finally *live*. And now you want to break up? On your own initiative?"

My brother jumped in, sneering. "Bro, you think too highly of yourself. She's *Natalie Henson*. Dynasty money. Countless men would kill for a chance, and they don't even get close. You have the golden ticket and you don't know how to cherish it?"

He scoffed. "What, you feel 'wronged'? Suck it up. A rich heiress choosing *you* is a blessing you must've cultivated over eight lifetimes. She picks you—not the other way around. Look at your status compared to hers."

Mom's voice went shrill. "Liam, your brother's right. Whatever grievances you have, swallow them. We already agreed on the terms—the dowry includes three villas and nearly ninety million in cash. If you back out now, what about your brother? Where's he going to get money for a bride price? Are you trying to cut off his future?"

I looked at them. These familiar faces. No warmth. No concern. Just hunger.

For years, I'd paid for everything. Their food. Their bills. My brother's tuition. Every expense. Out of my pocket.

And this was what I got in return: three greedy mouths demanding I sell my dignity.

I'd planned to leave them the several million I'd saved for a marital home before I left.

Now? My heart turned to ice.

I walked out.

Behind me, they screamed.

"Where are you going? We say a few words for your own good and you throw a tantrum?"

"Dad, ignore him. Let him go. He's forgotten who he is. Once he leaves that rich lady, who's gonna treat him like a human being?"

The door slammed shut, cutting off the venom.

The streets were empty. Wind-swept. Bleak.

The night was cold.

But the loneliness was colder.

My phone buzzed.

One in the morning.

Natalie.

"Where are you?" Demanding. Impatient. "I'm at the new house. Why aren't you here?"

I stood in the dark, the wind biting through my jacket. "Do you need something?"

A pause. "Are you crying?"

"I'm not crying." My voice came out hoarse. "If you have something to say, say it. I'm busy."

She seemed thrown. "Today in the car—you mentioned resigning. I don't know what got into you, but I think we should talk this over properly."

"There's no need."

I took a breath.

Said the words I'd held inside for so long.

"I don't want to marry you anymore."