Chapter 2

The next morning, I woke up with my entire body aching. Realizing I was in a hotel room, my mind went blank before last night's wild night came rushing back.

I lay in bed, my thoughts wandering. I couldn't believe I'd actually slept with someone while drunk. Even more surprising was how compatible we'd been—even the way he groaned had reminded me of Leopold.

But then I remembered how Leopold had callously ended our ten-year relationship with Sophia. 

I forced myself to brush off any remaining feelings to him. What's done is done; I needed to move forward. Besides, I'd already lost in love—I couldn't lose my dignity too.

Suddenly, I heard movement in the outer room. Had the man from last night stayed? I quickly got dressed and went out.

I spotted a slender, tall young man entering, a freshly crisp suit draped across his arm. Our eyes met, and the room went silent.

"Um..." I bit my lip, feeling awkward before speaking. "About last night, I'm sorry."

The young man started, waving his hands dismissively. "No, I was just—"

"It's fine, really." Seeing his visible fluster made me even more uncomfortable, and I hastily interrupted him. "I understand. This will stay between the two of us—I won't tell anyone. Don't worry, I'll pay you three times the standard rate."

I was surprised that the man who had been so assertive in bed last night looked so refined and youthful. He had that boyish, innocent look currently popular these days. Plus, he'd helped me out and stayed when I begged him to—paying him triple felt only right.

But after I stopped talking, he just stared at me, clearly stunned by my directness. My embarrassment deepened, a blush creeping up my neck in waves. If I didn't have more to say, I would have fled immediately.

"Sir, would you consider a professional proposal?"

The young man finally shook it off. He cut a glance toward the bathroom before hesitantly asking, "What kind of arrangement?"

Guessing he wanted to use the washroom, I got straight to the point. "I was satisfied with last night and would like to pay you to be my boyfriend for three months. Don't worry—I only need you to play the part during this time. No physical intimacy. Name your terms."

"Huh?" The young man looked completely lost. "No—" His phone rang, cutting him off. "Excuse me, I need to take this."

After the call, his expression shifted instantly. He then gave a polite, businesslike smile.. "Alright, I accept. But my services aren't cheap—at least ten million dollars, monthly."

My heart, which had was pounding in my chest, settled slightly. Ten million was a lot, but I could afford it.

"No problem. Let's swap numbers. I'll pay half upfront, and the remainder when our contract ends." I added, "During this period, I'll take care of your meals, accommodation, and clothing expenses—just save the bills."

Deal done, I grabbed my bag and left quickly. Any longer, and the things would have gotten even more awkward.

As I reached the hotel entrance, a cold breeze chilled the heat in my face. That's when I realized something odd about the young man's voice—it didn't have that gravelly pull from last night. 

Then again, voices often sound different in the heat of the moment. I brushed it aside and headed home.

"Home" was actually the marital residence of Leopold and I had planned to share. He'd bought it in cash, and now that the engagement was over, I obviously couldn't stay. The place was hauntingly still. Clearly, Leopold hadn't returned last night either.

I gave a bitter half-smile and went upstairs to pack. I'd assumed I wouldn't have much, but packing revealed otherwise. Most items were gifts from Leopold marking various anniversaries. They were worthless now. I threw them into boxes.

After finishing, I went downstairs for water and to hail a ride. Just as I pulled out my phone, I heard the door unlock. Leopold walked in.

I hadn't expected him to return and didn't know what expression to wear. Leopold's expression was unreadable as he silently walked to the living room and sat down. He seemed troubled, rubbing his temples.

With nothing to say to him, I turned to go back upstairs for my things. Halfway there, he called out to me. "Lucinda, you have nothing to say to me?" His tone carried an a condescending tone.

Without turning around, I answered tonelessly, "I said everything I needed to last night."

"Lucinda!" Leopold's voice turned sharp.

My heart trembled. I tightened my grip on the water glass and continued, "Don't worry. I'm not the clingy type. I've packed my things and will leave today. I won't delay your life with Sophia."

As soon as I finished speaking, a sudden force gripped my wrist, spinning me around. Startled, I lost my grip on the glass. With a crash, glass shards scattered everywhere, cutting the skin at my ankle.

Leopold's expression changed when he saw the cut, and he instinctively bent to examine it. I yanked my hand away and backed up two steps on the stairs. "Leopold, I'm willing to step aside. Isn't that enough?"

Leopold froze, then slowly raised his head to look at me. His eyes were cold and sharp, as if trying to pierce my soul. "Are you in such a hurry to step aside—or to move on to someone else?"

A chill ran through me as I stared at him in disbelief. "Leopold, how can you say that?"

Leopold laughed coldly. "You dare do it but can't bear to hear it spoken?"

I dug my nails into my palm, looking directly at him. "Tell me then, what exactly did I do?"

"Where were you last night?"

My breath caught. I couldn't answer.

"Cat got your tongue?" Leopold grabbed my chin, forcing it up. "Answer me."

Forced to look up, I wanted to mock him for his hypocrisy but decided it wasn't worth it. "Leopold, since we've decided to separate, why keep questioning me? Wouldn't it be better to leave each other with some dignity?"

Leopold's eyes turned glacial. "Dignity? You don't deserve it!"

In that moment, my heart felt as if it had been run through with a blade, the pain excruciating. He had betrayed me first—how could he still self-righteously accuse me?

Anger surged within me. I knocked his hand away and said coldly, "You're right. I don't deserve it. You were willing to abandon our engagement for Sophia, regardless of both families' reputations. How could I possibly compare?"

Leopold's face remained cold. "This is between you and me. Why bring Sophia into it?"

His response made me laugh bitterly. He'd gone to such lengths to please Sophia, even using my proudest achievement—my principal dancer performance—to highlight her excellence. Yet now he couldn't bear to have her name tainted in the slightest.

"Leopold, I truly regret ever meeting you."

Leopold's body visibly tensed, fury building in his eyes. "Do you regret meeting me, or do you regret not meeting Asher sooner? Lucinda, admit it—your rush to move out is because you're desperate to move in with Asher!"