The second I walked in, Chloe was on me, guiding me straight into the VIP room.
Men's bags lined the table.
Each one priced at more than triple my "salary."
I looked at her. She rushed me into a seat.
"Babe, I'm trying to transfer to a brand under Remington Group. There's an internal referral opening. Can you help me get an exotic leather bag? I want to gift it to my contact. He's helping me get in—and once I'm making more, you won't have to work so hard."
She took my hand, all soft and thoughtful.
I didn't answer. Just looked down at my wrist.
An "expensive" watch. Her gift.
Fake.
I'd seen enough real ones to know. The only thing blinding me—was her.
"Babe, you don't want to?" Her voice dipped, sounding hurt.
I looked at her. She could win an Oscar.
Fine. If she wanted a show, I'd give her one.
I forced a tight smile, played it helpless. "Chloe, even the cheapest one here would take me half a year to afford."
Her face flickered, then she pushed on. "Babe... I'm sick. I need to get into Remington Group, make more for treatment. I don't want to drag you down."
I almost laughed.
Instead, I leaned in, all concern. "What is it? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I... lung cancer. The doctor said treatment might buy me some time."
She looked wrecked. I pulled her into my arms.
Lung cancer. She really went all in on the lie.
In the end, I pulled out my card and dropped a year's "salary" on one bag.
On my way out, I kept it casual. "Chloe, get me an exotic leather one too."
She snapped, "You're just a worker. You wouldn't even use it."
Then she froze, scrambling. "I mean—it's too expensive. Not worth bringing to work."
I smiled like I bought it and walked out.
Back at my place, Lucy, the housekeeper, was waiting, all smiles.
"Sir, the Mercer family sent a gift. Said it's for the upcoming meeting."
I crossed to the coffee table and opened it.
The same exotic leather bag I'd just seen in the store.
Under the light, the gray-white leather gave off a soft glow.
Too bad—I didn't like the person who sent it anymore.
I'd known Chloe's real identity for a while. I'd just gotten back to Arlencia—barely anyone had seen me.
Remington Group was huge, everywhere. Mercer Group? A step behind.
When my mom gave me three options, I picked Chloe without thinking.
I wanted to surprise her at the engagement.
Didn't expect I was just her time-killer.
"Put it in storage. I'm not using it."
After telling Lucy, I went to my room, dropped onto the bed, and passed out.
