Chapter 2

In my previous life, Chloe was just a delicate, manipulative girl who only knew how to play the victim; she never would have let that smugness slip.

This was getting interesting.

"Scarlett, you just woke up, so don't overthink things. Even if you're mad at me, focus on recovering first."

Lucas remained true to form—showering me with verbal concern, but withholding every penny when it came down to it.

This time, he didn't have a choice.

Unlike before, I played it smart.

I didn't cry or scream; I only offered them my blessings.

After three days in the hospital, I was taken back to my family's house to recover.

My parents only made a brief appearance at the start to show face before taking off on their own vacation trips.

Over the past few days, I became completely certain that Chloe had returned from the past as well.

Except this time, she was far too impatient.

The moment my parents left, she arranged for Lucas to host a party at our house with their friends under the guise of celebrating my recovery.

Everyone stood around chatting while I remained seated in my wheelchair.

"Scarlett hasn't fully recovered yet, so please take extra care of her today, guys," Chloe said, acting like a devoted sister asking everyone to look after me.

Seeing the situation, the guests glanced between Lucas, Chloe, and me, eager for drama.

I had no intention of disappointing them.

"Lucas, have you thought over what I told you the other day?"

At my words, the crowd's gossiping gazes intensified.

Annoyance flashed across Lucas's face.

"Scarlett, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. There are so many people here today. Do you really have to make a fool of yourself?"

I scoffed. "If anyone's a fool, it's you."

"Three years ago, if I hadn't saved your life, you'd be the one in a coma."

"The moment I woke up, you were holding my best friend's hand, claiming you two are true love and asking me to step aside."

"I agreed."

"I'm simply asking you to pay up for the life I saved. Is that too much?"

"Five million dollars for three years of a wealthy heir's life isn't asking for a lot, is it?"

The sheer weight of the accusation made the surrounding crowd gasp.

"Scarlett, that's absurd! It's pure extortion!" Chloe said, looking at me with a pained expression. "If it were me, I would willingly give up my life for Lucas without expecting a thing."

Looking at her hypocritical act made my eyes ache.

"Then pay the five million for him. If you'd give your life for him, what's a little money? Right?"

Choked by my retort, Chloe glared at me viciously before putting on a weeping face again.

"Scarlett, I know you're doing this to get back at me. I just couldn't control my heart, and I fell in love with Lucas. Take it out on me however you want, but please, don't hurt Lucas, okay?"

Tears streamed down Chloe's cheeks.

Anyone watching would have assumed I was terrorizing her.

Lucas certainly thought so.

He pulled her behind his back, looking at me with sheer disgust. "Scarlett, I made myself very clear. I don't love you anymore. Nothing you do will win back my attention."

I laughed out loud.

I honestly had no idea where he found such inflated self-worth.

"Lucas, get over yourself. I just want what's rightfully mine. Or is the life of a wealthy heir completely worthless?"

"Even ordinary people know how to return a favor. Are you going to be an ungrateful wretch who forgets his savior the second he gets a new girl?"

My voice dripped with mockery.

The crowd began whispering among themselves.

"Scarlett really got the short end of the stick. She saved his life only to get dumped."

"Five million isn't even that much for him. Scarlett is being civil; if it were me, I'd have torn those two apart."

"Chloe looks so fake. Look at that cheap act."

...

Lucas's face darkened completely. "Scarlett, that's enough!"