Chapter 3

He held my hand as we walked out of City Hall.

"Josie, from now on we're husband and wife."

Such an affectionate way to address me. I pulled my hand back and gave a perfunctory response.

A sports car stopped in front of us. The window rolled down to reveal a face.

It was Gianna, the woman Adrian was obsessed with.

In my past life, to please this woman, he could even sacrifice my life.

"Adrian, congratulations."

Gianna got out of the car and looked at me provocatively.

"This must be Miss Sinclair, right? So beautiful—no wonder Adrian skipped even my birthday party for you."

Adrian's shoulders stiffened imperceptibly.

He turned to look at Gianna, tension in his voice.

"Gianna, why are you here?"

Gianna pouted and walked over, intimately linking her arm with his.

"I came to see Adrian's new bride."

"Adrian, my stomach hurts. Will you come to the hospital with me?"

Right in front of me, his newlywed wife, she showed not the slightest restraint.

Adrian turned back to look at me.

"Josie, Gianna's health isn't good. I'll take her to the hospital first. I'll have the driver take you home."

In my past life, the first day after registering was the same. He was called away by Gianna with one phone call.

Leaving me alone in the bridal suite for an entire night.

Back then I actually believed he was just taking care of his sister.

I nodded at them.

"Sure, take your time. I won't see you off."

Adrian seemed quite dissatisfied with my calm reaction. He frowned, about to speak.

Gianna pulled him directly into the car.

After the sports car drove away, I pulled out my phone and called finance.

"Has the money arrived?"

"Yes, Ms. Sinclair."

I smiled slightly.

"Transfer the money to the offshore account immediately. Then report to the police that the company is suspected of illegal fundraising, and apply for bankruptcy protection."

Back at that bridal suite.

I threw all the couple items Adrian had prepared in advance into the trash, then booked the earliest international flight.

Just as I was about to leave, the door was violently pushed open.

Adrian rushed in and grabbed my throat, slamming me hard against the wall.

"Josie, you played me!"

Blue veins bulged at his temples, his eyes wide and round.

"You transferred the money? And voluntarily applied for bankruptcy?"

I was forced to tilt my head back, staring at him through the suffocating sensation.

"That's right."

"Your money—I find it dirty."

The grip on my throat tightened.

"You're asking for death!"

I forced out a smile with difficulty.

"Go ahead, strangle me."

"Strangle me, and you still won't get that money back."

Adrian suddenly released his grip.

I slid down the wall to the floor, clutching my throat and coughing violently.

He squatted down and grabbed my face.

"Josie, you think you can run?"

"Your father's ashes are still in the cemetery. Believe me when I say I'll have them dug up tomorrow?"

I couldn't stop trembling.

In my past life, he'd used my father's ashes as leverage to force me to donate bone marrow to Gianna.

I lunged forward and slapped him hard across the face.

"Adrian, you bastard!"

He turned his head, using his tongue to press against the cheek I'd hit.

When he turned back to stare at me, his face was full of rage.

"Well said."

"Since you're so disobedient, don't blame me."

He stood and made a call.

"Cancel Josie's flight. Freeze all her bank cards."

"Also, send people to guard the cemetery."

After hanging up, he looked down at me from above.

"From today on, without my permission, you're not going anywhere."