I first met Luther three years ago during a business meeting at my company. Our initial interaction was polite but professional, yet there was an undeniable spark that hinted at something more. Before long, Luther confessed his feelings to me and began to pursue me with a fervor that was hard to ignore.

At first, I was skeptical and didn’t take his advances seriously. But his persistence was unwavering, and it wasn’t long before his feelings began to break through my defenses.

Then, life took a cruel turn. My parents passed away, one after the other, leaving me in a state of unimaginable grief. When Luther learned of the tragedy, he didn't hesitate for a moment. He immediately stepped into my life with a sense of urgency and compassion that I had never experienced before. He took on the daunting task of arranging their funerals and provided a steady, comforting presence during those darkest days.

I still vividly remember his words as he held my trembling hand and looked into my tear-filled eyes. "Chloe," he said with a depth of sincerity that resonated deeply, "even though your parents are no longer here, I promise to always stand by your side. From this day forward, I will be your family."

"Let me take care of you for the rest of your life," he vowed, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

Those words moved me profoundly. As time went on, our bond grew stronger, and love blossomed between us. When Luther's company faced severe financial difficulties, I didn't hesitate to support him. I made the difficult decision to resign from my job and dedicated myself to helping him navigate through those turbulent times. Together, we worked tirelessly to stabilize the company, and our shared struggles only served to deepen our connection.

Luther had been everything I could have hoped for during the early years of our relationship. His support was unwavering, and his love seemed genuine. However, everything began to unravel when Vienna returned to our lives.

Vienna and Luther had shared a deep bond since childhood. As neighbors and childhood sweethearts, their connection was something that seemed almost unbreakable. I had heard from Luther's friends about a time when he had gone to great lengths for Vienna, even traveling abroad in a desperate attempt to win her love, only to be heartbroken when she rejected him. He returned to Los Angeles, his heart in tatters, and threw himself into taking over the family business.

When Vienna finally came back, Luther’s excitement was palpable. He went to the airport to greet her early that morning, a gesture that spoke volumes about their past. Later that night, I received a photo that shattered me—it was of Luther and Vienna locked in an intimate kiss. The timing was a cruel twist of fate, especially since Luther and I were supposed to celebrate our engagement the very next day.

Throughout our relationship, I had stood by Luther through thick and thin, supporting him as he navigated countless company crises. Despite my unwavering support and the sacrifices I made, he became increasingly wary of my growing influence. To protect his own position, he kept me at arm’s length from the business, fearing that my presence might overshadow him or pose a threat to his authority.

With the weight of resignation now lifted from my shoulders, I found myself free but heartbroken. I returned to the small house where my parents had once lived. Surrounded by their photographs and memories, I felt the overwhelming grief of their absence. The house seemed colder, more distant, and I cried for the loss of not just my parents, but the future I had envisioned with Luther.

Before her passing, my mother had often expressed a wish for me to find someone who would truly take care of me. I believed I had found that person in Luther, but now I was faced with this painful reality. It seemed I had been wrong about him. But perhaps that was the nature of things—I would never have truly known Luther's character until we were married.

After my tears had subsided, I gathered myself and set about tidying up the old house. I ventured out to buy some necessities for daily life. The village, though small, was tight-knit, and news of my return spread swiftly.

The next morning, the town mayor—a distant relative—arrived at my door with a look of concern etched on his face. "Chloe, why are you back? Isn’t your engagement taking place today?"

I shook my head, a gesture laden with defeat. "I’m not getting married," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady.

The town mayor, though puzzled, didn’t press for more details. After a brief chat, he left, only to return shortly thereafter, his expression now tinged with worry. "Chloe, you need to come to the village entrance. There are several cars blocking the road."

I was taken aback. "What cars are you talking about?"

"The cars belonging to your fiancé," the town mayor said, his voice a blend of sympathy and frustration.

I followed him to the village entrance, my heart sinking as I saw the situation. The narrow village roads were congested with Luther’s vehicles, making it clear that they were too large for the space. Regardless of his intentions, the sight of the blocked road was causing visible irritation among the villagers.

Upon reaching the entrance, I was greeted warmly by many of the villagers. My parents had been well-respected and cherished in the community, so it was no surprise that their support extended to me as well. Their kindness and familiarity provided a small measure of comfort amid the chaos Luther’s intrusion had created.

"Chloe, get in the car!" Luther’s voice rang out, filled with desperation as soon as he spotted me. "You have to come to the engagement party today!"

I regarded him with a calm, almost detached demeanor. "We broke up last night," I said quietly but firmly.

"I refuse to accept that!" Luther's eyes narrowed into icy slits. His anger was palpable as he took a step toward me, his hand reaching out.

I instinctively took a step back, my heart racing. Just then, Vienna appeared from the car behind him, her presence as calculated as ever. She strolled over, intertwined her fingers with Luther’s, and addressed me with a practiced air of concern. "Chloe, you know that Luther and I are not involved. Please, don’t let your anger get the better of you."

"Today was meant to be your engagement party," Vienna continued, her voice dripping with feigned empathy. "If you just walk away now, aren’t you disrespecting everything that was planned?"

She turned to Luther, adding a dramatic flourish, "Luther, Chloe might be upset, but you must understand her feelings too."

Vienna’s attempts to manipulate the situation only intensified my frustration. I faced Luther, my voice unwavering. "Luther, I am not going back with you. We ended things last night, and I intend to keep it that way."

Luther's expression hardened into a cold, unyielding mask. "Chloe, do you even grasp what you're saying? I refuse to accept our breakup. You're still my fiancée, and you're coming with me now. Get in the car!" His voice grew harsher, laden with a menacing edge. "Otherwise, you'll deeply regret this."

"Regret it? And what exactly are you threatening to do?" I demanded, meeting his steely gaze head-on.

Luther's eyes narrowed further, and he waved dismissively at the group behind him. My stomach churned as I noticed the bodyguards positioned ominously, their purpose clear—to forcibly remove me if necessary. The realization hit me hard. Luther was resolute in his plan to make me leave with him.

"Luther, you already have Vienna by your side. Why are you doing this to me?" I asked, my voice quivering with a mix of anger and frustration. "You should just go to the engagement party alone."

His gaze remained unyielding, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Chloe, my tolerance for this nonsense is running out!" His voice was stern and unwavering. "I've told you countless times, Vienna and I are just friends. You're the one causing all this trouble!"

His defense only fueled my disdain. I gave him a scornful look and retorted, "Kissing your so-called 'friend' for ten minutes doesn’t exactly scream ‘just friends’ to me."

Luther’s face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing with an intensity that seemed almost dangerous. Despite the fury in his eyes, I held my ground, refusing to flinch under his fiery gaze.

"Chloe, it’s my fault," Vienna exclaimed dramatically, her voice dripping with feigned remorse. "I shouldn’t have asked Luther to participate in that game!"

I turned to face her, my expression flat and unresponsive. I chose to remain silent, my attention drifting away from her insincere display. As the bodyguards began to guide me towards the car, I had no choice but to follow their lead.

The rough handling continued as I was ushered into the vehicle. I noticed that Luther initially made a move towards my car, but Vienna quickly intervened and redirected him. He followed her reluctantly, slipping into the car behind mine.

Inside my car, two bodyguards flanked me, their eyes never straying from me, their presence adding to the oppressive atmosphere. At that moment, my feelings for Luther were nothing but pure revulsion.

When we arrived at the hotel, the treatment grew even more severe. The bodyguards pulled me from the car with force, and there stood Luther, his demeanor as cold and unyielding as ever.

"Chloe, the engagement party is about to begin. From now on, keep your mouth shut and behave appropriately at the wedding banquet!" His voice was clipped, carrying a stern warning that left no room for misinterpretation.

I understood perfectly why he was behaving this way. His need to assert control and maintain appearances was clear.

Over the years, I’ve become the backbone of Luther’s business. Many clients recognize me and regard me as the true leader, despite Luther's name being the official one on the company documents. He has always been somewhat of a dandy, preferring a hands-off approach while relying heavily on me to manage client relationships and handle the day-to-day operations.

Now, Luther finds himself in a position where he needs to marry me to maintain his façade and secure his client base. Without me by his side, he knows his standing would diminish, and clients might even disregard him altogether.

Seeing my silent, resolute expression, Luther’s face lit up with a self-satisfied grin. He looked at me with an air of triumph and said, “That’s right! Remember, Chloe, marrying me is your golden ticket to becoming a rich wife. Without me, you’ll amount to nothing in this life!”

His eyes were icy, and his tone was laced with a threatening edge. It was clear he believed he was holding all the cards.

I couldn’t help but sneer at his arrogance. The idea of being a so-called “rich wife” held no allure for me.

During the Martin Family's financial crisis, it was my expertise and hard work that navigated us through the turmoil. Now, Luther is attempting to use that very leverage against me, trying to manipulate and threaten me.

As we arrived at the grand banquet hall, a swirl of familiar faces greeted me. Luther guided me through the elegantly decorated space, where several acquaintances approached us, offering their well-wishes and congratulations. I responded with a polite smile, choosing to remain silent.

The master of ceremonies soon took to the stage, launching into his congratulatory speech with practiced ease. Shortly after, Luther and I were called to join him up front.

“Chloe, remember—when we’re up there, don’t say a word,” Luther instructed with a cold edge in his voice. His concern was palpable, clearly worried that I might say something that could cast him in a negative light.

I merely nodded and kept my smile fixed as we ascended the stage. With the spotlight now on us, I could feel the weight of all eyes in the room. Suddenly, I raised my hand and declared, “I have something to say!”

An immediate hush fell over the room, and every head turned in my direction, their curiosity piqued.

“Chloe!” Luther’s voice was a harsh whisper, barely containing his fury. I could see the rage simmering beneath his composed exterior, with veins bulging on his neck.

At that moment, a wave of satisfaction washed over me, soothing the sting of earlier frustrations.

“What? Am I not allowed to speak?” I asked, my voice laced with a subtle, mischievous amusement.

Luther's eyes flashed with a searing intensity, yet he forced a tight-lipped smile and said, "Of course, you’re free to speak."

I nodded, maintaining a composed demeanor, and proceeded to pull out my phone. Connecting it to the large screen behind me, I watched with a quiet satisfaction as the image of Luther and Vienna locked in an intimate kiss appeared. The reaction was immediate and visceral—a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by stunned silence. Every guest's gaze shifted between Luther and Vienna, their faces a tapestry of shock, curiosity, and dawning realization.

Vienna, caught in the spotlight, appeared flustered, though she couldn’t completely conceal the flicker of triumph in her eyes. I cast a brief glance at her, then turned my attention to the crowd.

“As you can all see, today’s event is not about me but rather about Mr. Martin and Miss Johnson,” I announced into the microphone, my voice clear and steady. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both of you on your engagement!”

The color drained from Luther’s face, leaving it an angry, deep shade of crimson as he struggled to rein in his fury. The silence in the banquet hall was palpable, a heavy blanket of shock hanging over the room. Not a single person spoke, but the message was unmistakably clear.

“In addition,” I continued, my voice unwavering, “I want to make it perfectly clear that I have never been an employee of the Martin Corporation. Effective immediately, I am severing all ties with their business ventures!”

With my declaration complete, I turned on my heel and walked out of the hall. The cool night air is a stark contrast to the heated turmoil I had left behind. I remained indifferent to the seething rage etched on Luther’s face as I made my exit, my heart steady and resolute.