I Reject My Wife’s Transactional Love

My wife believed money could solve every problem.

On our wedding day, she allowed her junior assistant, Ashton, to accost me and call me a homewrecker.

Seeing me attacked by the entire internet, she bought out my hurt for a million gold coins.

Ashton accidentally shattered my fathers precious keepsake. She bought out my tears for three million gold coins.

Until Ashton falsely accused me of stealing his watch, threatening to send me to prison.

She remarked nonchalantly:

Youre always hovering around him; its natural hed be annoyed.

Its good that youll spend some time in prison to give him some peace.

Tell me, how much for your wounded heart?

Ten billion gold coins.

I said the astronomical figure, my eyes red.

She paused, just for a moment.

Then smiled.

Alright.

I watched in shock as she walked away with Ashton.

Beneath my hands, covering my face in feigned sadness, I finally couldnt hold back a laugh:

She finally fell for it!

Eleanor Howard led Ashton Tipton away, without a backward glance.

Leaving me alone, heartbroken on the spot.

Even the servants looked on with a mixture of pity and disdain.

Some clicked their tongues and shook their heads, calling me a spineless fool. Others sighed mournfully, lamenting that my appeal as a true husband couldnt even compare to an assistant.

I entered the bedroom, eyes red, and slammed the door shut.

Finally, I could laugh freely.

Ten billion for a six-month prison sentence?

Eleanor Howard, Eleanor Howard, you finally took the bait!

It was worth all the grievances Id endured before, repeatedly asking her if she still considered me her husband each time she offered money to soothe my distress.

No, I shouldnt say I was faking it.

At first, I truly would throw the money back in her face.

Back then, Id still defiantly say money couldnt buy love.

I wanted my Elara, the Elara who had followed me since childhood, who used to sweetly call me Brother Jackson.

Later, I realized, a heart that had changed, had simply changed.

Since it couldnt be saved, I might as well make a huge profit.

To compensate for our twenty years of shared history.

When Eleanors car, meant to take me to turn myself in, pulled up downstairs, I feigned heartbreak while gracefully getting into the vehicle.

It wasnt until the navigation veered off the usual route, stopping in front of a secluded warehouse, that I suddenly realized something was wrong.

The driver today its not Eleanors usual one, is it?

Just as I was about to jump out of the car, a handkerchief covered my mouth and nose from behind.

When I next opened my eyes, I was tied to a chair.

A somewhat familiar man stood before me.

A phone was held to my ear, and I trembled as I spoke:

Eleanor Howard

Jackson? Is that really you!

Eleanors tone was momentarily chaotic.

The man put the phone back to his own ear.

Did you hear that? If ten billion gold coins arent in my account by noon, in ten minutes, Ill chop off one of his fingers.

You dare kidnap my person?

Eleanors voice held suppressed anger.

Do you know who makes up Howard Security?

The man hesitated.

If you want to live, release him now, and wait quietly to be apprehended. I might consider letting you off the hook later.

No!

Another mans voice.

My heart tightened.

It was Eleanors assistant, Ashton Tipton.

Lady Howard, dont call the authorities! Hes my brother!

Eleanor fell silent.

My brother never went to school. He worked hard to support my education. Without him, I wouldnt be where I am today, and I wouldnt have met you, Lady Howard!

Hes just been through some tough times recently. Hes truly desperate.

If youre going to report him, then arrest me too!

What nonsense are you talking about?!

Hearing Eleanors voice, I knew she was distressed.

No one understood the subtle shifts in her tone better than I did.

My shoulders slumped, and I leaned back against the chair.

Sure enough, she conceded.

I wont call the authorities, and my security team wont bother you. Ten billion is acceptable.

But you must guarantee his safety.

The man smirked.

Money in hand, everythings negotiable.

I sat in that chair for three hours, not feeling nervous at all.

Ten billion wasnt an impossible sum for Eleanor Howard to produce.

I was only worried that she wouldnt charge this amount to my account.

If she later claimed that the ten billion intended for me was used for my ransom, I truly would go mad.

Two hours before noon, Eleanor Howard had the money ready.

We agreed, money in the account, you release him. Otherwise, Howard Security wont let you off easy.

Hearing Eleanors warning, the man scoffed.

Of course. I want the money. Bearing a life on my conscience does me no good.

Alright, Im transferring it to you now Lady Howard!

It was Ashtons voice again.

That luxury car I saw earlier has just been released! Its the only one in the world! If we dont pay now, someone else will buy it!

Eleanor Howard fell silent once more.

I felt a surge of anxiety.

Eleanor Howard!

She paused, then spoke.

Jackson, wait a little longer. That car is his favorite designers farewell masterpiece, and it costs exactly ten billion. Hes had his eye on it for a long time.

But Im currently

Enough! Cant you even wait an hour?!

Eleanor sounded impatient.

Hes waited three whole years for this car. Cant you be less selfish?!

I glanced at the clock, nearing eleven, and gritted my teeth.

Eleanor turned to the man.

Mr. Tipton, for this last hour, I hope youll keep your word and not harm him.

Of course, as long as you can raise it before twelve.

Of course.

The call ended just like that.

My once-relaxed heart now felt a slight tension.

The hands of the clock crept towards twelve, and I felt my impending death drawing closer with each tick.

No.

I shook my head.

Ten billion was no trouble for Eleanor Howard.

It was merely a re-allocation of funds.

Just a few signatures.

Thinking this, my taut muscles gradually relaxed again.

But with three minutes left until twelve, I grew tense once more.

No call came in.

No transfer came in.

The man was starting to look impatient too.

Seeing his cold eyes, I could only offer a forced smile.

Shell definitely get it. Dont worry. Weve known each other since we were five. Twenty years of friendship; she wouldnt really refuse you.

Jackson Hayes.

He spoke coldly, Im at the end of my rope. If I dont get this money today, Im dying with you.

I swallowed hard.

She wouldnt shell give it

The TV on the wall interrupted with a news flash.

The moment I saw the screen, my heart sank.

Renowned Designers Final Masterpiece Sells Out Upon Release

Mystery Tycoon Spends Ten Billion for Beloved Partner

It was a live broadcast.

Ashton Tipton sat in the exquisitely designed luxury car, looking like an international superstar.

Eleanor Howard sat in the passenger seat, smiling and waving to the crowd with him.

It created iconic images.

Soon, Ashtons brother, Caleb Tipton, saw the trending hot topic.

The hour hand reached twelve.

I swallowed.

Your brother has a ten billion luxury car, so actually its like you have it too.

Cut that out!

My neck was suddenly gripped.

He frowned, looking at me.

It wasnt easy for us brothers to get where we are today. I will never use my brothers money.

Since times up, Jackson Hayes, I have no other choice.

My hand was violently yanked and slammed onto the table. My nerves instantly tightened.

Wait! Let me call her!

He frowned.

I pleaded, She must have she must have forgotten. Let me call her. Shell send the money quickly!

Forget ten billion, twenty billion its even possible!

Caleb Tipton paused.

Then suddenly smiled.

I have a better idea.

This time, Caleb made a video call.

The moment Eleanor saw me, she frowned.

Wait a little longer. Ashton values this public appearance opportunity greatly. Dont cause trouble randomly.

I didnt! I ah!

A needle jabbed into my neck.

My pupils instantly constricted.

The next second, the nail of my pinky finger was brutally pulled off with pliers.

Jackson!

Eleanors eyes widened.

My body convulsed uncontrollably.

Damn it why does it hurt so much it shouldnt hurt this much, ahh!!

Jackson!

Lady Howard.

Caleb held my fingernail up to the camera.

I injected him with a serum that amplifies pain tenfold. Just pulling off a nail will make him wish for death.

Do you want to die?!

Eleanors eyes were red.

Lady Howard, I told you, ten minutes, I cut off a finger. Twelve oclock has already passed.

No dont!

My hand was forcibly pressed onto the table.

He was about to sacrifice my first finger.

Eleanor panicked. Im paying now!

Lady Howard, no!

It was Ashton again!

In the camera, Ashton looked at my hand in shock, then frowned.

Brother! Youve gone too far!!

Brother, I

Caleb looked somewhat flustered.

Ashton turned, pleadingly looking at Eleanor.

Lady Howard! You cant give him the money!

Eleanor and I both froze.

No, Jackson cant endure the pain.

Still no!

Ashton was agitated. Lady Howard, I didnt expect my brother to go this far this time. If you give him the money, hell do it again!

This time its Mr. Hayes hes kidnapped, and youll help me, Lady Howard, but what about later? If he kidnaps someone else and gets caught, I wont have a brother anymore!

Eleanor fell into deep thought.

So, Lady Howard, I beg you, let me talk him out of it. He listens to me most. If he can turn over a new leaf this time, it wont just save you, Lady Howard, but also me and my brother!

Eleanor Howard, dont listen to him!

I was in such pain I was almost insane. His brother is already mad! No one can persuade him!

He just wants to see me suffer! That bastard!

Mr. Hayes, you!

Ashtons eyes instantly reddened.

Eleanor shielded him.

Youre mad! Hes actively trying to save you! Is this how you speak to your savior?

Youre so self-centered, dont assume everyone else is like you!

Eleanor Howard, I

Ashton cut me off. Mr. Hayes, Ill go persuade my brother in a bit. Dont worry, I wont let anything happen to you.

Eleanor frowned.

Ashton is entirely focused on saving you, yet you slander him so much. Do you deserve him?

Then she hung up the phone directly.

But just as I had said before, there was no way Ashton could persuade Caleb to back down.

Not only did he not.

After Caleb hung up with his brother, his gaze towards me became even more sinister.

My brother said you not only stole his woman, but youve repeatedly targeted him?

I trembled, begging him not to.

But I could only watch as he clamped the pliers onto my finger.

Ive reached the end of my rope. Im willing to die.

But luckily, before I die, I can drag a bastard like you down with me!

No!!

I fell into complete despair.

Luckily, Ashtons call interrupted his action.

He answered, but it wasnt Ashton on the screen; it was Eleanor Howard.

Jackson!

The moment she saw me, her eyes widened in disbelief.