Cutting My Losses After Rebirth

The day before the wedding, my fiancs ex-girlfriend texted him: If you marry her, Ill give myself to another man. He grabbed his car keys, ready to bolt, but his mother, threatening to end her own life, blocked him at the door.

Eight years later, his mother passed away. The first thing he did was throw me into the citys sketchiest club, forcing me to serve drinks. Pinned at a card table, he whispered in my ear, If you hadnt been so eager to marry me back then, she wouldnt have ended up like this. Now, its your turn to feel the humiliation she suffered. He used my younger brother as leverage, keeping me there for six agonizing years. Finally, sick and broken, I was left in a rundown apartment to die.

I woke up again, back on the day of the wedding.

Rovan Miller! If you walk out that door today, Ill jump from this very spot!

Rovan panicked. He feared his ex, Sasha, truly would give herself to someone else, and he feared his mother, Mrs. Miller, would actually follow through on her threat. He ripped off his tie, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at me. Chloe Vance, are you really that desperate to get married? Is clinging to me like this fun? Youre pathetic! Every word was a knife.

You insolent boy! Mrs. Miller rushed forward, slapping him hard across the face, trembling with fury. It was me! I begged Chloe to marry you!

Indeed, this marriage was arranged after his mother knelt and pleaded with my family. The Miller family business was facing a liquidity crisis, but this spoiled young master was still oblivious. His mother feared he couldnt handle hardship.

Mrs. Miller, I heard my voice, surprisingly calm. Since Rovan is unwilling, lets just call it off.

Mrs. Millers face went white. My father, Mr. Vance, immediately stood by my side. Mrs. Miller, a forced marriage brings no happiness. Your sons heart has already flown away; my daughter would only suffer if she married him.

No, please dont! Mrs. Miller broke out in a sweat, desperately grabbing Rovan. Apologize to Chloe, now!

Rovan violently shook her off. Apologize for what?! Ive told you countless times, I love Sasha! Dont you understand plain English?! He turned to my father, his tone mocking. Mr. Vance, even if you force me to marry her today, I wont lay a finger on her. Sasha is the only one in my heart. Your daughter will just warm an empty bed for life!

You bastard! My father clenched his fist.

I stopped him, looking at Rovans face, contorted with rage, and suddenly found it all so laughable. You dont need to spout threats here. Im not marrying you. Go on, hurry. Any later, and your Sasha might actually end up with someone else.

You goddamn

Rovan raised his hand. Just then, his phone shrilled. It was Sasha calling. He quickly answered, his voice instantly changing. Sasha! Dont do anything foolish! Wait for me! Ive told them everything! I dont care if Mom disowns me, I only want you!

He hung up, his fingers flying across the keypad, his expression resolute. Mom, stop forcing me to marry Chloe! Even if I marry her, my heart will always be Sashas! My children, in the future, can only be borne by Sasha!

I clapped twice, softly. Touching, truly touching. Mrs. Miller, youve seen it all. Is there still any need for this wedding?

Mrs. Miller frantically wiped her face, forcing a smile that was uglier than a cry. Chloe, Rovan hes just temporarily infatuated! You grew up with him; isnt your bond deeper than anyone elses? Besides, he once saved you, remember?

The mention of it pricked my heart like a needle. Yes, in junior year, when I was cornered by thugs in an alley, Rovan rushed in and took a hit, breaking his arm and laying him up for two months. From then on, I felt I owed him. My personality was strong; I couldnt stand to see him wronged, always protecting him. He, in turn, probably grew accustomed to hiding behind me. He never studied hard, never did anything properly, slowly becoming the kind of person who couldnt survive without his family.

Mrs. Miller continued, Considering all that, give him another chance

I dont want it! Rovan abruptly cut her off, his face full of disgust. Chloe Vance, thats not gratitude, thats emotional blackmail! You know how many years youve held that over my head!

Mrs. Miller raised her hand to strike him again, but I stopped her.

I unclasped a delicate silver chain from my neck, its pendant a small, intricately carved 'peace lock'. Rovans grandmother had personally put it on me before she passed, holding my hand and saying, Chloe, Rovan is irresponsible. Help Grandma keep an eye on him. I caressed the cool lock, then gently placed it in Mrs. Millers trembling hand. Mrs. Miller, Ive always remembered Grandmas wishes. But this peace lock is meant for the Miller family daughter-in-law. Now, its back with its rightful owner.

My voice was calm. The heavy stone that had weighed on my heart for so many years felt as if it had been handed over with that peace lock. Mrs. Miller froze. Just then, Rovan stepped forward, almost snatching the peace lock from his mothers hand. It should have been returned long ago! Only Sasha deserves this peace lock! Dont you feel ashamed, holding onto it for all these years?

In my previous life, he had repeatedly hinted at wanting the peace lock back. I always thought of his grandmothers dying wish and hadnt relented. Now, I understood. He had always planned it for Sasha.

Before anyone else could react, a commotion erupted at the banquet hall entrance. A girl in a white dress, whose style, at first glance, bore a striking resemblance to a wedding gown, her face streaked with tears, rushed straight towards Rovan.

It was Sasha. She had actually found her way here. Rovans eyes instantly lit up. He immediately rushed over, took Sashas hand, and pulled her in front of his mother. Then, with a thump, he pulled Sasha down to kneel before his mother. Mom! Im begging you! Ive chosen Sasha for life! I cant live without her! I dont care about the company, or the family fortune, I just want her!

Sasha also pleaded through tears, Mrs. Miller, we truly love each other please, let us be together!

Mrs. Miller clutched her chest, her face turning purple, gasping for breath. I quickly approached, instinctively pulling a rapid-acting heart pill from her pocket and helping her take it. This was a scene I had repeated countless times by her sickbed in my past life.

Rovan, seeing this, far from showing concern, instead turned his fury on me, his voice vicious. Chloe Vance! Stop playing the good girl here! If anything happens to my mom, I swear the Vance family will pay! Now, you, immediately, personally declare that this wedding is off!

I looked at his urgent, contorted face, and suddenly felt an absurd sense of relief. I even smiled faintly. Rovan Miller, I said slowly. Ive returned the peace lock, and Ive called off the wedding. What more do you want from me? Do you need me to announce over the hotels PA system that I, Chloe Vance, no longer want you, so you can go pursue your true love?

Cut the act! Rovan grabbed my arm, his grip so strong my bones ached. You think saying its off ends it? Chloe Vance, what hold does your family have over mine? What did your father say to my mother?

I shook off his hand, rubbing my reddened wrist. You want to know? Go ask your mother.

He immediately turned, leading Sasha, and loudly declared to Mrs. Miller, Mom! No matter your reasons, I will be with Sasha!

Sasha clutched her stomach tightly, her eyes welling up as she looked at Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Miller, Im carrying Rovans baby, almost three months along. You cant you cant break up our family of three!

The news was a bombshell. Mrs. Miller stumbled, her face ashen. I supported her, my voice surprisingly calm. Mrs. Miller, this is good news. Since they already have a child, the wedding is all set. Why not let them go through with it?

Mrs. Miller pointed at Rovan, her finger trembling. You you scoundrel! I will never accept such a shameless person as my daughter-in-law! You, you take her and get rid of it!

Get rid of it? Rovan reacted as if hed been stepped on. Mom! This is your own grandchild! A life! How can you even say that?!

Sasha collapsed to her knees, hugging Mrs. Millers legs and weeping. Mrs. Miller, please! Rovan and I truly love each other, and the baby is innocent! If you let me in, I promise to serve you well and raise the child properly. Please, just give us a chance to live

Mrs. Miller closed her eyes. When she looked at Sasha again, there was a rare severity in her gaze. Young lady, youre young, and you have a long life ahead. Listen to me, this child cannot stay. If you leave now, I can give you a sum of money, enough for you to live well. But if you insist on staying with him, she glanced at her useless son, a bitter smile gracing her lips, you might end up with nothing.

Sashas eyes flickered, then she cried even harder. No, Mrs. Miller, I dont want anything, I just want Rovan! If you dont agree, I Ill take the baby and die!

Mrs. Miller closed her eyes. Rovan, you choose today. Her, or your mother and this family.

Mom! Why are you forcing me?! Did the Vance family promise you something? Or do they have something on you? Are you really selling your son like this?!

Rovan Miller!

My father finally couldnt take it anymore and spoke, his voice low but carrying the authority of someone long accustomed to power. Since its come to this, Ill be direct. Our Vance family never relies on anyone to get by. You helped Chloe once, but the troubles Chloe has shielded you from and the messes shes cleaned up over the years, that debt was repaid long ago, and then some. This wedding, today, is canceled. My daughter is not a tool for your family to solve its problems.

Mrs. Millers last bit of strength drained away. She stooped, as if she had aged twenty years in an instant, and waved her hand, her voice as faint as a sigh. Rovan, this is the path youve chosen. Dont dont regret it later.

Rovan and Sasha exchanged a look, pure euphoria washing over them. Rovan excitedly vowed, Mom! I will never regret it! Ill change, I promise! Ill work hard, Ill support this family, and let you live a good life!

Sasha quickly chimed in, Mrs. Miller, Ill be a good daughter-in-law and take care of everything for Rovan!

I looked at their faces, full of blind hope for a future they knew nothing about, and couldnt help but smile faintly. Support this family? The Miller family company was a hollow shell now. Rovan had no idea how much debt it owed, how many lawsuits it faced, all meticulously hidden by Mrs. Miller.

In my previous life, it was only through constant investment from my family and navigating complex relationships that the Miller family barely survived for a few years after the wedding. Once he gained confidence, he believed my family was exploiting him, that I had destroyed his true love, and he repaid Sashas debts and humiliations tenfold upon me. The forced drinks, the knives at my throat, the nights I was bargained over like merchandise in dark private rooms a chill seeped into my very bones.

Dad, Mom, I turned, no longer looking at the embracing, ill-fated couple, nor at Mrs. Millers suddenly ashen, despairing face, lets go home.

I was about to leave, arm in arm with my parents, when Rovan rushed a few steps forward, blocking our way. His face showed no apology, but rather an irritable urgency to draw a clear line. Chloe Vance, since weve spoken frankly, lets stop interacting from now on. Sasha and the baby need peace. What you owe me, what I owe you, lets call it even today. From now on lets not meet unless absolutely necessary.

I looked at his eagerness to distance himself, finding it only ironic. Call it even? What he owed me was far more than a simple debt.

In junior year, he got into a feud with a group of thugs from outside school. They threatened to break his leg. I didnt tell him. Instead, I went to negotiate with them myself, only to be cornered in an abandoned garage, almost losing my life. Someone passing by eventually called the police. I received seven stitches on my forehead, and theres still a faint scar there, hidden by my bangs.

And Sasha. I had looked into her long ago. She worked at several places, specifically targeting young masters like Rovan, who had some family money but were simple-minded. I privately confronted her, telling her to stay away from Rovan. The very next day, I was pushed down a flight of stairs from behind, fracturing my ankle and needing three months to recover. Mrs. Miller and my parents knew all of this, keeping it from him to prevent him from acting impulsively.

I always stood in front of him, shielding him from trouble, yet it couldnt compare to a few months of Sashas tears.

Miss Vance, Sasha also came closer, her tone soft and sweet, but her eyes held a sharp edge. After today, Rovan and I are family. Let bygones be bygones. I hope you know how to keep your distance in the future.

I looked at her triumphant demeanor and found it utterly amusing. Did she truly believe the gang leader she had latched onto could pull strings everywhere? The evidence I held in my hand was enough to send her backer scrambling. But today, I still had a use for him.

I changed out of my wedding dress into simple casual clothes. As I left the hotel, the congratulatory gift I had arranged for them arrived. A man with a buzz cut and tattooed arms leaned against a motorcycle, smoking. He saw me and subtly raised his chin. Behind him were several other rough-looking young men.

I didnt stop, walking straight to my familys car.

The car had just started when I heard a faint commotion from the direction of the hotel banquet hall. Soon, the noise grew louder, even drowning out the original wedding music.

Inside the opulent hotel banquet hall, the emcee was reading his congratulatory speech. Suddenly, a side door was violently pushed open. The buzz-cut man, along with his group, strode directly to the stage, snatching the microphone from the emcees hand. He scanned the astonished guests below, then grinned, his voice booming through the speakers, reaching every corner: Excuse me for a few minutes, folks, Ive got something to say!

This bastard Miller on stage, he stole my girl, messed with my woman, and now he wants to marry her? Is that how things work in this world? Sasha! Get your ass down here! Whose baby is in your belly? Youre going to tell everyone right here, right now!

The buzz-cut mans crude voice echoed through the entire banquet hall. All the guests gasped and stood up, the scene instantly descending into chaos. Rovans face turned beet red. He instinctively shielded Sasha behind him, shouting with bravado, Who the hell are you?! Spouting nonsense here! Security! Wheres security?!

The buzz-cut man, known in certain circles as Big Bro Vic, sneered, completely ignoring Rovan. He tossed the microphone aside, creating a jarring screech, then advanced, his eyes like a hawk, fixed on Sasha, who was cowering behind Rovan.

Sasha, Im asking you again, whose baby is in your belly?

Sasha trembled with fear, clutching Rovans clothes tightly, crying, Rovan, I dont know him hes crazy! Make him leave!

Dont know me? Big Bro Vic pulled out his phone, swiped a few times on the screen, then pointed it at the nearest table of guests. Youre all respectable people, take a look. Is the woman in this photo the lady on stage?

On the phone screen was a selfie of Sasha in revealing sleepwear, intimately nestled in Big Bro Vics arms. The background was a messy hotel bed. The angle clearly showed Sasha herself holding the phone.

Whoa

The crowd erupted.

Rovan spun around, staring at Sasha in disbelief. What what is this?!

Its photoshopped! Rovan, they photoshopped it to frame me! Sasha cried hysterically. Youre the only man Ive ever been with! The baby in my belly is obviously yours! You have to believe me!

Believe you? Big Bro Vic sounded like hed heard the funniest joke. Alright, then lets go to the hospital right now for an amniocentesis, and see if the DNA matches up. If youre innocent, Ill apologize to you on the spot. If not Big Bro Vics eyes suddenly turned cold. Ill throw you and that little piece of flesh in your belly into the river to feed the fish!

Sashas face instantly lost all color.

Rovans mind was a mess. He looked at the tear-streaked Sasha, then at the menacing Big Bro Vic. His last shred of rationality was consumed by rage. Like a furious bull, he charged at Big Bro Vic. Ill kill you, you bastard!

However, a pampered young master like him was no match for Big Bro Vic. Big Bro Vic sidestepped, grabbed Rovans arm, twisted it, and then kicked him behind the knee. Rovan fell to the ground with a thump in a humiliating posture, screaming in pain.

Big Bro Vics thugs immediately swarmed Rovan, punching and kicking him. The scene descended into complete pandemonium. Guests screamed and scattered, tables and chairs toppled, exquisite dishes and drinks spilled everywhere. Mrs. Miller, already on the verge of collapse, saw her son being beaten, her vision went black, and she completely fainted.

In the chaos, Sasha, seeing her chance, lifted her dress and tried to slip out a side door.

Trying to run? Big Bro Vic was quick, grabbing her hair and violently yanking her back, throwing her to the ground. You rotten bitch! How much money did I spend on you? You took my money, used it to support pretty boys outside, and now you want to make a fool of me?! He raised his hand, and a resounding slap echoed across Sashas face.

Just then, the banquet hall doors burst open, and a group of uniformed police officers stormed in, shouting sternly, Police! Nobody move! Everyone, hands on your head and squat down!

The arrival of the police finally brought a messy end to the farce. Big Bro Vic and his thugs were taken away for public disturbance. Rovan, as one of the parties involved, was invited to assist with investigations, his face bruised and swollen. Sasha, suspected of blackmail and extortion, was also taken away.

Mrs. Miller was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The entire Miller family, in a mere hour, became the biggest joke in the city. My father handled the situation with extreme tact. He apologized to the guests present in the name of the victim, promising that the Vance family would compensate for any losses. His words were flawless, both severing ties and preserving the Vance familys dignity.

People looked at my family with pity and relief. Thank goodness Chloe was decisive and didnt marry that idiot. Yes, the Vance family cut their losses in time and dodged a bullet.

On the way home, the car was silent. My mother held my hand, her eyes still red. My father calmly handled follow-up matters on the phone. Look into Big Bro Vics background, and Sashas. Also, inform our media partners that todays coverage should focus on the Vance family as victims, who promptly canceled the wedding.

The next day, I went to the hospital alone.

Mrs. Miller lay on the hospital bed. Overnight, she seemed to have aged a decade and a half, half of her hair turned white. Seeing me, a complex emotion flickered in her cloudy eyes, and she struggled to sit up.

Mrs. Miller, please lie still. I placed a bouquet of carnations on the bedside table, my tone flat.

Her lips trembled, and after a long moment, she let out a hoarse sound. Chloe are you are you here to gloat?

I pulled up a chair and sat down, peeling an apple. The peel came off in a long, continuous strip under my hand. I just came to see you. And to tell you something. Among the dowry my father had prepared, there was a fifty-million-dollar interest-free loan, intended to be injected into Miller Industries after the wedding, to help you through your difficulties.

Snap, the apple peel broke.

Mrs. Millers eyes widened suddenly, and her breathing became rapid. What did you say?

Miller Industries cash flow dried up long ago. Did you really think you could hide this indefinitely? I cut the peeled apple into small pieces and placed them on a plate. The bank loans are due soon, and several major project suppliers are pressing for payments. Without the Vance familys funds, Miller Industries might not make it through the month.

These words, like sharp knives, accurately pierced Mrs. Millers heart. She clutched the bedsheets, trembling all over. She had thought her secret was airtight, never imagining that the Vance family had seen through everything. She had sacrificed me, sacrificed the Vance familys help, only to gain a deception, a colossal scandal.

No it cant be she murmured, as if going mad. Rovan will find a way! Hell save the company!

I smiled softly, a hint of pity in my laughter. Him? Hes still at the police station giving a statement. What can he use to save it? Sashas illegitimate child?

Mrs. Millers psychological defenses completely crumbled. She violently grabbed my hand, her nails almost digging into my flesh. Chloe! Mrs. Miller is begging you! Please help us! Talk to your father! If youll just help, I Ill make Rovan kneel and apologize to you! Ill make him drive that woman away! Well go back to how things were, alright?

Slowly, one by one, I peeled her fingers off my hand. I stood up, looking down at her. Mrs. Miller, its too late.

Just then, the hospital room door was rudely pushed open. Several grim-faced men entered, the leader holding a document. Chairman Miller, were from Prime Construction Supplies. We heard your companys alliance with the Vance family fell through? So, about that payment for last months shipment, do you think we could settle it today?

Mrs. Millers face instantly turned ashen. I turned and walked out of the hospital room, shutting the pleas and commotion behind me.

The first step of my revenge had begun.