The Runaway Bride's Revenge

I knew from the beginning.

Julian Hale never got over the ex-girlfriend who almost cost him half his life.

He allowed me to stay by his side for five years, promising me a title,

Only because I was more obedient than Madison.

I wouldn't cry and say he trampled on my dignity with money when he gave expensive gifts.

Nor would I threaten to break up over his scandalous rumors, staging a "chasing wife" drama.

So on our wedding day, he felt justified running off to comfort Madison.

Leaving me alone to face the embarrassment of the full venue.

The officiant tried awkwardly to smooth things over, while his rich buddies laughed in a group:

"Sister-in-law, being a wealthy wife isn't that easy. Consider today our first lesson for you!"

Unfortunately, Julian and they all calculated wrong.

I didn't swallow my pride to marry into a wealthy family, begging him to change his mind.

Instead, I took off my wedding dress on the spot, took the money Julian gave me over the years, and quietly left New York.

Chapter 1

Three hours past the ceremony time, Julian still hadn't appeared.

Ignoring the sympathetic or mocking gazes around me, I calmly removed the white veil pinned in my hair.

Connor Hale leaned against the door, sneering with a curled lip:

"Can't wait already? Julian is just a little late. Want to be the future mistress of the Hale family, but don't have this little patience?"

I didn't look up, continuing to face the mirror, taking off the matching jewelry piece by piece.

His cousin, who always looked down on me, leaned in, persuading with a soft voice:

"Sister-in-law, don't take it to heart. Cousin Julian is always punctual. Today... maybe Madison is suddenly sick and needs his care~"

She deliberately said the name "Madison" slowly and clearly, her exquisite eyes unable to hide her schadenfreude.

I looked at her expression in the mirror and suddenly laughed.

"Take it to heart?"

I repeated, gently placing the last earring back into the jewelry box.

"Why should I take it to heart?"

The air in the dressing room suddenly quieted.

I turned around, my gaze calmly sweeping over faces with various expressions.

"You guys don't really think I've been waiting for him for these three hours, do you?"

Connor's face darkened: "Scarlett, what do you mean?"

I stood up, fingers touching the zipper on the back of the wedding dress, slowly pulling it down.

"This dress is quite expensive. Pity not to take a few photos."

My tone was as flat as discussing someone else's affairs.

"Scarlett, don't be ungrateful!"

Someone couldn't help but speak up.

"It's a huge grace that Julian is willing to give you a title. You want to play the runaway bride game? I tell you, if you dare walk out this door today, there will be no place for you in New York tomorrow!"

Zipper down to the bottom, the gorgeous wedding dress slipped off. I had already changed into a plain shirt and pants underneath.

I bent down, finding my old phone used for years from that pile of jewelry worth millions.

Then, looked at every pair of eyes staring at me in the room, smiling faintly:

"I never belonged here anyway."

"So, there's nothing to lose."

With that, I ignored their stunned expressions and walked out without looking back.

Julian is the sole heir of the Hale family in New York. Naturally, those around him are rich kids who grew up in piles of money.

They always looked down on me.

Compared to them, my background was like a glass bead mixed into a pile of pearls.

No one knew why Julian chose me. So even if I was about to become his wife, the contempt in their tone never diminished by half.

The person who disappeared today was clearly him, but in the end, I was the one facing criticism and ridicule.

I should have had a good fight with them, returning the grievances and injustices accumulated over five years one by one.

But I didn't have time.

I was leaving New York tonight and had to rush back to pack.

Julian fleeing the wedding today, I wasn't surprised at all.

The night before the wedding, tossing and turning in bed, I opened my phone and accidentally entered Madison's livestream.

At 3 AM, she was still selling cosmetics hard in front of the camera.

Years after leaving Julian, she didn't seem to be living easily.

The popularity of the livestream was unexpectedly high.

But most people didn't come for cosmetics, but were attracted by the constant screen-flooding gifts and that mysterious Top Donor.

[Turn off the stream, go rest.]

[Your stomach condition can't handle staying up late. Madison, if you faint again, I won't go take care of you.]

[Unblock me, send me your account number, I'll transfer you some money.]

[I'm getting married tomorrow. Don't contact me again, and stop putting on that pitiful look.]

Accompanied by every cold text, dazzling gift animations filled the screen.

Julian was generous to everyone, even to this ex-girlfriend he once hated to the bone, spending money like water.

Madison's voice explaining products already carried a slight tremor.

She lowered her head to wipe the corner of her eye, voice so light it was almost inaudible:

"Julian, don't use money to insult our past feelings."

[Did we have feelings?]

[Madison, for you, I almost lost half my life. I fell out with my family, even to force myself to forget you, I'm marrying a woman I don't love at all tomorrow. I wanted to erase all your traces like a madman. It was you who let go first, you destroyed everything between us.]

I stared at the phrase "woman I don't love at all," stunned for a rare moment.

The comment section was already out of control, full of "Get back together" and "Don't get married."

Madison bit her lower lip tightly, looking at the camera with red eyes:

"Julian. If I say, I'm willing to come back to you, willing to pay any price to make up for it."

"Can you... not get married?"

Chapter 2

I didn't see Julian's answer, but his absence today explained everything.

It's no secret that Julian can't let go of Madison.

Two years ago, my back injury relapsed. Julian insisted on giving up the superior medical conditions in New York and took me to a hospital thousands of miles away in the north.

As expected, we met Madison in that hospital.

She was still like the old photo in Julian's wallet, young, beautiful, innocent.

Julian supported my waist, looking at her expressionlessly, gaze obscure.

But only I knew, the second Madison appeared.

Julian's fingers around my waist tightened suddenly, so hard that I frowned slightly.

"Sorry, I didn't know you would come here..." The girl retreated a few steps in panic.

"I'm leaving now. I said I wouldn't disturb you again."

Julian's Adam's apple rolled.

I stood quietly aside, gaze falling on the tattoo on her collarbone.

A puppy that looked very much like Julian's dog.

Indeed, a good match with the kitten on Julian's collarbone.

"Move."

Julian's voice was cold as ice.

But waiting for the elevator, his eyes kept drifting to the end of the corridor.

"Hold it tight." I said, "Don't lose it."

The black card Madison held was Julian's supplementary card.

He was a man of clear boundaries. People who offended him in business never had a chance of reconciliation.

And that unlimited black card was probably the last bit of warmth, a way out he gave the girl.

Even though he said she was the person he least wanted to contact in this life.

On the way back, a rainstorm suddenly started.

Julian held the steering wheel with one hand, somewhat distracted.

Phone screen lit up.

A number not saved in contacts. He glanced at it and slammed the brakes.

I rushed forward, forehead hitting the windshield hard.

Blood gushed out instantly.

"Julian..." Suppressed sobbing came from the phone.

"Sorry, I really shouldn't call you... but my mom is critically ill, the hospital says it's urgent, I don't know who else to call..."

"I'm so scared... I..."

Julian looked at me, panic unable to be hidden in his eyes:

"Scarlett, you go back first, I have something urgent."

I rarely saw Julian like this.

Even when the company faced life and death, he hadn't been this panicked.

Panicked enough to let me get off at a highway exit late at night.

Panicked enough to drive recklessly in the rainstorm.

Panicked enough to forget, on a winter night of minus five degrees, I was only wearing a thin shirt.

He just left.

Leaving me shivering in the howling cold wind.

The highway exit was desolate. I couldn't call a car. After standing in the cold wind for nearly four hours, Julian came back with hazard lights flashing.

Obvious fatigue between his brows.

"Madison fainted."

I lowered my eyes.

"Arrived at the hospital only to find out her mother was just hospitalized normally. She exaggerated the condition in a panic. I turned to leave, she fainted from emotional agitation. She's fine now."

He approached, holding my hands red from cold.

"Sorry, made you wait alone for so long... She's been in a bad state recently, I was afraid she would do something stupid."

I didn't know what to say.

"Have you really... let her go?" I heard my own voice asking.

If he really couldn't let go, I wouldn't tactlessly continue to stand in the middle.

After driving far away, Julian whispered:

"There's nothing about letting go or not. I'm not a fool to hang myself on one tree."

"Just... seeing her helpless now, felt a bit pitiful."

Oh.

So he hasn't let go.

Since then, Julian consciously hid all news related to Madison from me.

I knew, but I didn't care.

Because every time after he got involved with Madison, the jewelry or real estate he casually compensated me with was enough for an ordinary person to strive for a lifetime.

So what? One can't refuse real money for self-esteem.

Chapter 3

Because everyone knew how much Julian cared about Madison, they never thought I could stay by his side for long.

So when we announced our marriage, almost everyone thought it was incredible.

A week before the wedding banquet, Connor organized a grand bachelor party.

He booked the most high-end private club in the city, inviting the most playful socialites in the circle.

All with exquisite makeup and slender figures.

Of course, Madison was invited too.

I had no reaction. Instead, Julian frowned slightly, whispering to me:

"These people play without limits. If you feel uncomfortable, find an excuse to go back first later."

Just as he was about to lead me inside, Connor blocked the way smiling:

"Sister-in-law, you don't usually come to our gatherings. It's normal not to be used to it."

Wearing a deep V black shirt, he handed me a glass of champagne.

"Our circle is like this, playing open, different from your rhythm of living a steady life."

I smiled, took the glass, and took a sip.

Looking down to adjust my skirt, tone calm:

"It's okay, as long as you enjoy yourselves. Just don't play too late. Watch Julian for me, don't let him drink too much."

Julian was obviously stunned, seeming not to expect my reaction.

Connor didn't notice his brother's strangeness, putting his arm around Julian's shoulder:

"Julian, sister-in-law said so, what are you waiting for? Come in!"

"I specially messaged Madison to come. Last single night, rare opportunity."

For Connor's childish provocation, my heart had no waves, just calmly waved at Julian.

Unexpectedly, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, brows locked tight:

"Scarlett, what do you mean? Pushing me out?"

Pushing you out? But when did you ever truly belong to me?

I felt it a bit laughable, looking up and asking back:

"Then if I say, I don't want you to go, don't want you to see Madison, can you agree?"

Inside the private room, lights were blurry, music restless.

I looked at Julian quietly. Connor spoke before him, raising his voice:

"Julian! Everyone is waiting!"

Julian's eyes flickered, Adam's apple rolled, finally letting go of my hand.

"Scarlett, wait for me at home."

Before he finished, he was pulled in forcefully by Connor.

Standing in the shadow of the corridor, I glanced through the door crack, turned and left, never looking back.

On the way out, a loud noise suddenly came from the next private room.

Followed by a girl's suppressed crying.

Very familiar, sounded like Madison.

Just as I approached, the door was pushed open violently. A man stumbled out covering his bleeding forehead, smelling of alcohol:

"Who do you think you are? Dare to hit me?"

"This isn't over today!"

Madison looked up, looking like she suffered a huge grievance.

"I don't know you! You kept pestering me!"

The man was exasperated: "You slut pretending to be pure! Either pay up, or don't think about leaving tonight!"

Madison's eyes reddened, tears swirling but stubbornly held back.

Red eyes swept towards me.

"Laugh if you want... I have no backer, but I'm not lower than anyone. Don't look down on me!"

Speaking as if the person humiliating her right now was me.

The man steadied himself, grabbing her wrist.

"Then pay."

"I have no money."

"Then drink all this wine, and I'll let you go." The man glimpsed the corner of the black card in her bag.

"Using this kind of card and telling me no money?"

"No!" Madison cried out, "This can't be touched!"

"I'll drink!"

She squatted by the coffee table, grabbing the bottle and pouring it into her mouth.

Alcohol choked her into coughing violently, but she wouldn't stop.

I couldn't stand it.

"How much, I'll pay."

"Don't need your hypocrisy!" Madison screamed out of control.

She raised her hand, slapping me hard.

"It's all your fault! You stole Julian!"

"Didn't you call me here today just to show off you're marrying him? You think I don't know?!"

"Now using money to trample my dignity! I don't want your charity!"

Ears buzzing.

Spinning, I saw the door pushed open, Julian rushed in, passing me.

He held the trembling girl tightly in his arms.

"Madison, stop being cowardly, hit back!"

"Why didn't you use the money I gave you!"

I almost couldn't stand steady.

Holding the wall, cheek burning with pain.

"Scarlett!" Julian looked at me, eyes cold as ice.

"You said go back first, just to come here to trouble Madison?!"

I opened my mouth, said nothing, turned and left.

Of course he wouldn't know, I wished he thought I did it.

After all, the more he hates me, the cleaner I can leave.

Julian finally returned home at 3 AM smelling of smoke and alcohol.

I hadn't slept, checking immigration procedures in the study.

He leaned over, hugging me from behind, chin on my shoulder, hot breath mixed with alcohol spraying on my ear.

"Why haven't you slept? Waiting for me?"

"Mm. Is Madison okay?"

"Sorry, I misunderstood you. That man deliberately troubled Madison. I handled it, sent her home and came back."

He nuzzled my neck, tone fawning:

"I kept checking my phone, you didn't send a single message. Still angry?"

I really wasn't in the mood to deal with him. Who knew he was extra clingy today, insisting on turning my face to look into my eyes.

"Jealous? I swear, I didn't touch Madison, Connor can testify. I didn't touch any of those girls, didn't give contact info."

I looked at him for a long time, finally sighed, resignedly supporting him to the bedroom.

Chapter 4

First time I met Julian was by the old book stall outside the north gate of NYU.

He probably just came out of the club opposite, holding a black umbrella, face gloomy, like he just had a big fight.

Just as he was about to get in the car, the stall owner suddenly grabbed me trying to put back an old dictionary.

"Stop! Page corner folded, you have to buy this book!"

"I just opened it to look... this crease was already there."

I tried to explain, voice drifting in the wind.

Owner relentless: "I say you did it, you did it! Thirty dollars, don't leave without a cent less!"

During the struggle, the backpack strap couldn't bear the load, ripped open, books scattering all over the ground.

The student loan overdue notice sandwiched in the book floated out, instantly soaked by puddle water.

Just as I squatted to pick it up, a black umbrella steadied over my head.

"How much?"

Julian's voice wasn't loud, but carried an unquestionable coldness.

The owner froze, looked up at him and the car behind him, momentum instantly weakened: "Th... thirty..."

Julian didn't speak. Assistant behind him already pulled out a bill and handed it over.

Owner took the money, muttering and retreating behind the stall.

He then looked down at me.

Gaze swept over my soaked hair, finally landing on that crumpled tuition bill.

"Which school?"

"...NYU."

He nodded, handed the umbrella to me, squatted down himself, picking up my books soaked in dirty water one by one, stacking them.

I stood there blankly holding the umbrella, watching him take off his trench coat, putting it on my thin sweater without refusal.

"Get in, I'll send you back."

His car was parked by the road, interior spotless, heating on high.

"Short of money?"

He looked ahead, tone flat as discussing weather.

"Mm."

"Name?"

"...Scarlett."

He tapped the steering wheel twice, seeming to think.

"Follow me. Your tuition, living expenses, I'll cover. Plus, $50,000 monthly allowance."

Reason told me to refuse immediately.

This was too absurd, unreasonable. No free lunch in this world.

But from the corner of my eye, seeing luxury goods placed everywhere in his car, and dollar bills thrown all over the back seat.

I wavered.

I needed this money, needed to get rid of the immediate predicament, needed... to seize this sudden possibility.

Car stopped at the tree-lined avenue outside the dorm area. Rain had lessened.

He didn't rush me to get off, just waited quietly.

"Why?" I heard myself ask.

He turned to look at me, no warmth in his eyes:

"You look quite obedient."

Paused, he added:

"Besides, this little money means nothing to me."

Yes, indeed means nothing.

My embarrassment, my struggle, in his world, small enough not to mention.

I lowered my eyes, gripping the wet books in my arms.

"...Thank you. I will consider it carefully."

At that time, I didn't understand why he did this.

But later hearing his roar on the phone, I understood everything.

To him, I was just a whim, just to prove to Madison who left him that he had moved on, just a... tool to provoke old love.

But perhaps it was the desire for money, or a trace of inexplicable heartbeat, that made me choose silence at that moment.

I knew what I was doing, and knew what I wanted.

Anything but love.

...

Maybe because my attitude towards Julian's absence was too calm, his friends were uncertain, secretly calling him.

"Julian! Scarlett seems to be going home to pack, looks like she's leaving New York!"

Girl's joyful laughter came from the phone. Julian's voice carried a faint impatience of being disturbed.

"Leaving? What is she making a fuss about now."

"Today is your wedding... guests are all here."

"So what?" Julian chuckled lightly.

"Tell her, don't be willful, I'll go over when I'm done."

"Julian, this time seems not willful, she..."

Julian interrupted, tone casual:

"Those pearl earrings I gave her last month, suitable for today, let her wear them."

Silence on the other end for a moment.

"...Mentioning this now is probably inappropriate. Scarlett looks serious."

"What's inappropriate?" Julian's voice was careless.

"She stays with me for money, right? Real estate, shares, jewelry, what have I given less? Putting on this attitude now... taking herself too seriously."

He paused, seeming to sip wine.

"Tell her, I'll transfer another million to her account, make her behave. If not, I'll say some nice words when I get back. Women, just coax them."

Phone hung up. Whispering outside the door stopped abruptly.

Those friends who tried to smooth things over for him now looked complex.

"Just for money?"

"Just coax her."

I hooked the corner of my mouth extremely sarcastically at the lonely wedding ring on the vanity table.

Then opened the door, walked out calmly under everyone's varying gazes.

Let him leave his money and love to Madison.