He Offered Me to Another Man

On my 23rd birthday, Alex handed me a paper bag.

I opened it to find a set of incredibly revealing lace lingerie.

He kept his head down, avoiding my gaze, and said casually,

That guy plays too rough in bed. Juliet wont survive him. You just need to spend one night with him. Just one night, and when you come back, well get married.

Juliet was his first love, the one who had saved his life, and for her, he was, for the first time, swallowing his pride and begging me.

I wont look down on you. Ill make it up to you, twice over.

My fingers gripped the edge of the table so tightly my knuckles turned white, but I forced a smile. Fine. I just had a full body treatment. You can have him come over tonight.

Alex frowned at my words. If you dont want to, you can just say so. Ill figure out another way. You dont have to be so sarcastic.

I paused, slightly stunned.

Im serious. The Velvet Club trained me well. Before a client, it was always a full beauty treatment so my skin would feel smooth and soft.

I replayed my words in my head, not thinking Id said anything wrong.

But Alex wasnt pleased. He put down the shrimp he had just peeled.

I truly see you as my partner, Elara. You dont need to bring up that past again.

I knew his words couldnt be taken seriously. If he truly meant that, he wouldnt have asked me to do something like this.

My seniors warning echoed in my mind, Once you walk through Nightfalls doors, youre Nightfalls forever.

Alex looked at me, then suddenly reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

Elara, lets get married. Ill give you the grandest wedding imaginable.

I understood why he was suddenly saying this. He was only offering the wedding as compensation.

I knew I should be happy. I had waited five years for this wedding. But at that moment, I wasnt as joyful as Id anticipated.

Still, I nodded hard, smiling at him. Will you stay with me all day today?

He didnt know it was my birthday, or the anniversary of the day I first met him.

Im not going anywhere today, Alex smiled back, stroking my head, about to pull me into a hug.

But his phone suddenly rang.

My hearing was excellent. I could hear Juliets tearful voice on the other end. Alex instinctively pushed me away, ready to leave.

Then he remembered what he had just promised me. He hesitated for the first time.

But Alex quickly made his choice. Something came up at the office that needs me to go back. You should go to bed early too. Dont wait up.

He didnt need to lie to me.

From the day Juliet returned, I knew that Juliet and I couldn't be compared in his heart.

But I just nodded calmly, desperately trying to ignore the needle-sharp pain in my chest.

I shouldn't ask for so much. Being with Alex should be enough.

We met at The Velvet Club. I sold myself to Nightfall as soon as I turned eighteen.

That was my first day of work.

I was wearing a revealing bunny girl outfit, trembling as I followed others into the VIP room to pour drinks.

My stockings were snagged, but I couldnt bear to throw them away. Instead, it was taken as a clever trick to entice clients.

Just as I was being held in someones arms, about to be kissed, Alex, who had been silent, spoke up and told them to leave me with him.

From then on, I stayed by his side.

Alex always seemed cold and aloof, but he always had a faint smile just for me.

I thought I was special, but it wasnt until Juliet appeared that I truly understood.

Only for her would Alex fight recklessly, get drunk, and wait below her apartment until dawn.

Only for her would he eagerly share even the sight of a flower blooming.

The childish behaviors he once scorned were simply because he hadnt met *that* person yet.

Before, I might have still harbored fantasies, thinking that one day we would be together.

But now, I only wanted to repay his kindness.

I made a birthday wish alone. After this, I would no longer owe Alex anything.

For three consecutive days, Alex didnt come home.

But the people hed hired had already begun preparing for the wedding.

After all, it was something I had longed for for five years. I wanted to wear that wedding dress before I left.

On the third evening, he finally returned, bringing Juliet with him.

He offered no explanation for his three-day disappearance.

Juliet will be staying with us from today. Ive asked Maya to prepare the guest room for you.

Juliet was so frail, a delicate wisp of a girl, making anyone want to reach out and protect her.

She walked behind Alex, softly greeting me. Excuse me for intruding, Mrs. Alex.

Both Alex and I were taken aback by the address. Alex was the first to speak.

Just call her Elara.

I knew I had no right to act like the lady of the house in front of Juliet. After a calm and polite nod, I was about to retreat to my room.

But then a frantic patter of paws approached. Wolf, who hadnt seen Alex in three days, was excitedly rushing towards him.

This, however, caused Juliets face to go pale. She gripped Alexs hand tightly, scared. Alex, Im scared!

Seeing the newcomer, Wolf circled her once. Perhaps he liked her scent, as he tried to nuzzle up to Juliet.

Juliet burst into tears instantly, burying her face in Alexs embrace.

Alex wrapped one arm around Juliet, while reprimanding Wolf. Get lost! Elara, take your dog away!

He kicked Wolf hard, sending him tumbling several times across the floor before he stopped.

Wolf didnt understand why his usually kind dad had suddenly kicked him. He just stared blankly, letting out a whimper.

I rushed over and scooped Wolf into my arms. Wolf, are you okay? Does it hurt? Dont scare me.

Wolf was a stray dog I had found.

That winter, I had no money for heating in my rented apartment, and I was burning with a fever, close to freezing to death. It was Wolf who kept me warm with his small body.

Wolf was getting old, and the vet had warned me to be prepared for his passing at any time.

My emotions spiraled out of control, and for the first time, I yelled at Alex. Hes so small, why did you kick him?!

Alex froze after kicking him, wanting to speak, but Juliet interrupted.

Juliet was sobbing, her words catching in her throat, gasping for breath.

Im so sorry, its all my fault. I overreacted.

That place was full of dog barks, I just had a bit of a panic attack.

Juliet had a gambling father who even used her as collateral at the casino.

She had endured many hardships to escape the casino, eventually meeting Alex.

The casino owner had his eyes on Juliet, demanding she spend a night with him to clear the debt.

That casino had deep connections, operating in both legal and illegal spheres, even Alex was wary of him.

Juliet suddenly began breathing rapidly, unable to catch her breath. Alex forgot everything else, scooping her into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom.

Call a doctor, quickly!

It was chaos, and no one paid any attention to me.

Wolf kept whimpering softly, his leg bent at an unnatural angle.

I tried to ask for help. Wolf seems to be hurt. Can someone take me to the hospital?

But everyone was rushing around for Juliet, no one noticed me. Some even rolled their eyes.

Cant you see whats going on, Elara? Is your dog more precious than Juliet?

Forget a dog, even if it were *you* in trouble today, youd have to step aside.

Wolfs whimpers grew fainter. I couldnt wait any longer. I carried Wolf and started walking down the hill to find help.

Alexs mansion was secluded on a hillside outside the city. Cars were rare, and there were no streetlights.

It was completely silent, except for Wolfs tiny whimpers. I ignored my fear, desperately pleading with the heavens for him to be safe.

I had so little. Please dont take Wolf away too.

I walked for three hours in the dark before reaching a hospital.

The doctor said Wolf was lucky, it was just a fracture, no other issues.

A wave of relief washed over me, then a sharp pain shot up from my feet. I looked down and saw huge blisters, the size of beans, covering my soles.

I returned home with Wolf, and just as I was about to enter my room, someone stopped me.

Last night, Juliet had an asthma attack. In a panic, Mr. Alex carried her into the master bedroom.

The doctor said Juliet needs quiet rest right now, so youll have to stay in the guest room temporarily.

Hearing her words, my heart felt a sharp, piercing pain.

But I hadnt slept all night and was utterly exhausted. I had no energy left to argue.

It wasnt like I hadnt stayed in the guest room before. When I first came to Alexs house, I lived in the guest room for three years.

Alexs wedding planner arrived. Today was the day to try on wedding dresses.

She brought over a dozen dresses, but the guest room was small. There was no space for them, so they ended up piled haphazardly on the floor.

After finally managing to put one on, I couldnt even see the full effect of the dress. I simply moved all the wedding dresses to the living room.

As I was trying on a gown, Alex and Juliet walked in from outside.

Juliet had a smile on her face, showing no signs of yesterdays illness.

Seeing me in the wedding dress, Juliet sincerely praised me. What a beautiful gown, it suits you so well.

Then, an envious look crossed her face, and she murmured,

Every woman dreams of wearing a wedding dress. I might never have that day.

Alex, who had been looking at me with a slightly lost expression, immediately frowned at her words.

Isnt the room big enough for you to try them on? Why bring them to the living room? Trying to show off to someone?

The excitement Id felt just moments ago, putting on the dress, largely dissipated. I never imagined that Alexs first words to me would be these.

What are you standing there for? Go take it off.

I had imagined Alexs reaction countless times when I wore a wedding dress, but this was never one of them.

I didnt argue, silently returning to the room to change out of the dress.

When I came out, Juliet had already gone back to her room. Only Alex remained, head bowed, lost in thought.

I looked around, not seeing Wolf, who usually lay nearby.

He had injured his leg, so he shouldn't be wandering off. A bad feeling flashed through my mind, and I started calling his name loudly.

Alex stopped me. Juliet just went back to rest. Dont disturb her.

I stared into his eyes and asked, Wheres Wolf?

He averted his gaze. Ive increased the wedding budget by another eighty million. Everything will be set up exactly as you wanted.

As for Wolf, I found him a very good home. Hell be much happier there than here.

At his words, I stumbled, falling heavily to the floor.

Alex moved to help me up, but I grabbed his hand, pressing for an answer. What do you mean?

Elara has a phobia of dogs now, and she has asthma. Doctors dont recommend having dogs in the house. He let go of my hand.

But you know what Wolf means to me!

I can take him somewhere else, I dont want the wedding, I dont want anything anymore.

I desperately assured Alex that Wolf and I would not appear in front of him.

But Alex shook his head, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.

You cant leave. Juliet still needs you.

There are already whispers that Toby is returning. Toby was Juliets creditor, the most powerful casino magnate, period.

Hes coming back for Juliet. We dont have time. This time, Alex used more force to pull me up, letting me lean against his chest.

Before he gets back, Ill give you the grandest wedding. Everyone will know that you are Alexs wife.

I saw Wolfs favorite ball still scattered on the floor and felt the world spin. My vision went black, and I passed out.

When I woke up, Alex excitedly pulled me into his arms. Youre pregnant! Youre having our baby.

He had completely lost his composure, excited like a child.

If shes a girl, shell be as beautiful as you.

But my face was expressionless, devoid of any first-time mothers joy.

This child was not born of love.

The sound of shattering glass broke the silence. Juliet stood at the doorway, forcing a pale smile. Congratulations, truly.

Alex instinctively pushed me away. Juliet

Alex, you dont need to worry about me anymore. Whats most important now is taking care of Elara. Ill handle my own affairs.

Juliet bowed to Alex, tears tracing her cheeks.

Thank you for your trouble before. With that, she turned and ran.

Alex forgot everything, leaving me with a hurried Get some rest before rushing out.

I moved out of the guest room but didnt return to the master bedroom.

The house staff redecorated a room for me, identical to the original master bedroom.

Alex didnt return for a week.

He looked much more haggard, with dark circles under his eyes.

Alex didnt look at me. He took a deep breath and spoke.

Now isnt the time. Toby is coming back soon.

Get rid of the child, and Ill grant you any wish.

I want Wolf back. I spoke without hesitation.

Alex hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

He muttered, Well have other children, and then quickly fled, as if he couldnt bear it.

The surgery was quick. Aside from the drilling pain in my stomach, it was as if the child had never existed.

Alex and Juliet came to see me together.

The first thing I asked him when I saw him was when Wolf would be back.

Ive already arranged for someone to pick him up. Just focus on recovering. A hint of impatience flashed across his brow.

Juliet, however, offered an explanation. Alex has been incredibly busy with work lately. He hasnt had a full nights sleep in days.

As she spoke, she opened the thermos shed brought.

This is a soup I stewed. Elara, drink it while its hot, its really good for you.

Oil slicks floated on the surface of the soup, making it look greasy. I had no appetite whatsoever.

Juliet put down the bowl with a look of disappointment. I understand if you dont want to drink something I made, but I really stewed this soup for a long time. I just dont want it to go to waste.

Alex immediately spoke up. Its just a bowl of soup. Drink it.

I thought of Wolf, still in his hands, and didnt want to provoke him. I could only force myself to drink it, swallowing the nausea.

Juliet considerately handed me a tissue. As she did, she leaned close and whispered in my ear.

How was Wolfs flavor?

For a moment, I barely understood what she meant. I turned my head, staring at her.

A smile played on her lips. You raised Wolf so well. His meat made a big bowl of soup.

Understanding dawned on me, and I flung the bowl away, almost frantically, gripping Juliets neck with all my strength.

What did you say?! Say it again!

Alex clamped down on my arm, striking my face with a harsh slap before I let go. Are you out of your mind?!

I calmed down. Where is Wolf now?

I grabbed Alex. He was my last hope.

Alex carefully checked Juliets marks before looking at me. I told you hes fine. Why are you suddenly acting crazy?!

Let me see him. I need to see him now. My voice was tearful, almost pleading.

Alex had never seen me like this. He pulled out his phone and made a call.

But after connecting, his expression suddenly changed. My heart panicked, and I reached to snatch his phone.

Alex held me back fiercely. Elara, Wolf was already very old. He died peacefully in his sleep. You cant blame anyone.

Juliet stood not far away, watching my disheveled state, a secretive smile playing on her lips.

Alex had someone inject me with a large dose of tranquilizers. I seemed to finally calm down, accepting Wolfs death.

Over the next few days, I was completely obedient to Alexs arrangements. Tomorrow was our wedding. After the wedding, I would be sent to Toby.

This is my familys heirloom diamond bracelet. Its only passed down to the wife after marriage. Alex handed me a box.

After all this is over, Ill go with you to pick out another dog. Well have our own children.

Alex began to paint a picture of his imagined future. The children will chase the puppy around, the house will be so lively.

I didnt open the box, closing my eyes halfway. I need to rest. I have an early start tomorrow.

Alex didnt notice anything amiss. Elara, youll be the most beautiful bride tomorrow.