Fated for the Billionaire's Puppet

My best friend loved playing matchmaker.

To proclaim her love for the citys richest man to the world, she matched toothbrushes and slippers in her home. Even I became one of her paired items.

Its called matching social status, shed declared. My assistant and my husbands special assistanta match made in heaven!

In my previous life, because of this absurd pairing, Lucas was forced to marry me. For three years after our marriage, he treated me wonderfully, doting on me, making me believe I had truly married for love. Until I suffered severe hemorrhage during childbirth after ten months, desperately begging him to come to the hospital to sign for surgery.

His contemptuous laughter echoed through the phone: A beggars bastard, does it even deserve my signature?

I was chilled to the bone, listening as he meticulously negated three years of our relationship: Werent you willing to play along with your best friends matchmaking games? Dwight and my sweetheart, Clara, are the perfect match! As for someone like you, you only deserve to sleep with a lowlife vagrant from the streets!

The man who shared my bed on our wedding night was a homeless man. He spent three years weaving a web of deceit, setting a trap, all to destroy us and appease Clara. On the operating table, I closed my eyes in despair and hatred.

When I opened them again, I was back to this very day, the day my best friend insisted on setting us up.

Liana chattered on beside me.

Chloe, what do you think of Dwight Thornes assistant, Lucas Vance?

Hes Dwights trusted confidant, and so handsome. Hed be a perfect match for a beauty like you!

I stared at the scene before me, my nails digging into my palms. The sharp pain reminded me that I was truly alive again. In my last life, Liana, wanting to show off her relationship with Dwight, had insisted on setting us up, talking about matching social status. Out of consideration for our long-standing friendship, I half-heartedly agreed to meet Lucas.

Lucas was an expert at pretense. He feigned an air of gentle refinement, caring for me with meticulous attention to every detail of my life. For three years of marriage, he was utterly devoted, leading me to believe I was a happy woman. It wasnt until that horrific surgery that I heard his insulting words about my child. Only then did I realize that the man who had shared my bed on my wedding night was a homeless man.

A wave of nausea swept over me. I shoved away the photo Liana offered.

No interest.

Liana froze. Chloe, you usually go along with me. Lucas is really a great guy.

I looked her directly in the eye. If you like matchmaking so much, go buy two dogs from a pet shop and match them.

I refuse to be a tool for you to announce your love to the world.

Lianas face flushed crimson. Dwight Thorne, sitting beside her, frowned.

Chloe, Liana means well.

I grabbed my bag and strode out. I cant quite stomach that kind of well-meaning.

Pushing open the private room door, I bumped straight into a man. This was Lucass scent. In my previous life, these very eyes had deceived me for three whole years.

Ms. Nash, in such a hurry to leave?

He lowered his voice, but I couldnt help but step back, putting distance between us.

Move.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting my rude attitude. He took a step closer, lowering his voice.

Ms. Nash seems to have a strong aversion to me.

Have we met before?

I looked up, meeting his gaze. No, but I dont like the look of you.

Lucas let out a soft chuckle. Ms. Nash certainly has a fiery spirit.

However, for Mr. Thorne and Ms. Millers good intentions, refusing them outright might be a bit impolite, dont you think?

I curled my lips. Why should I let them trample on my good name? With that, I walked directly around him and left.

Lucas continued to stare at me from behind.

Back at my place, I immediately started packing, ready to move out and get as far away from Lucas as possible. Just then, the doorbell rang. Lucas stood at the door, holding a file.

Ms. Nash, I think we need to talk.

I was about to close the door when he reached out and firmly blocked it.

Regarding the company your father left behind, Ms. Nash, arent you interested in its current predicament?

I paused. My fathers company was the only legacy I truly cared about. In my previous life, after we married, he took over full control of it, and it eventually became part of Clara Sterlings dowry. I glared at him and let him in.

Lucas tossed the file onto the coffee table. The companys funds are depleted. Without an injection of capital within three days, it will be liquidated.

And currently, only I can provide that money.

I turned to look at him. Whats the catch?

Lucas leaned in, closing the distance between us. Marry me.

I couldnt help but laugh. Lucas, what do you want?

You. All of you.

He was too good at pretending. Having died once, I would never believe such lies again. I picked up the file and tore it in half.

Let it go bankrupt.

Id rather beg on the streets than marry you.

2.

After Lucas left, I quickly contacted the companys finance department to verify. The situation was worse than he described. Not only was the cash flow broken, but several massive debts were also about to mature. Clearly, someone was sabotaging things behind the scenes. Who else could it be but Lucas?

He was truly ruthless in trying to force me into submission, his methods exactly the same as in my previous life. First, hed strike in the shadows to create a crisis, then emerge as a savior to resolve it, hoping Id be eternally grateful. This time, I wouldn't play his game.

I put my properties and jewelry up for sale, even tried to approach former rivals to transfer shares at a low price. But everyone avoided me. Dwight had spread the word: anyone who dared help me would be openly opposing the Thorne Corporation.

Liana called, trying to persuade me. Chloe, whats wrong with just giving in a little? Lucas likes you so much, he even went to Dwight to beg for you.

If you marry him, the company is saved, and youll have a good life. Wouldnt everyone be happy?

I hit the disconnect button and immediately blocked her.

Three days later, a court summons arrived. I sat in my empty rental apartment. The door was pushed open, and Lucas stood at the entrance, holding an umbrella.

Chloe, stop struggling.

He walked over, looking down at me from above. Just say yes, and all these difficulties will disappear.

I looked up at him. Lucas, do you really think that if you push someone to the brink and then offer a little kindness, theyll be grateful to you?

He frowned. I just want to help you.

Helping me means cutting off all my escape routes? I stood up and walked towards him. And ordering Dwight to blacklist me?

Lucas reached out and fiercely gripped my chin. Chloe, my patience is limited.

You will marry me.

I curled my lips. Fine, Ill marry you.

Lucas paused, probably not expecting me to agree so readily. He released my chin, his eyes once again feigning gentleness. Thats better.

Ill give you a wedding.

I didnt respond. The wedding in my previous life and the homeless man on my wedding night flashed vividly in my mind. I wouldnt repeat those mistakes. My agreement was only to get the capital injection. Once the money was in my account, Id take it and disappear abroad.

On the day we registered our marriage, Lucas was impeccably dressed. He held my hand as we walked out of the civil affairs office.

Chloe, from now on, were husband and wife.

His voice was so affectionate. I pulled my hand away and vaguely acknowledged him. A sports car pulled up in front of us, the window rolling down to reveal a face. It was Clara Sterling, the woman Lucas always pined for. In my previous life, he would even sacrifice my life to please this woman.

Lucas, congratulations!

Clara got out of the car, looking at me provocatively. This must be Ms. Nash? So pretty, no wonder Lucas skipped my birthday party for you.

Lucass shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly. He turned to Clara, his voice laced with anxiety. Clara, what are you doing here?

Clara pouted, walked over, and intimately linked her arm through his. I came to see Lucass new bride, of course.

Lucas, my stomach hurts. Will you take me to the hospital?

In front of me, his new wife, she didnt even bother to be discreet. Lucas looked back at me. Chloe, Clara isnt feeling well. Ill take her to the hospital first. The driver will take you home.

The first day after we registered our marriage in my previous life was just like this; he was called away by Claras phone call. He left me alone in the wedding apartment all night. Back then, I actually believed he was just going to take care of his sister.

I nodded at them. Alright, take care. Dont rush back.

Lucas probably wasnt pleased with my calm reaction. He frowned, looking like he wanted to say more. Clara, however, directly pulled him into the car.

After the sports car drove away, I pulled out my phone and called finance. Has the money arrived?

Yes, Ms. Nash.

I curved my lips. Immediately transfer the money to an overseas account. Then, call the police and report the company for suspected illegal fundraising, applying for bankruptcy protection.

3.

Back in that marital apartment, I threw all the couples items Lucas had prepared into the trash, then booked the earliest flight out of the country. Just as I was about to leave, the door was violently shoved open. Lucas rushed in, grabbed my throat, and slammed me hard against the wall.

Chloe, you tricked me!

Veins bulged on his forehead, his eyes wide and furious. You transferred the money? And voluntarily applied for bankruptcy?

I was forced to tilt my head back, staring intently at him through the sensation of suffocating. Yes.

Mr. Vances money, I find it dirty.

The grip on my throat tightened. Youre asking for death!

I managed a strained smile. Go ahead and strangle me.

If you kill me, you wont get that money back either.

Lucas suddenly released his grip. I slid down the wall to the floor, coughing repeatedly, clutching my throat. He squatted down and pinched my cheek. Chloe, do you think you can escape?

Your fathers ashes are still in the cemetery. Do you believe Ill have someone scatter them tomorrow?

I couldnt stop trembling. In my previous life, hed used my fathers ashes as blackmail to force me to donate bone marrow to Clara. I lunged at him, slapping him hard.

Lucas, you beast!

He turned his head, running his tongue over the cheek Id struck. When he turned back to face me, his face was filled with rage.

Good hit.

Since youre so disobedient, dont blame me.

He stood up and made a call. Cancel Chloe Nashs flight, freeze all her bank accounts.

Also, send people to guard the cemetery.

After hanging up, he looked down at me. From today, without my permission, you cant go anywhere.

I was completely under house arrest; he confiscated my phone and identification. I was confined to this villa every day. He went to work during the day and returned at night, finding various ways to torment me. At mealtimes, he deliberately had the housekeeper cook dishes I found revolting. At night, he set the air conditioning to its lowest setting, making me shiver.

Later, he simply brought Clara home. They would embrace and show affection in front of me.

Lucas, Ms. Nash is watching. Clara murmured, nestled in his arms.

Lucas merely glanced at me. Just a disobedient plaything; ignore her.

I sat on the sofa, watching their performance, feeling no stirrings within me. I even found it laughable. In my previous life, I was kept in the dark and suffered immensely; now, only disgust remained. I stood up, preparing to return to my room.

Clara suddenly called out to me. Ms. Nash, could you get me a glass of water?

I ignored her, continuing to walk. Lucass voice cut through the air, sharp.

Stop.

Clara asked you for water; didnt you hear?

I stopped and turned back. Did you marry me to be your servant?

Lucas strode forward, grabbed my hair, forcing my head back. Wife?

Do you deserve that title?

Chloe, I married you purely to torment you.

Your father destroyed Claras family back then, and youll have to pay that debt.

I froze. My father hurt Clara? That was utter nonsense. My father conducted his business cleanly and would never harm anyone.

Youre lying! I struggled fiercely.

Lucas flung me away forcefully. It doesnt matter if you dont admit it.

Anyway, youll spend this entire life living in atonement.

He turned to Clara, his voice immediately softening. Clara, how do you want to punish her?

Clara stared at me. Lucas, Ive been feeling dizzy lately. The doctor said Im anemic.

Perhaps, Ms. Nash could donate some blood to me?

Lucas agreed instantly. Alright.

He called in a private doctor. Several people forcefully pinned me to the table, directly drawing a full eight hundred milliliters of blood. My vision blurred, my body felt cold, and I collapsed to the ground, lacking even the strength to move. Lucass eyes held not a trace of pity for me.

This is just the beginning.

Chloe, what you owe Clara, I will collect from you, bit by bit.

4.

For days after the blood donation, I suffered from an unyielding high fever. Lucas forbade calling a doctor, only allowing the housekeeper to force bitter herbal medicine down my throat daily. I was too weak to leave my bed. Clara, however, frequently came to my room, gloating.

Chloe, you look truly pathetic now. She ran her nail along my cheek. Lucas doesnt love you at all. Every time he touches you, he feels disgusted.

On your wedding night, he actually

She deliberately paused, covering her mouth and giggling. He actually found a homeless man off the street to keep you company.

Too bad you ran off. You didnt get to taste that kind of pleasure.

I opened my eyes and stared intensely at her. Even though I already knew the truth, hearing it firsthand was still nauseating. I propped myself up and slapped her across the face.

Get out!

Clara shrieked and fell to the floor. Footsteps sounded outside the door, and Lucas rushed in. Seeing Clara on the ground, his face changed completely. He hurried to help her up.

Clara, are you alright?

Clara clutched her face, tears streaming down. Lucas, I just felt sorry for Ms. Nash and wanted to check on her.

But she hit me

Lucas turned his head, glaring at me. Chloe, youre asking for death! He walked over and returned the slap with brutal force. Already weak, I was knocked back onto the bed, blood seeping from the corner of my mouth. My ears only rang.

If you dare touch Clara again, Ill take your life!

I wiped the blood from my mouth, tilted my face up, and laughed. Just kill me now.

Lucas gripped my chin. Kill you? Thats too easy.

Claras kidneys arent doing well, and your match was successful.

Next month, prepare for surgery.

My mind went blank. He was going to brutally remove one of my kidneys.

I wont go!

Thats illegal!

Lucas scoffed. Here, I am the law.

In the following days, I was severely restricted. Every day, I was forced to receive various nutrient injections, all to keep my organs in optimal condition. I tried to escape, but the villa was surrounded by bodyguards; I couldn't even get out the front door. Despair engulfed me.

Until one day, the housekeeper forgot to lock my door. I seized the opportunity to sneak out, ran to the landline on the first floor, and dialed the emergency number.

Hello, I need to report a crime. Im being illegally detained, and theyre going to forcibly remove my organs

Before I could finish, the phone line was abruptly yanked out. Lucas stood behind me, his face grim.

Chloe, you truly never learn.

He grabbed my hair and dragged me back to my room, roughly throwing me onto the bed. Since youre so eager to run, well do the surgery today. He called in bodyguards who strapped me to a gurney. The surgical lights were blinding. I struggled desperately, my wrists chafed raw with bloody marks.

Lucas, youll rot in hell!

Let me go!

Lucas stood by the operating table, his face devoid of emotion. Chloe, this is what you owe Clara.

Just as he turned to leave, a violent pain shot through my abdomen. It hurts

So much pain

The doctor stepped forward to examine me, his face turning ashen. Mr. Vance, she shes pregnant!

And there are signs of an impending miscarriage. If we proceed with the kidney removal surgery now, both mother and child will be in danger!

Lucas abruptly stopped. He turned around, staring at my flat stomach. What did you say?

The doctor stammered in reply, Shes almost two months pregnant.

Two months. That was from the one time he forcibly took me the day we registered our marriage. I was in so much pain I was nearly unconscious, but I still clutched the bedsheet tightly.

Lucas

Please save the baby This was my flesh and blood. Even though I hated Lucas intensely, I couldnt stand by and watch my child die. Lucass face was stormy. Just then, Clara was wheeled in by a nurse. Her face was pale as she cried out in pain.

Lucas, I feel so awful

The doctor said my kidneys are already starting to fail. If I dont have surgery soon, I wont live past tonight

In my previous life, hed ignored me when I was hemorrhaging during childbirth. Now, facing two lives at risk, he still walked towards Clara. Lucas coldly gave his command.

Just a bastard, if its gone, its gone.

Prepare for kidney transplant surgery immediately. Save Clara first.

I trembled all over. He wouldnt even spare his own flesh and blood.

Lucas! Youll get your comeuppance!

I shrieked, tears mixing with cold sweat.

Bang!