Chapter 4

Looking at the familiar photos in front of me, my whole body began to convulse uncontrollably. That dark period of history seemed to return before my eyes.

It was when Matthew and my company was about to go public.

At a malicious banquet, while Matthew stepped out to take a call, someone drugged my drink.

When I realized something was wrong with my body, I frantically knocked my glass over. The moment the glass shards pierced my palm, my consciousness finally returned briefly.

I stumbled out of the banquet hall, trying to find Matthew, but the burning restlessness inside made me collapse in a corner after just a few steps.

With no other choice, I used glass shards to desperately cut my wrist to maintain brief moments of consciousness while crawling on my knees to the bathroom.

Only when the door was locked did my anxious heart finally settle.

When I woke up in the bathroom again, it was already the next day.

When I rushed home, I learned that Matthew had searched for me all night. But before I could tell him what happened that night, my photos were posted online.

Instantly, it caused a huge uproar.

Matthew held me tightly. "Don't be afraid. No matter what you become, I'll never abandon you."

I explained that nothing happened that night, but wave after wave of photos online nailed me firmly to the pillar of shame.

Many people even came forward claiming I'd always been promiscuous, that the only reason our company could close so many deals was because of what I did in bed.

There were also men claiming to be in the photos, pointing at my spine and saying I had seduced them.

The company caught in the scandal saw its stock plummet. Shareholders withdrew their investments one after another. Going public became an impossible dream.

During that time, I desperately tried to prove my innocence, but no one believed me.

The only person who said he would always believe me—Matthew—also began to lose patience between being cursed by thousands and facing bankruptcy.

Many people said Matthew and I broke up because of this scandal, but only he and I knew the truth.

We simply let each other go.

I didn't want to drag him down anymore, and he didn't want me to continue suffering all that humiliation in America.

Five years had passed, and everything had finally begun to fade. But now Natasha had brought it all back into the open.

Matthew's expression darkened immediately. Just as he was about to reach for Natasha's phone, I raised my hand and slapped her across the face.

"I don't know how you got these slanderous and defamatory photos, but maliciously spreading false information carries a sentence of up to three years."

I used to be so upset about this that I became depressed and suicidal, but now, I wouldn't be hurt anymore. I wouldn't desperately try to prove myself innocent over something that never happened.

Natasha hadn't expected me to actually hit her. She grabbed Matthew's hand in grievance. "Matthew, it was just a game. Prince, she—"

Before she could finish, I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door. "I have things to do. Continue your so-called game."

Just as I reached the door, Matthew suddenly blocked my way.

"Natasha was just playing around. Don't take it too seriously."

"You slapped her too, so we're even."

I raised an eyebrow and smiled, finding the man in front of me incredibly unfamiliar. "I always take things seriously."

As I brushed past him, Matthew grabbed my hand.

"Where are you staying now? I'll take you."

I pulled my hand away in displeasure. Just as I was about to speak, I fell into a familiar, warm embrace.

A deep voice came from behind me. "My fiancée will obviously be staying with me."