Chapter 2

Charlotte's POV

Vivian and I both froze, turning toward the sound. A tall figure stormed into the lobby. Even after five years, I could never mistake that face.

Jason Clark. My ex-boyfriend.

"Jason! JASON!" Vivian immediately started crying. "She hit me! This crazy woman attacked me for no reason!"

I watched Jason Clark stride toward us, followed by four bodyguards in black suits. Five years had made him even more handsome - success had given him an air of confidence.

But those eyes were still as cold as the night he abandoned me five years ago.

"Stop them. NOW," Jason commanded.

The bodyguards immediately moved in, roughly separating Vivian and me. Two of them grabbed me, twisting my arms behind my back so I couldn't move.

Jason helped Vivian up, checking the red marks on her face. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, but Jason, you HAVE to make this right!" Vivian pointed at me. "She's completely insane! And she stole our wedding venue!"

Only then did Jason look at me. When our eyes met, I saw anger first, then shock, then something else entirely.

"Charlotte? What are you doing here?"

Five years ago, Jason and I had been college sweethearts. After graduation, he needed five hundred thousand in startup capital, and I - a broke recent graduate - couldn't provide it. So he dumped me without hesitation and ran to a rich girl who would fund him.

"This is a public venue. Why wouldn't I be here?" I said coldly.

Jason studied me. "You've... changed a lot."

Yes, I had changed. The girl who would have done anything for love five years ago was dead.

"People change, Jason," I paused. "Especially after being abandoned."

Vivian sensed something was wrong between us. "Jason, do you KNOW this woman?"

"We... knew each other before," Jason's voice was stiff.

Knew each other before? That's how he described our three-year relationship?

"Charlotte." Jason switched to his businessman tone. "I don't know why you got into it with Vivian, but I suggest you leave now. I can compensate you for any losses."

"Compensate?" I laughed. "You think money solves everything?"

"In this world, money solves most things." Jason pulled out his checkbook. "Name your price. I'll pay double for your venue booking."

The crowd gasped. Double the price? This venue cost at least two hundred thousand for one night!

But I shook my head. "No."

Jason's expression darkened. "Triple."

"No."

"FIVE TIMES!" His voice grew impatient. "Charlotte, don't push your luck."

Hearing those words brought me right back to five years ago. That rainy night, he'd said the exact same thing: "Charlotte, don't push your luck. I've made myself clear - we're not right for each other."

"Jason, you're exactly the same as five years ago," I looked at him mockingly. "Thinking money can buy everything, including people's dignity."

"Five years ago?" Vivian shrieked. "Jason, what exactly is your relationship with her?"

Jason's expression grew even colder. "That's ancient history. Charlotte, I'm asking you one last time - will you give up the venue or not?"

"No."

"Fine." Danger flashed in Jason's eyes. "Since you've chosen the hard way, don't blame me for what comes next."

He turned to his bodyguards: "Get her on her knees."