Swapping Fates in the Marriage Game – Chapter 3
Mrs. Grant called and invited me to a gala. Her younger son, Damien, was back.
I exhaled deeply.
Damien, my last life’s target, still haunted my nightmares.
Steeling myself, I started preparing. I knew I couldn’t falter tonight.
At the gala, Mrs. Grant was seated at the head of the table. Across from me were Chloe and Damien.
Chloe looked thinner than before, and despite the makeup, she had dark circles under her eyes.
In my past life, I endured grueling etiquette lessons daily. They were just the start of my ordeal.
Chloe seemed to be putting on a good show, clinging sweetly to Damien’s arm.
“Where’s Julian tonight?” Mrs. Grant asked.
She and Julian were strained, but I knew she loved him.
“Mom, he’s abroad for an art exhibition. He’ll be back soon.”
“Art, always art. What’s the point?” she grumbled, then sighed. “Fine, if he loves it so much.”
I caught Damien’s jealous glare.
Julian, groomed as heir, had no freedom.
The Grants’ focus on him left Damien, the younger son, ignored.
Being neglected, his personality twisted—possessive, desperate to outshine Julian through finance.
“He’ll visit when he’s back,” I said calmly.
Chloe caused trouble.
“Sophia, is your marriage with Julian okay?”
She flashed a ten-inch, ornate gold bangle.
“Damien had this custom-made. The gold’s cheap, but his effort’s priceless.”
I shot back,
“I think gold is expensive. If it’s cheap, send me some bars next time. No need for designs.”
Caught off-guard, she pivoted.
“Even if Julian’s away, this is a gala. Your outfit’s a bit … out of place.”
I played innocent.
“What should I wear? This is my best dress. I can’t afford more. Last time, you offered to buy me clothes, but when I picked a bag, you made me beg.”
“I was joking! We’re besties, don’t take it seriously.”
“So humiliating me in public was just a joke?”
Sincerity kills.
She hadn’t expected my bluntness. Her face flushed, and Mrs. Grant’s darkened.
“I’ve heard about this,” Mrs. Grant said, eyeing Chloe.
“Apologize to Sophia.”
Chloe’s face turned red and then white, mumbling but not apologizing.
Damien intervened.
“Mom, don’t push Chloe. It was a joke. They’re friends—it’s normal.”
“I didn’t laugh,” I said, locking eyes with Damien.
“Or does this make you feel superior to Julian?”
His gaze turned venomous. I’d provoked him.
Mrs. Grant coughed.
“Chloe, the CEO’s wife can’t be so rude. Apologize!”
Realizing that Mrs. Grant was serious, Chloe muttered an apology.
I met her murderous stare.
“Chloe, I’m hard of hearing. Speak louder.”
“SORRY!”
I nodded, a satisfied smile on my face.
After the gala, Chloe pulled me aside, glaring at me.
“Admit it—you’re reborn too, aren’t you?”
I feigned anger.
“What nonsense? If you hadn’t humiliated me, I wouldn’t have snapped. You call yourself a friend?”
“I’m done with you!” she declared.
“Even if you’re begging on the streets, I won’t help you.”
“Funny, I was just about to cut ties with you. One last tip: get rid of that tacky, old-looking bangle.”
She scoffed, smug.
“When that loser returns, we’ll see who’s laughing.”
I knew she was referring to Julian’s upcoming injury. I smirked.
“Worry about yourself.”
I didn’t tell her the bangle hid a tracker and bug.