I Am Mr. Vance's Unattainable Love

Chapter 2 Forced Back Into His World

I was dragged out of the water like a sack of trash. No one gave me time to change. They hauled me, half-pulling and half-dragging, straight to Lucian's stretch limousine.

Even before the door opened, a woman's bright laughter drifted out, clear and light, as melodic as a bird singing in spring.

The moment I saw her, I recognized Selene Ardent as the very person I had been accused of overshadowing, which was why her name had felt so familiar.

Three years had passed, and I had forgotten far too many people and things, so at first I did not even realize that Selene was the story's original female lead, the one who had healed Lucian when he was at his lowest and remained the only softness in his cold, unyielding heart.

According to the original plot, Lucian would give up everything for her. Compared to their earth-shaking love, what I had with him felt like nothing more than a childish game. At least, that was how it was supposed to be.

I had never believed that. Even now, after three years, every moment I had spent with him was still painfully clear in my memory. A faint, mocking smile touched my lips.

But no one gave me time to dwell on it. A shove came from behind as a bodyguard snapped impatiently, "Move. What are you standing around for?"

The car was warm inside, the air-conditioned heat wrapping around my frozen body. The sudden change in temperature made me shiver uncontrollably.

The first thing I saw was Selene leaning against Lucian's chest. She was beautiful in a delicate, lively way. Her eyes were soft and bright, like a flower carefully nurtured in the palm of his hand.

The car's interior had been completely transformed into a clean, understated luxury with a refined color palette that was unmistakably Lucian's style. Back when I was with him, I had always insisted on decorating everything to my liking. Even his favorite Maybach had been turned into something soft and pink.

Every time, he would wrap an arm around my waist and indulge me without hesitation. "Whatever my girl wants is right."

The memory lingered a moment too long. Then I met his eyes. The world seemed to ring in my ears. I lowered my gaze immediately, forcing myself to stay calm, though I could feel both of their eyes on me.

Selene's laughter faded. She spoke in a soft, teasing tone. "Luc, I told you this isn't something you need to handle. I can't rely on you for everything."

Lucian shifted slightly, long legs crossing as he leaned back. His expression remained unreadable. "Go take care of your schedule. I'll deal with her. There's an award ceremony tonight. I've already spoken to the judges. The winner will be you."

Selene's eyes lit up. "Luc, I'll wait for you. Dinner tonight." She left in high spirits. Before stepping out, she shot me a look filled with smug satisfaction and faint pity.

I could understand it. After all, very few people ended well once they fell into Lucian's hands. The car fell into silence.

Lucian lowered his gaze, his thick lashes casting shadows that hid whatever he was thinking.

The bodyguards exchanged glances. One of them stepped forward and forced me to the ground.

I fell hard, my elbow scraping against the floor. I had not cried when I was attacked online. I had not cried when I was humiliated and thrown into the lake. But in front of Lucian, my defenses always seemed to crumble. My eyes burned red as I bit down on my lip, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over.

Lucian stood and walked toward me. His voice was cold. "Look up."

I obeyed.

He smiled. The smile never reached his eyes. It only made the pressure in the air heavier. "You remind me of someone I used to know."

I nodded carefully, forcing a submissive tone. "That's… my honor."

My face must have looked pitiful, caught somewhere between tears and a desperate attempt to please. Because in the depths of his dark eyes, I caught a flicker of unmistakable disgust.