Chapter 1 He Only Loves Me
Night had fallen when Chloe Edwards returned to the villa, carrying the pastries she had just learned to bake. But as she stepped inside, she was greeted by sounds of passion echoing from the bedroom.
She froze in place, the chill creeping through her entire body as she stood at the door. The muffled voices inside stabbed at her heart like a vice tightening its grip. Tears fell to the floor, one after another, as the pain constricted her chest, making it hard to breathe.
"Liam, just thinking about how you once shared this bed with Chloe makes me so jealous," a soft voice whimpered.
"Violet, don't get the wrong idea. I haven't even touched her in the four years we've been married," Liam Parker's voice answered with ease.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"But she's still your wife," Violet Watson pointed out.
"That doesn't matter. I'll divorce her soon," Liam replied without hesitation.
Half an hour later, as the sounds from the room subsided, the door opened. Liam stepped out, his expression calm and unbothered, lighting a cigarette. The smoke curled lazily as he exhaled, his gaze meeting Chloe's as she sat silently on the couch.
"You heard everything, didn't you?" he asked indifferently.
"Since you've heard it, just sign your name here!"
Without waiting for her reply, Liam tossed a stack of papers onto the coffee table in front of her. The words "Divorce Agreement" glared back at her in bold print.
Chloe's voice was hoarse, a remnant of the tears she had shed earlier. "You really want a divorce?"
Four years ago, Violet had left Liam and gone abroad to pursue her studies, abandoning him. Liam had chased after her and ended up in a car accident that left him blind.
Chloe's half-sister, Sophie Edwards, who was originally betrothed to Liam, refused to marry him after the accident. Chloe, the illegitimate daughter, was pushed into the marriage instead.
Knowing Liam had once saved her life, Chloe agreed willingly. She married into the Parker family and dedicated herself to taking care of Liam, becoming his crutch and his eyes. She gave up everything for him.
Two years ago, Liam regained his sight. Yet, all her efforts couldn't warm his heart. At a single word from Violet, Liam didn't hesitate to discard Chloe, the woman who had been his lifeline.
Violet emerged from the bedroom, wearing one of Liam's white shirts. Her cheeks were flushed, and damp strands of hair clung to her face, adding to her allure. The shirt barely covered her thighs, highlighting her slender legs.
She leaned against Liam with a smug smile. "Chloe, you and I really do look alike. I know you've been trying to imitate me. But Liam told me that no matter how much you try, he only loves me," Violet said, her tone dripping with mockery.
"Such deep love," she sighed dramatically. "I had no choice but to hurt you. To thank you for taking care of Liam for me, I'm willing to compensate you. Name your price."
Chloe stood up, her back straight, and met Violet's gaze with defiance. "Anything I want? Then how about your eyes?"
The smirk on Violet's face faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered.
"For Liam, I'd give anything," she said with feigned sincerity, turning to him. "But without my eyes, I'd never see you again, Liam..."
Liam's gaze darkened. "Chloe, don't push your luck."
"Our marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement," he said coldly. "I needed to protect my family's reputation, and you wanted money."
He waved his hand dismissively. "I'm willing to give you three properties, a Ferrari, and $10 million. That should be enough to last you several lifetimes. Take it and stop making trouble for Violet."
After Liam finished speaking, he looked at Chloe. He had to admit, Chloe's appearance did indeed bear a striking resemblance to Violet's.
In fact, Chloe's features were even more refined and delicate.
But Chloe was forever stuck in a lifeless imitation of Violet—lacking charm, lacking depth.
Even her temperament was consistently gentle, leaving Liam with no sense of novelty whatsoever.
Most importantly, Chloe had witnessed Liam’s darkest days when he was blind.
Although she cared for him with meticulous attention, those were the memories of a time he felt deeply insecure—an era he wished to erase from his life entirely.
Chloe adjusted her glasses and replied calmly, "Three properties? I can pick any of them?"
Liam smirked with disdain. "Of course."
For the first time, Chloe's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Great. Then I'll take this villa."
"Now," she added, her tone sharp, "get out."
Liam's expression faltered, and Violet stepped forward. "This villa is where Liam and I fell in love. How can you take it?"
"Fell in love?" Chloe removed her glasses, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "A mistress like you dares to talk about love? Let's call it what it is—an affair."
Liam was taken aback by the transformation in Chloe. She had always been meek, never arguing or standing up for herself. Now, without her glasses, she exuded a confidence that was both unfamiliar and unsettling.
"You—" Humiliated, Violet raised her hand to slap Chloe.
Smack!
The sound echoed in the room, but it was Violet who clutched her cheek in shock.
"You hit me?" she gasped.
Chloe lowered her hand, her gaze icy. "Mistresses and vermin. Both deserve to be swatted."
Grabbing a broom, Chloe shoved the pair toward the door. "This is my house now. Get out, both of you!"
Liam's voice rose in anger. "The house isn't legally yours yet! What gives you the right to kick us out?"
Chloe calmly held up her phone. "I recorded everything you said earlier. If you don't want the world to know you're a man who doesn't honor his word, I suggest you and your mistress leave quietly."
Liam stared at her, his emotions a whirlwind of anger and confusion. For the first time, he realized he didn't truly know the woman standing before him.