Reborn, I Chose Cash Over Him

Adeline's POV: I'm a nobody actress, barely making a name for myself at the very bottom of the entertainment industry. ​ Yet the man who supports me is Mr. Zachary Kane, someone who holds absolute power and controls nearly everything in Northridge, the city where influence and wealth rule. ​ In my past life, I acted out and caused trouble at every turn. Even though I knew I was nothing more than a temporary stand-in, I foolishly tried to push aside the woman he truly cared for and take her place. ​ I even went so far as to fake a pregnancy and storm the Kane family estate, demanding an official title and position. That was the moment he lost all patience with me. He cast me aside completely, and without his protection, I was left defenseless. ​ In the end, my enemies in the industry hunted me down, and I was left to sink into the freezing waters of the open ocean. ​ But now I've woken up again, given a second chance at life, returning to the exact day I tried to pressure Zachary into marrying me. ​ It was also the very moment his disdain for me first took root. ​ "Mr. Kane… when are we going to get marry—" ​ Zachary's brows drew sharply together. He turned his head to look at me. ​ "Get what?" ​ "End… end it!" I blurted with an awkward laugh, then quickly corrected myself. "I meant... when are we going to end whatever this is between us?" ​ Zachary said nothing in reply. But the cold, hard set of his face felt like silent mockery, reminding me that I had no right to make decisions. ​ A man born to privilege and power, he was used to holding all the control. Even if he felt no love for me, the terms of this relationship were his alone to decide. ​ Realizing I'd misspoken, I quickly tried to smooth things over. ​ "Miss White has returned to the country, hasn't she? I wouldn't want her to feel uncomfortable seeing someone else by your side." ​ I was nothing more than a substitute for Mia White. In show business, everyone called me "Little Mia" because of how closely I resembled her. ​ Years ago, it was this face that caught Zachary's eye. Now that the real woman had just come back, there was still time to change everything. ​ I would never again fight for his attention or try to push her out. I would never lose sight of my place and foolishly dream of becoming Mrs. Kane. ​ If I acted in a way that was understanding and considerate, and suggested ending things early for his sake, maybe Zachary would be pleased enough to reward me generously, perhaps even hand over an entire property? ​ I looked up at him, hopefully. ​ But at the mention of Mia, his expression grew even darker. His voice turned cold and sharp. "Don't speak of her to me." ​ Right at this exact time, Mia had just returned home, but she hadn't reached out to him at all. Zachary was already simmering with frustration, and I'd just walked right into his bad mood. ​ "I'm sorry, Mr. Kane," I said quickly. "I overstepped." ​ He fixed me with those deep, unfathomable eyes, studying me closely. When he saw how docile and compliant I pretended to be, he let out a short, mocking huff. ​ "Behave yourself, and I'll make sure you're well taken care of." ​ His warning was clear: stay in line, and never cause trouble for Mia. ​ As for being well taken care of… that much was true. ​ Zachary was outrageously generous. Jewelry, cash, whatever I wanted, he gave without hesitation. Even the best roles and opportunities in the industry were mine for the asking. ​ I'd once read online that where a man spends his money, his heart follows. In my past life, I'd foolishly believed that meant he cared for me. I grew overconfident and entitled, made enemies everywhere, and caused one scandal after another. ​ Until finally, I stormed the Kane estate with a fake pregnancy test in hand. ​ At that time, Zachary was locked in a fierce struggle with his half-brothers for control of the family business and fortune. My reckless act only gave his critics more ammunition to attack him. ​ That was the moment I used up every last bit of his patience. He cast me aside completely, and my protection vanished overnight. ​ Just remembering the feeling of freezing water filling my lungs and the suffocating darkness of the open ocean made me shiver uncontrollably. I quickly pressed myself deeper into the warmth of his chest. ​ "I'll be good, Mr. Kane. I promise." ​ Pretending to be obedient was easy enough. ​ If I sealed off my heart, locked away any foolish hope of love, and treated him only as my employer. What difference was this from any ordinary job? ​ A seven-figure monthly allowance was my salary. ​ Jewelry, designer bags, and expensive gifts on holidays were just employee bonuses. ​ Having a handsome, wealthy boss meant my "work environment" was pretty good. ​ The leading roles he funded for me were like company-sponsored training, helping me build my reputation and improve my skills. ​ And when the day finally came that Zachary grew tired of me… ​ He was a man of pride and reputation. He would never cast aside a woman who had been with him without proper compensation. ​ The final settlement would be like a generous severance package. ​ A fair employer indeed!