Reborn, I Chose Cash Over Him

Chapter 2

"What are you smiling at?"

​

Zachary's voice pulled me straight out of my daydreams.

​

I realized I'd been grinning like an i***t, and quickly smoothed my expression. "N‑nothing. I'm not smiling."

​

He gently pushed me away and straightened the collar of his shirt, which I'd rumpled.

"Tonight I'm taking you to a gathering. Dress appropriately."

​

I remembered this night clearly from my past life; it was the first time I ever came face‑to‑face with Mia White.

​

Back then, I'd worn a custom‑made designer gown Zachary had given me, only to find Mia wearing the exact same one. Her friends had mocked me relentlessly, calling me a copycat, a cheap imitation.

Furious, I stormed over and got into a shouting match that turned into a scuffle. In the chaos, I'd even knocked Mia over when she tried to step between us.

​

Zachary had been truly angry that time. He'd ignored me completely for a whole month. And I, foolish and desperate for his affection, begged and groveled until he finally took me back.

​

But this time around, I had no intention of provoking Mia. Not because I was afraid of Zachary's cold shoulder, mostly because… I definitely did not want him to cut off my monthly allowance again, as he had before.

​

Before we left, I stood in the dressing room sorting through my clothes. There was no way I was putting on that same white gown that had caused so much trouble.

I had just reached for it to set it aside when a deep voice spoke from behind me.

​

"Wear that one."

​

Zachary was standing in the doorway, and his tone left no room for argument. I had no choice but to obey.

​

When I stepped out wearing the dress, his gaze lingered on me longer than usual, a rare occurrence.

"You look good in white."

​

Of course, I did, it only made me look even more like Mia.

​

'Typical. Men.'

​

We arrived at the venue, and Zachary was immediately surrounded by guests, all vying for his attention. He was so busy shaking hands and making conversation that he barely had time to glance my way.

​

Feeling bored and out of place, I looked for a quiet corner to stay out of everyone's way. But Mia's group of friends spotted me and marched straight over.

​

"How dare you wear the same dress as Mia? You really think you belong in the same league as her?"

​

I scratched my ear and pretended not to hear.

​

Mia herself stepped forward, her expression soft and gentle as she greeted me. "So you're the woman by Zachary's side? This gown is one of only two in the entire world; it's incredibly expensive. He gave it to you, didn't he? It seems he really does have feelings for you."

​

She lowered her head, and I could see tears welling at the corners of her eyes.

In my new way of thinking, Zachary was my boss, which made Mia the lady of the house, someone I definitely could not afford to offend. And I certainly wasn't going to repeat the mistakes of my past life and make enemies just to end up miserable again.

​

I smiled calmly and replied, "Please don't misunderstand, Miss White. Before we left, Mr. Kane specifically told me to wear this dress. I think he brought me here tonight on purpose, just to make you jealous."

​

Zachary had never once invited me to any formal event before. The fact that he chose to do it the very day Mia returned home made it obvious what he was trying to do.

​

I had no problem playing along. If I could please both of them, so much the better for me.

​

"Don't act so innocent!" one of Mia's friends snapped. She shoved me hard in the chest, and I stumbled backward into a server carrying a tray of drinks.

​

I managed to keep my balance, but wine spilled all over my dress, and splashed right onto Mia as well.

​

The situation was already turning awkward and messy. Looking back, I now understand just how ridiculous and humiliating it had been when I'd thrown myself into a physical fight right in front of everyone in my past life.

​

Just then, Zachary arrived.

​

He found Mia surrounded by her friends, all of them patting her arm and fussing over her ruined dress. And of course, they were quick to twist the story.

​

"Mia only happened to wear the same dress; there was no reason for you to ruin hers like this!"