The beginning of a nightmare Chapter 8

The beginning of a nightmare Chapter 8

And, if he were being honest, he’d wanted to provoke Hannah a little

He first met Hannah when she was just eighteen and he was twentyone

It had been at a gala, where she stood out in a loose, understated dresscompletely different from the other women in their formfitting, mermaidcut gowns that flaunted 

every curve

He couldn’t quite describe the feeling she gave him

It was likelove at first sight

In that moment, every beautiful thing he had ever seen seemed dull in comparison to the soft, radiant smile in her eyes

There were other young men at the gala, all from prominent families and all eager to win 

her favor

Initially, he hadn’t been interested. He had only shown up to make an appearance

But the moment he saw Hannah, he changed his mind

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He threw himself into the competition, using everything in his arsenal to win her over

Christopher knew he was the best

Among all the contenders, he stood out

Their first real moment together was a trip to Southlake, where the spring rains fell gently on the blooming apricot trees

It was just like something out of a novel

She handed him her phone with a smile and asked him to take a photo of her

When she started taking selfies, he leaned in to snap a picture with her. She didn’t object, only smiling softly, her expression both graceful and enchanting

When they returned from Southlake, the marriage arrangements between the Gray family and the Ho family began to take shape

She continued her studies and her painting, while he focused on businessmaking money and building a life for them

Hannah seemed uninterested in most things

She and Christopher lived as if they were from two completely different worlds

Christopher had always wondered: if he confessed his feelings to someone else, or if he openly pursued another woman… 

Would Hannah care

Even if she didn’t love him, surely she wouldn’t tolerate the idea of him falling passionately for someone else

When Christopher met Evelyn, he had already done his research

She was an orphan with no family ties, no baggage, and just enough ambition to make her interesting 

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The most important part? She had a bit of a unique edge to her personality

She was exactly the kind of person he could use

So, he chose her

For three months, he kept her on edge, slowly reeling her in, step by step

Evelyn had no idea that from the very beginning, she was just a pawn in Christopher’s game

She believed she was the hunter, setting the perfect trap to seduce Christopher into 

falling for her

What she didn’t realize was that Christopher had already laid out the entire plan

She was nothing more than a tool

Christopher staged a grand spectaclefireworks lighting up the city, a proposal broadcast across the globe. He made it look like he was madly in love with Evelyn

But all along, he had meticulously prepared for what would come after

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The luxurious crystal chandelier cast a warm, amber glow over the room, giving the air a faintly suggestive shimmer

Christopher, do you love me?Evelyn asked suddenly

It was a question she had asked countless times over the past year

And every time, Christopher would reply, Of course, Evelyn. I love 

you.” 

But this time, Christopher leaned back against the couch, tilting his head to look at her

His gaze was differentcool, appraising, and faintly critical

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He started from her feet, his eyes slowly traveling up her legs, before stopping blatantly 

at her chest

Evelyn’s cheeks burned with anger

The way Christopher looked at her now felt degrading, like she was a piece of meat being inspected at a butcher shop

Christopher, you can’t treat me like this,Evelyn said through gritted teeth, biting her lip to hold back her frustration

After everything we’ve been through for over a year, have you really never cared for me?” 

Christopher pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took his time exhaling before responding

Evelyn, your only weapon is your socalled beauty.” 

He chuckled, his tone dripping with mockery, as if he were watching an amusing performance

But do you know something?he continued 

In the eyes of regular people, sure, you’re beautifulbetter than most girls on the street.” 

He paused, taking another drag of his cigarette, then added, But put you in Hollywood, and you’re nothing special.” 

Ever thought about trying the entertainment industry? I could help you make your debut. You’ve got a knack for acting, after all.” 

For a moment, Evelyn was stunned

Then fury surged through her like wildfire, consuming her entire body

She loved him. How could he humiliate her like this

Christopher, what are you saying? Are you comparing me to some cheap actress?she snapped, her voice rising several octaves

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Christopher blinked, momentarily surprised by her outburst

He had always known Evelyn wasn’t as innocent as she pretended to be. From the moment she approached him, her intentions were clear, her motives far from pure

But he hadn’t cared. She had been a tool for him, just as he had been one for her

Over the course of their yearlong relationship, they had played their partstruth and lies blending seamlessly. He had whispered all kinds of sweet, cliché nothings, and she had played along

Even when Evelyn masterminded an online smear campaign against Hannah and tried to have her injured in a staged accident, Christopher had kept his cool. Sure, he was furious- he’d locked Evelyn in the basement for a night to teach her a lesson

But the game between them was over now

As a man, Christopher felt he owed her somethinga way out, at least

She was beautiful and had some talent for performance. If he gave her the right connections, some money, and resources, she could go far

Today, Christopher was in an unusually good mood, so he softened his tone

Evelyn, I’ve thought about this carefully. This is the best career for you. It’s the fastest way for you to achieve success and live the life you want.” 

But Evelyn waved her hand dismissively, frustrated

I don’t want any of that, Christopher. I just want you. I want you to love me and marry me.” 

Christopher’s expression didn’t change. I don’t love you, and I’ll never marry you.” 

Evelyn froze, staring at him

No. This couldn’t be happening. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. He had told her he loved her

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This is because of Hannah, isn’t it?Evelyn demanded, her voice shaking. What does 

she have that I don’t?” 

Christopher hesitated, unsure how to answer

When he had first married Hannah, her polite distance hadn’t bothered him

In fact, he’d thought it was ideal

Their marriage was, after all, a business arrangementa merger of assets and mutual 

benefits

She could have her freedom, her secrets, her boy toys. He could pursue his own pleasures without interference

But Hannah never had boy toys.” Not even a hint of impropriety

She didn’t even indulge in celebrity crushes. She would watch a show or movie, sure, but 

she wouldn’t so much as buy merchandise or follow endorsements

What kind of billionaire heiress didn’t splurge on something so trivial

And as for the women Christopher kept on the side

The more beautiful faces he saw, the more bored he became

Somehow, over time, the most fulfilling moments in his life weren’t with those women

It was the quiet evenings when he’d go to Hannah’s and cook for her

Sitting together, talking about politics, sharing mundane stories about their daysit felt comfortable, like they were an old married couple

Something real. Something lasting

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Christopher stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. He should probably quit

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Hannah didn’t like it when he smoked

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Tonight, he felt an odd urge to have a casual conversation with someone, to just sit and 

talk

Evelyn, of course, wasn’t the right person for that

What he really missed was Tessa

Evelyn,Christopher said, his voice calm but distant, from the very beginning, this was just a game.” 

He leaned back, his gaze steady and unfeeling

From the moment we met, when you broke the rules and handed that coffee directly to mespilling it just enough to grab my attentionI knew what you were doing.” 

The beginning of a nightmare

The beginning of a nightmare

Status: Ongoing

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