Chapter 2 Can't Sink into Poverty

The caller ID was "Mr. Idol".

His impression of me as a two-timing, loose woman was now set in stone.

What rotten luck.

"While you're engaged to me, you're flirting around with another man."

Joel looked so stern that it made my hair stand on end.

"I-I'm not."

He moved closer. The air around him was oppressive as he scowled. "While you fool around in bed with another man, you have me repair your hymen. Cheryl, you're quite something."

"I... Would you believe me if I say it's all a misunderstanding?"

"Do you think I would believe you, my dear Cheryl?"

He spat out the words "my dear Cheryl" through gritted teeth.

I could sense that my chance came and went. There was no point in struggling anymore.

It was a fact that I was not a virgin. Still, I could not let him trample all over me.

I pushed him away and swiftly put on a bold front. "So what if I'm not a virgin? You don't want to marry me. Well, I don't want to marry you either.

"You find me dirty, but do you have that right? Just how clean are you?

"You operate on women every day. You should be glad I don't hate you for it!"

I shoved him aside and strode out, slamming the door behind me.

I went home. Well, I no longer had a home.

The manor had been repossessed by the bank since it was used as collateral for our loan.

My dad had placed all his hopes on me, and he asked impatiently, "Well? Can the wedding go on?"

If I married Joel, he could help my family out of our desperate situation.

However, he already thought of me as a filthy, loose woman. There was no way he would want to marry me.

I dejectedly shook my head.

My dad's last shred of hope was gone. He dazedly muttered to himself, "We're doomed. We're all doomed."

Realization seemed to strike him as he abruptly questioned, "Why didn't Joel agree to the marriage? Didn't he say he would marry you as long as you're a virgin?"

He had to have seen the answer from the look on my face as he immediately glared at me. "What's with you? When did you date someone? Why don't I know about it?"

I had dated a jerk when I went abroad on holiday.

I never told anyone about him.

Over five years had passed, and I had forgotten all about that jerk.

With nowhere to live, I moved into the rental apartment of my childhood best friend, who was gay.

My dad moved in with my stepmother.

That night, I lay in bed. No matter how hard I tried, I just could not fall asleep.

I had been spoiled by my family's wealth. The sudden change to poverty was unbearable.

I messaged my dad. 'Find me another rich man to marry. This time, don't get someone who's picky.'

I've lived like royalty from birth. I couldn't let myself sink into poverty now. Marrying a rich man was the best option I had.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a new message. 'Do you need me to give you another chance?'

It was signed "Joel".

I scoffed and disdainfully muttered, "To give you another chance to humiliate me?"

The next day, my dad called me in great spirits. "Tina, there's still a chance. Old Mr. Lane really likes you. Visit him and make him happy. Joel always listens to him."

"Dad, is there no one else? Is Joel the only rich man in the entire world?" I sighed in helplessness. Begging Joel meant giving up my dignity.

My dad's sigh over the phone was even louder than mine. "Only the Lanes can afford to settle our debt."

Between wealth and my dignity...

Fine. I chose wealth.

I added Joel on WhatsApp using the number he messaged me with. As expected, he had an account.

'Hi, Dr. Lane. It's Tina.'