My Absence Teaches Better Than My Love

I fall for Asher Kline, the son of Mom and Dad's sworn enemy, and chase him for three years. When we finally start dating, our private life becomes full of debauchery. From tents and luxury cars to lounges and studies, any place that offers privacy and a thrill becomes ours. We push into every advanced position we can manage, filming plenty of steamy videos along the way. Then one day, I overhear him chatting with his best friend. "Aren't you taking it too far, using Rhea to get back at her parents? Maybe you should drop it and find another way." "No. I'm sticking with it. When the time comes, I'll leak those videos of us. Those two old farts will be so furious that they'll choke on their own rage. That's exactly what I want." "But you've been with her so long. Don't you feel anything for her?" "No. I only approached her to get revenge and destroy her family's company." I'm crushed when I realize his so-called love is filled with nothing but payback and scheming. But when I walk away and am about to marry someone else, he falls apart and begs me to forgive him. Chapter 1 I, Rhea Searle, had always been willful and bold, brushing off consequences and refusing to listen to reason as long as I was happy. Even after I learned that Asher Kline was the son of Mom and Dad's sworn enemy, I still fell for him and chased him for three years. Besides, our private life was outrageous. Any place that offered privacy and a thrill, from tents and luxury cars to lounges and studies, became ours. We tried every advanced position we could manage and recorded plenty of risque videos along the way. Now, hidden on the balcony, Asher held me close and drove into me, hard enough to knock the air from my lungs. I moaned and whispered, "Go easy." He lowered his phone to record, his eyes darkening. Then, he chuckled. "You won't feel a thing if I go easy." I wasn't having it, so I grabbed the phone. "You can film, just not there." He hesitated, then grinned, teasing, "What, shy now?" I shook my head, thinking there had to be a line with videos like this. Asher's smile deepened as he tried to soothe me. "Babe, relax. I'll keep it safe and make sure it never gets out. It's just for us." His gaze went soft, tempting enough that I gave in before I realized it. He took the phone back, and I didn't stop him. He thrust hard, and pleasure broke over me. In the end, I closed my eyes and let myself enjoy it, shutting out the camera. After we finished, Asher walked me back to my room so I could rest. He went to the study to keep working. When I woke, I went to look for him. Outside the study, I overheard him talking with his best friend, Finn Locke. "Asher, you're getting out of hand. What you two were doing out on the balcony almost ended up on camera. If our guys hadn't noticed those reporters and chased them off, that steamy scene would be blowing up online right now." Through the gap in the doorway, I saw conflict flash in Asher's eyes, though his expression looked perfectly calm. "Let them catch it. If it goes public, maybe it'll knock the Searles down a notch." "You're still stuck on revenge?" Finn asked. Doubt flickered in Asher's eyes once again, but his voice stayed firm. "Absolutely." Finn's voice fell, worry threading his words. "But aren't you taking it too far, using Rhea to get at her parents? Maybe you should drop it and find another way." Asher grew impatient. He snorted and held his ground. "No. I'm sticking with it. When the time comes, I'll leak those videos of us. Those two old farts will be so furious that they'll choke on their own rage. That's exactly what I want." Asher's assistant, Carl Snyder, cut in, "Exactly. Mr. Kline went to great lengths to get close to her. He staged that rescue to win her over and take down her parents. If he quits now, everything he's done will be for nothing." Outside the door, I stared, eyes wide, as shock hit me and pain ripped through my chest. I went rigid and was barely able to breathe. My mind went blank, as if every thought had faded away. Finn sighed, curiosity edging his voice as he asked, "But you've been with her so long. Don't you feel anything for her?" Asher said nothing. I took his silence as proof he cared, until his answer proved me wrong. "No. I only approached her to get revenge and destroy her family's company." Finn heaved a long sigh. A few seconds later, he asked, "So, when are you going to release the videos?" Asher fell silent again, his features tightening as conflict flickered in his eyes. He thought it over, then made the call. "Her birthday's in two weeks. I'll release them at her party. Everyone's reaction will be priceless once they see those dirty videos." Chapter 2 I heard footsteps and bolted before I even thought about it. When I got back to my room, everything inside me collapsed. Those words cut slowly, first scraping through my thoughts and then tearing into my chest like a dull knife. Asher's words wouldn't stop echoing in my head. "No. I only approached her to get revenge and destroy her family's company." I didn't want to believe it, but I'd heard every word. I felt cold under the weight of that brutal truth. My love for him had shattered. I tried to keep my head, but my chest tightened like a vise until I struggled to breathe. Still, I refused to cry out. I pressed my hand over my mouth, yet a broken sob escaped between my fingers. Then, I collapsed onto the floor and cried in silence to drain out every bit of pain. I never thought our meeting had been planned as payback. Even Asher's love turned out to be something he had calculated. Back then, I went against my parents' wishes and applied to study abroad as an exchange student. After graduation, I stayed overseas for work. Because I wanted my freedom, I stopped going home and started living on my own terms. That was until I met Asher abroad, the man everyone said was the son of Mom and Dad's sworn enemy. Rumor had it that the Searles and the Klines once combined their funds and went into business together. When the market shifted, my parents pulled their investment, which sent Kline Group into a downward spiral. Asher's mother later died under the strain. In the years that followed, Searle Group and Kline Group fought for every deal until the rivalry turned openly hostile. I knew exactly who Asher was. But he had saved me more than once, so I let go of my misgivings. The first time, I was swarmed by a gang of female thugs and beaten bloody. He showed up like a savior, drove them off, picked me up, and rushed me to the hospital. The second time, I was hunted down by hardened criminals. Asher fought them barehanded, pulled me clear of their knives, then walked away battered and bleeding. The third time was when a male coworker slipped a drug into my drink. Just before everything went sideways, Asher burst in, took the guy down hard, pulled me out, and handed me something to counter the drug. That was how I fell for Asher. People tried to warn me off. They said we were doomed because of the bad blood between the Searles and the Klines. But I didn't listen. I still wanted him. Even though Asher kept turning me down and staying distant, I went after him with everything I had for three years. On his birthday, I made myself the gift and teased him every way I knew how. Afterward, he held me close with a soft smile. "You little temptress. I'm about to lose my mind over you." I smiled in satisfaction and traced circles over his chest. "You can't help wanting me, because you're into me." Asher's smile widened. "Fair point. How about a few more rounds?" He lowered his head, kissed me, then we slipped right back into the heat of it. From that day on, we were officially together. I had always believed our feelings were real. I even looked forward to the day Asher would meet Mom and Dad so we could finally end the feud between our families. Only now did I realize everything had been a lie. It hurt, but I forced myself to stay clearheaded. I decided to walk away from him for good. Before leaving, I decided to leave Asher a gift. After the way he crushed my feelings, there was no way I was letting it go. Nothing made my blood boil like a lie. My grief had already burned into anger, and I formed a plan to return the favor. Soon after I regained my composure, the door opened from the hall, and Asher walked in. "Babe, you're up." I paused, then put my sweet smile back on. "Yeah. I missed you so much that I couldn't sleep." Asher wrapped his arms around me from behind, his breath warm against my neck. "By the way, your birthday's in two weeks. I'm throwing you a party, and I'm going to propose there." I stared at him, stunned. "You're proposing?" He nodded and brushed my cheek. "We've been together a long time. It's time to make it official." Chapter 3 I gripped the brow pencil in my hand and forced a smile. "Really? You actually want to marry me?" Asher paused, his eyes turning dark and impossible to read, before a slow smile formed. "Of course. Make sure your parents come. They shouldn't miss something this big." I kept the smile fixed, nodded as if I were touched, and hugged him tightly. "Asher, does the feud between our families not matter to you at all?" His body went stiff. I couldn't see his face, but the hatred rolled off him. "I love you, so none of that matters." Asher lowered his head, kissed my forehead, and began to move down. I turned away and pushed him back. "I'm tired." He froze, a shadow flickering in his eyes before it cleared. "Alright. Go back to sleep." With that, he turned and walked into the bathroom. I watched Asher as he headed for the shower, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. Everyone else kept their proposal plans secret, but he'd told me his right away. If I hadn't overheard that conversation today, I would've kept waiting, happily and cluelessly, until those videos blindsided me and turned me into the town joke. He built up my hopes just so that he could crush them. All he wanted was to drag my name through the mud and humiliate Mom and Dad. It was vicious. Restless and irritable, I got up and started packing. Asher came out of the bathroom and saw every gift he'd ever given me piled on the floor. Confused, he asked, "What are you doing?" I didn't look up. "I don't want them anymore. I'm throwing them out." I meant to ditch the gifts the same way I was ditching his love. Asher didn't think much of it. He figured I was just bored with them. "Fine. We'll buy new ones." I said nothing and kept packing. … The next day, I received a strange text. The message said, "I'm Asher Kline's fiancee. Meet me at noon at Serenity Restaurant. And don't tell him." The shock drained the color from my face, and my grip tightened around the phone before I realized it. I needed to know who she was. At noon, I arrived just as scheduled. A waiter led me to a private room in the corner. I opened the door and spotted her right away. She was stunning, gentle, and demure. She wore a white dress with subtle makeup, and everything about her seemed effortless and graceful. I took the seat across from her and kept my face neutral. She looked at me, a flash of cold in her eyes. "I'm Grace Turner, Asher Kline's fiancee." I arched an eyebrow, keeping my voice even. "So?" Grace went still, clearly not expecting me to be so composed. Confused, she said, "You're the woman he's been seeing. Aren't you even a little curious about why he's engaged?" I shrugged, lifted the coffee from the table, took a sip, and said nothing. Before I came, I had been curious and braced for anger. But the moment I saw her, every question fell away, and my heart went quiet. I felt calm to my core. I realized then that I had already let Asher go. I gave my all whenever I loved someone. When it ended, I would walk away without a second thought. Grace was exasperated when I stayed quiet. "Our families have already arranged the marriage. The wedding is in a month, so do yourself a favor and leave." She pulled a bank card from her bag and placed it on the table between us. "There's eight million dollars on that card. Consider it enough to take care of you for the rest of your life." I stared her down. My voice stayed flat. "Does he know you're doing this?" She gave a smug smile. "Of course. In the end, he's the one who set the wedding date." I scoffed. It turned out that Asher had set this up from the beginning. He'd planned to weaponize those videos to get even with me. Then, he'd marry Grace and pretend none of it had happened. I got to my feet and raised my voice. "Stop contacting me. Whether you marry him is your business, not mine." My tone turned to pure sarcasm as I continued, "I'm doing fine financially. Your little humiliation game won't work. Quit showing off and acting superior." With that, I turned to leave. I had taken only a few steps when Grace hurried forward and blocked my way. "You're not leaving. You still haven't promised to stay away from him for good!" Chapter 4 I frowned, then smirked. "Relax. Asher is a selfish, small-minded, and sneaky man. I'm done with him. That scumbag is all yours." Grace's face twisted with rage. "How could you say that about him?" She slapped me so hard that I lost my footing, stumbled back, and crashed into the door. The door handle gashed my forehead. Blood poured down, soaking my collar. Grace still wasn't finished. She snatched the cup off the table and flung coffee at me. Coffee and blood streamed down my clothes. Heat roared up my spine. I stood, wiped my face clean, and closed in on her. My expression remained ice-cold. She flinched and backed up, but she still barked, "Don't you dare trash-talk Asher! He's a perfect man!" I didn't waste words. I raised my hand and slapped her back. Grace cried out. Before she could react, I clamped my hand around her throat and pinned her to the wall. I kept slapping her across the face. After more than ten slaps, I saw blood at the corner of her mouth. I finally calmed down. Just as I was about to let go, the door burst open. "Rhea! What are you doing?" Asher bellowed. He barreled in, shoved me aside, and pulled Grace into his arms, his face tight with concern. I crashed into a chair. The blow caught my spine and left me doubled over. He ignored my pain and the mess, then scolded, "You went too far! How could you hit her?" Grace immediately played the victim. "Honey, it hurts so much. She slapped me. My face is ruined!" She even broke into loud sobs. "I'm your fiancee. You have to stand up for me." Asher looked stricken as he stroked her back in concern. "I know. Don't cry." He raised his head, ready to tear into me, but his words died when he saw my calm expression and the disappointment in my eyes. He hesitated, then turned back to Grace. "Let's get you to the hospital. I'll deal with her later." Then, he scooped her up and carried her out. I snorted as they left. There it was. Asher's mask was slipping. If he were to put on a show, I'd put one on, too. In the past, catching him with another woman would've set me off. So if I acted too composed now, he'd get suspicious. After I got home, I threw a fit, playing the unreasonable woman. I cried my eyes out and smashed things in a rage. Carl called the family doctor to check my injuries, but I threw the doctor out. Eventually, I cried until I had nothing left and collapsed on the floor. I kept calling and texting Asher, demanding to know what was going on with him and Grace, as well as where that left me. He hurried home soon after. He sent the maids away, hauled me into his arms, and said in a sincere voice, "I'm sorry, babe. Today was different. I had to take her to the hospital first. Please don't be mad." I shoved him away, sobbing as I demanded, "How did she suddenly become your fiancee? Explain it, or we're done. I'm leaving for good!" Asher looked relieved to see that I was still as willful as ever. "My father arranged the match, but I'm not going through with it. I'll cancel the engagement—just give me a little time." I turned away with a snort. "I don't believe you." His jaw tightened. His voice sounded even more sincere than a moment ago. "It's true. Believe me. You're the only one I love." I ignored him and threw a tantrum, pounding my fists against his chest. "Liar! You're lying to me again. I don't believe you." Asher let me hit him. He said whatever he could to calm me, as if he were soothing a child, and he kept asking for my forgiveness. Although I kept hitting him, he didn't get angry. He just held me and let me vent. I only stopped when I decided the drama had gone on long enough. After I calmed down, Asher patiently applied medicine and bandaged the cut on my forehead. He knew I had cooled off when he saw how calm I looked. He even went into the kitchen and cooked for me himself. He made all my favorites, but they didn't taste the way they used to. Maybe we just weren't us anymore. Chapter 5 It was the middle of the night, and I'd barely fallen asleep when a stomachache yanked me awake. Wave after wave of cramps left me sweating through the sheets. I kept running to the bathroom. It was clear I'd eaten something bad. The night didn't let up, and by the end, I was wiped out. Eventually, I passed out from the pain. … I woke up in the hospital. Asher rubbed my stomach gently, worry etched across his face. "Are you feeling any better?" I gave a small nod, already feeling much better. He squeezed my hand, his eyes still full of worry. "The doctor said you should eat a little after waking up. I'll get you some soup." I gave another nod. After he left, a message popped up on my phone. I opened it and found a video from a private investigator. Ever since I learned of Asher's true colors, I had hired someone to keep tabs on him. The video had been recorded at the hospital. Asher held Grace in his arms, murmuring to calm her, "Be good. Stop going after her. That won't do you any good." Grace pouted. "But I'm your fiancee. Are you really going to marry her?" Asher denied it immediately. "I'm just playing along with her. It's payback." Then, he lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to her cheek. "Don't worry. Once I'm finished with her, I'll marry you. You're the one who'll become my wife." A satisfied smile spread across her face, but a trace of unease lingered in her eyes. She asked again, "Asher, do you really have no feelings for her?" "No. If I fell for her, I'd be sabotaging myself," Asher said without hesitation. His words reassured Grace. Still seething from the slap, she sounded wounded as she demanded, "Then prove it. You don't have to touch her. Slip laxatives into her food and make her pay with brutal pain!" Asher stiffened and hesitated for a long beat before saying, "Okay." The footage ended abruptly. My fingers tightened around the phone as I trembled. I couldn't stop shaking with pure rage. It turned out my diarrhea was because Asher had dosed me with laxatives. What a petty, childish way to get even! Asher had shattered the image I had of him. Grief, despair, and fury crashed over me at once, and my head felt like it might burst. I was lost in my own thoughts when Asher walked in with the soup. He fed me gently, each motion slow and deliberate. That caring look only made my stomach turn. If he despised me that much, he might as well have poisoned my food and let me die. At least that would've given him the satisfaction he wanted. Instead, he dragged it out, tormenting me while pretending to care. Did he actually enjoy having that power over me? Maybe I was just something for him to toy with. During my hospital stay, Asher fussed over me and treated me like I was fragile. I could walk, but he wouldn't let me, so he carried me to the bathroom. I could eat by myself, but he insisted on feeding me. Even the nurses called him the perfect boyfriend. But I knew it was an act. He wanted me hooked so that the hurt would cut deeper. Thankfully, I stayed clearheaded and didn't get pulled in. After I left the hospital, Asher took me to Finn's new restaurant. The private room was crowded with his friends, and their worried looks put me on edge. I then spotted Grace in the corner, and it clicked. They were afraid I'd start something. The mood turned awkward. Even so, we ate like normal. While we were there, Grace downed one drink after another and soon started rambling, even calling out Asher's name. Every time she said it, the looks people gave me grew a little more awkward. I ignored her, but she kept pushing it. She stood and flung herself into Asher's arms, clinging tightly. Asher tried to pry her off, but she wouldn't let go. When he snapped at her, she broke down in tears. Chapter 6 Someone finally lost their patience and stepped in. "Asher, why don't you take Grace home?" Another person chimed in, "Yeah, she's definitely drunk. Just get her home." There was another who worried I might be upset and asked me bluntly, "Rhea, you won't be mad, right?" My face fell. I started to answer, but Asher cut in, "Rhea, I'll take her home tonight, then I'll talk to Mr. and Mrs. Turner about calling off the engagement." When he put it that way, I had no choice but to go along. I nodded obediently and pretended to be happy. After Asher and Grace left, the others drifted out, too. I stood to leave, but I'd barely taken two steps when Carl stepped in front of me. I stared at him, confused. "What do you want?" Carl let out a lewd snicker. His face was naked with desire. "It's just the two of us. Isn't it obvious?" I looked around. That was when I realized we were completely alone. I lunged for the door, but he grabbed me from behind and pinned me to the couch. I didn't panic. I drove my knee into Carl's most vulnerable spot hard enough to make him scream and let go. I scrambled to my feet, grabbed a bottle from the table, and smashed it into his forehead. It wasn't enough, so I grabbed a stool and beat him across the back until he went down. He didn't even have time to react. Suddenly, someone kicked the door open. Asher burst in, looking frantic. His eyes widened at what he saw. Carl lay on the floor, bleeding and close to death. I smiled, feeling pleased with myself. After Asher hauled Carl out, I received a video from the private investigator. In the footage, Asher sat on the couch while Carl knelt at his feet, bruised and bleeding. Asher's voice stayed flat. "You touched her? Do you have a death wish?" Carl trembled, saying nothing. Disappointment and loathing spread across Asher's face. "I'll cripple you now!" He stepped forward and pummeled Carl. Unable to stand the pain, Carl roared defiantly, "Mr. Kline, you don't even love her! What's wrong with me laying a hand on her? I was trying to help you get back at her!" Asher looked murderous, his voice sounding ice-cold. "She's mine. You don't get to touch her. Whatever I do is my business. What the hell does that have to do with you?" Carl didn't understand the issue. He thought he had been doing Asher a favor. "But, Mr. Kline, you approved this plan. Ms. Turner said you asked for someone to sleep with Rhea. I figured I'd handle it myself instead of bringing in a stranger. "It would've crushed her parents if they found out. That was supposed to be the payback. Who could've imagined she'd fight back and blow the whole thing up?" When I heard that, I dug my nails into my palm until it hurt. Only then did my fury loosen its grip a little. I never would've guessed that Carl trying to sleep with me was part of Asher's revenge plan. It was no wonder he'd made sure Grace left. No wonder Finn couldn't stop staring at me like that. Asher's eyes went cold. "I never approved it. I didn't agree to it either!" Carl froze, looking thrown off. "But you left with Ms. Turner. That was basically a green light." Asher's face contorted with rage. He drove another brutal kick into Carl as he seethed, "Shut up! I never approved or agreed to it!" Carl lay on the floor, coughing up blood. Chapter 7 Asher ordered, "Cut off the hand Carl put on Rhea, then throw him out! I never want to see him again." A bodyguard nodded and dragged Carl away. Carl freaked out and pleaded, "Mr. Kline, I messed up! Please, I've been loyal for years. Let it slide just this once!" Asher stayed put on the couch, brooding with his expression overcast. I closed the video, feeling nothing, and sat motionless on the bed. Not long after, the door opened and Asher stepped inside. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on my shoulder. "Babe, I'm so sorry. It was my negligence that allowed Carl to hurt you." He sounded furious as he continued, "The second I found out he'd tried to hurt you, I wanted him dead! Don't worry. I've already punished him." Asher took my hand and squeezed it tight. "Still, I'm glad you could protect yourself and fight him off." He raised a hand and gently brushed my cheek. "With me, you're a sweet little kitten. With everyone else, you're a little lioness with her claws out." I scoffed inwardly. He probably thought I'd be scared and helpless in a moment like that, crying or just sitting there waiting to be saved. But I knew better. It was wiser to count on myself. Men, in the end, weren't reliable. When I felt Asher start to nibble at my neck, I quietly turned my head aside and yawned. "I'm really tired. I need to rest." He caught on immediately and pulled back, just wrapping his arms around me instead. "Alright. Go to sleep. I'll stay with you tonight." I didn't refuse. I lay down without a word. He lay beside me, but even with his warm arms around me, I only felt cold. We shared the same bed, but our minds were far apart. After what happened, Asher stopped going to work and stayed home with me. He started showering me with gifts, went shopping with me, and even cooked for me. He was perfect in every way, but I felt nothing because I knew it was just a performance to lower my guard. He could tell I wasn't happy, so he tried even harder to please me. Eventually, I got tired of pretending. I dropped the act and became much calmer and quieter. I barely smiled anymore, and my eyes became dull whenever I looked at him. Asher seemed oblivious and kept doing what he thought were touching gestures. As the birthday party approached, he grew more on edge. When he realized I hadn't invited Mom and Dad, he pressed, "Babe, your parents need to be at your birthday party." I nodded and lied, "I've already invited them." Only then did he relax and throw himself into planning my birthday, fussing over every detail for my sake. … The day before the birthday party, I drank with Asher on purpose until he was drunk. He pulled me in, kissing me ceaselessly, hungry to take it further. I pushed hard to get him off me, but he was wild and overpowering. I couldn't fight him off. With no way out, I went along with it. Luckily, the drug kicked in right before it could go any further, and he passed out. I'd drugged him. I pulled out Asher's phone and started scrolling through his messages. The group chat with his friends was blowing up with notifications. "Asher, what time are you dropping those videos of you two in bed tomorrow?" "Send it here first. We want to see if her body is as hot as you claimed." "Yeah, give us a preview." My gaze grew cold, and my fingers trembled as I replied, "There will be a show tomorrow. Stay tuned!" Then, I went looking for those videos. Fortunately, Asher had told me where he'd saved them, so I found them within seconds. I deleted every video and wiped the system clean. Only then did I breathe easy. When I was done, I grabbed my suitcase and walked out without looking back. The moment I stepped through the door, Asher and I were done for good. I boarded the plane and left the town. I watched the blue and white of the sky outside the window and took a deep breath, feeling lighter than I ever had before. Chapter 8 The next morning, Asher woke up and immediately started looking for me. He couldn't find me anywhere, just the note I'd left. "I'm getting dressed up. I'll head over later." He believed it. With the clock ticking, he showered quickly and hurried to the birthday party. The moment he arrived, his buddies closed in around him. Everyone was itching for drama, prodding him to play the videos. With the crowd pressing in, Asher pulled out his phone. But when he opened his camera roll, his eyes hardened with conflict, and his face tightened with hesitation. Everyone held their breath, bracing for a bombshell. After a long minute, Asher let out a deep sigh and locked the screen. "Forget it. I'm not releasing the videos." Gasps and groans broke out. Disbelief swept across the room. "Wait, why?" "Exactly. Weren't you planning to embarrass Rhea today? Don't tell me you were kidding." "Asher, are you saving it for the big screen later?" Asher shot them a dark look. "This is my call. I'm the one who decides whether I release them. Stay out of it." That caught everyone off guard. Someone picked up on it and asked, "Asher, you're not changing your mind, are you?" Puzzled, another chimed in, "Don't tell me you're backing out just because you feel bad for her." As everyone speculated, Asher snapped, "No. You're reading too much into it. I just don't think now's the right time." Right then, Grace walked toward him. Everyone instinctively stepped aside. She stared at him, her eyes bright with hope. "Asher, are you announcing our engagement today?" He didn't answer. His expression hardened. She pursed her lips and slipped her arm through his, still looking hopeful. "I'll wait. I trust you to do the right thing." Asher lowered his gaze, his fingers tightening around the ring box. Grace noticed it and gasped. "Is that the engagement ring you bought for me?" He pulled his hand back. After a moment of hesitation, he brought it out again. "It's for Rhea." She stared at him, stunned. Realizing how that sounded, he explained hurriedly, "I'm proposing to her first. When she's thrilled, that's when I'll release the videos. The payback will hit harder." Everyone understood immediately. Someone even gave him a thumbs-up. "Asher, you're brutal. Letting her get excited, then making her cry? That's psychological torture!" Asher nodded, fully agreeing. Right then, the party lights went out. The big screen lit up, and a video started playing. Asher froze as he watched himself and Grace on the screen, planning how they'd get revenge on me. Then, clips of him and Grace acting all lovey-dovey flashed one after another. It wasn't just his friends in the room. He'd packed the place with partners from Searle Group and Kline Group to get back at Mom and Dad. Now, they all saw who Asher really was. "Turn it off!" Asher roared, unplugging the screen. But the final clip, proof of his dirty business tactics, was already seared into everyone's minds. Gasps rippled through the crowd. His reputation in the industry was toast. Grace panicked, lowering her head under the weight of their stares. Voices rose all at once. "This is… beyond unethical!" "He plays dirty at work and in life! Who'd risk working with him? He'll sabotage you the second you look away!" At that, Asher looked around at the guests, guilty and desperate to salvage his reputation. "Don't believe what you just saw! This is a misunderstanding." But the skepticism on their faces made it clear that they didn't buy it. He forced a smile and gestured at the extravagant setup, as if to prove how devoted he was to me. "This is the birthday party I'm throwing for Rhea. I invited everyone here to watch me propose to her. "Those videos are just a misunderstanding. She's only joking around." Offended, Grace snapped, "Asher, I'm the one you should be proposing to. This multimillion-dollar proposal is supposed to be for me!" The guests looked on with mixed expressions, eager to see how this trainwreck would end. Asher frowned. His face turned cold as he barked, "Stop making a scene!" Grace shook her head, then raised her voice. "I'm not. Since everyone already knows, let's stop pretending. I'm the one you're supposed to marry. Our families have agreed." Asher's expression tightened as he shut her down. "No. I'm proposing to Rhea today. I'm calling her now." He tried to call me, but it didn't go through. After that, he texted me, but I didn't respond. As he grew anxious, panic crossed his face. Just then, Asher's phone lit up with a text from me saying, "Asher, we're over!" He froze, staring at the screen. "When I realized that you were dating me just to get back at my parents, and your love was an act, I started to hate you and stopped feeling anything for you. I'm leaving. "You won't get another chance to hurt me. Now, you can marry Grace without having to scheme so hard to kick me out of the picture anymore. Goodbye. You're never seeing me again!" Asher's eyes went wide, his body trembling as if he'd taken a devastating hit. He kept calling me, refusing to lose hope, but the call never connected. Finn came over, sounding exasperated as he said, "Don't bother looking for Rhea. I had someone look into it. She's already flown out, and she wiped her trail in this town. There's no way to reach her." Asher stared, disbelief written plainly in his eyes. Then, he became hollow and stayed frozen, unsure of what to do.