Chapter 2

Inside the car, James's face was clouded as he blew smoke rings, radiating an intimidating aura.

Liam came down from upstairs, hesitated for a moment, and handed a black card to James, pursing his lips.

"Mr. Russell, Ms. Mellon asked me to give this to you."

Alice left with nothing; she didn't take a single penny from James and even handed the apartment keys to Liam.

James's eyes dimmed slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in them. "She didn't take any money?"

Liam nodded. He had initially wanted to say something nice for Alice, but seeing James decisively close the car window, he chose to remain silent.

The next day, Alice dragged her suitcase to the bar to resign.

" Alice what's wrong?" A clear voice rang out.

It was Alice's friend, Molly Thomas.

Five years ago, Alice had coincidentally saved Molly, who was on the verge of suicide. The two lonely souls found solace in each other and became close friends.

When Alice left with James, Molly had said, "No matter what, I'll always support you."

Alice was taken to Molly's apartment.

"Why did you move out? Did you break up with James?" Molly handed her a cup of milk, her eyes full of concern.

Alice forced a smile, but her gaunt cheeks revealed her exhaustion. She gripped the cup tightly, her fingers slowly clenching.

After a long silence, Molly finally heard a muffled response. "Yes."

The torment of illness had made Alice's frame even more fragile, her bones protruding, like a flower about to be blown away, evoking a deep sense of pity.

Molly's nose tingled with emotion, and she hugged Alice tightly. "It's okay, it's just a breakup. There are plenty of better men out there."

Upon hearing this, Alice's voice choked up, her eyes reddening as she tried to reassure Molly, "I'm fine, really."

Despite her words, Molly knew all too well how deeply Alice felt for James.

On that rainy night five years ago, Alice stood helplessly by the roadside, begging every passing car to stop.

It was then that James appeared, took Alice away, and gave her the much-needed one million dollars, signing a five-year agreement for her support.

Unfortunately, Alice fell in love with the indifferent James, which was destined to lead nowhere.

Alice sniffled, playfully smacking Molly's shoulder. "Come on, we're going to be roommates now. We should be happy. I'll be crashing at your place, so you better not get tired of me."

Seeing Alice still able to joke, Molly felt a bit more at ease.

She believed that no matter how painful it was, time would heal all wounds, especially with her by Alice's side to support her.

"How could I ever get tired of you? But that jerk treated you so badly. Look how thin you are now! Wait, I'll make you some pasta."

"Okay." Alice nodded obediently, a sweet smile on her face.

Neither she nor Molly had family; they only had each other.

But now, she only had three months to live. What would happen to Molly after that? Would she be alone again? Alice couldn't help but worry.

"Alice, the pasta's ready." Molly placed a plate of pasta in front of Alice. "Eat up; you are too thin."

"Okay," Alice said helplessly, but her heart felt warm.

"I need to drop off some documents at the office later. Come with me. There's a lake nearby and it's view is beautiful, it'll be a nice distraction." Molly propped her head on her hand, her eyes full of gentleness.

Alice nodded, a gentle smile spreading across her lips.

The bright sunlight streamed through the window, warming both of them, and Alice's heart felt even warmer.

Facing death, Alice wanted to cherish everything she had even more. Since her agreement with James was coming to an end, she would stay by Molly's side during these three months.

When they arrived at Molly's company, Molly asked Alice to wait in the lobby while she went upstairs.

Alice watched a few people in suits, and the first image that came to her mind was James.

She had to admit, James was the best-looking man in a suit she had ever seen. He seemed born to be in a position of power.

A group of women, laughing and chatting, sat across from Alice.

"Did you hear? The chairman's daughter is back from abroad."

"Of course. Ms. White, right? Her life is just perfect. Not only is she a rich girl, but she's also the first love of the Russell Group's heir."

"But Ms. White pursued art and didn't want to settle down so soon, so she turned down Mr. Russell's proposal five years ago. Both of them are stubborn, never willing to make the first plea."

"As soon as Mr. Russell heard Ms. White was coming back, he rushed to the airport to pick her up. Five years, he is truly devoted."

A chill spread through Alice's body, making her tremble slightly.

Hearing news about James still made it hard for her to breathe.

But she didn't understand. If James loved the White family's daughter so much, why did he propose that agreement five years ago?

Every time they made love, she could feel James losing control and sinking deeper.

But soon, she would know the truth.

"Alice, let's go." Molly appeared behind her, patting her shoulder, but then noticed Alice's pale face.

"What's wrong?" Molly's heart tightened, looking her over.

"I'm fine." Alice shook her head, a smile spreading across her face, though her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

A group of people emerged from the elevator, and a striking figure drew everyone's attention.

His chiseled face was indifferent and cold, exuding an untouchable aloofness.

There was no one else in the city like James—handsome, powerful, and intimidating.

"James." A figure in white emerged from behind James, and she naturally reached out, their fingers intertwining. James didn't refuse, and Alice sensed a hint of indulgence in his demeanor.

In the next moment, the girl turned around, and Alice's eyes widened in shock at the sight of her face.

Was that girl James's first love? Why did she bear such a striking resemblance to her?

Alice's breath hitched, her heart pounding. Everything that had been unclear before now made sense.

So she was a substitute that James found to replace his first love.

"Alice, let's go." Molly's face turned grim, pulling Alice's arm to leave.

As Alice reached the door, she felt a gaze fixed on her, but when she turned around, there was nothing to be seen.

She clenched her fists. What was she thinking? James had abandoned her so decisively. Now that his first love was back, how could he even notice that she was there?