Chapter 3: One Last Target, One Last Game

The familiar melody made my stomach twist. I hesitated, thumb hovering over the answer button.

I immediately hung up.

I couldn’t risk Miles seeing who was calling. I shoved the phone back in my purse, pretending nothing had happened.

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut.

Neither of us spoke, the silence growing heavier with each passing second. I fiddled with the hem of my skirt, waiting for the next move.

Miles glanced at me but didn’t ask.

He just watched me, his eyes sharp and assessing. I looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

I had no way to explain.

There were too many secrets, too many lies. I wondered if he’d ever really known me at all.

…

“I have a cat,” Miles said, his eyes holding a lazy smile, though his voice was still cold. “Its fur is soft, really pretty. But it’s disobedient—goes with whoever feeds it.” Was he talking about me?

He said it so casually, but I knew it was a dig. I forced a laugh, pretending not to care.

I didn’t know if he was talking about me, so I stayed quiet.

I stared at my hands, tracing invisible patterns on my thigh. If he wanted to insult me, I’d let him.

The system reminded me: “Host, please complete the task as soon as possible.”

The words echoed in my mind, adding pressure to an already impossible situation. I took a deep breath, steeling myself.

With that prompt, I gathered my courage, leaned in, and moved toward Miles’s lips.

I closed the distance between us, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, the world shrank down to just the two of us.

His palm pressed against the back of my head, pulling me closer, breaking my last bit of hesitation.

His touch was firm. His lips—hungry. I let myself get lost.

Our lips tangled.

It was messy, desperate, the kind of kiss that left you gasping for air. I clung to him, needing the connection more than I cared to admit.

When I was nearly out of breath, Miles let go, his gaze lingering on my reddened nose and eyes.

He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. I wiped at my eyes, trying to regain my composure.

His phone rang. He pulled it out and answered, “What’s up, Lauren?”

His voice softened just a fraction, and I felt a pang of jealousy. Lauren always got the best of him.

My eyes widened.

I stared at him, trying to read his expression. Why was Lauren calling now?

The heroine? Wasn’t she supposed to be with Carter Ashford? Why was she calling Miles now?

My mind raced, trying to piece together the timeline. Something didn’t add up.

Miles stood up, holding the phone and talking to Lauren as he walked out.

He didn’t even spare me a glance. His attention was all on her. I watched him go. The ache in my chest was familiar.

At that moment, Carter called me again.

My phone vibrated in my hand, the screen lighting up with his name. I hesitated, then answered.

I turned off the speaker and held the phone to my ear.

I pressed the phone close, lowering my voice so no one could overhear. My heart thudded in my chest.

Carter sounded impatient. “What were you doing? Just now picking up?”

His tone was sharp, annoyed. I rolled my eyes, but kept my voice sweet.

I lowered my voice. “Didn’t hear it before. What’s up?”

I tried to sound casual, as if I hadn’t been avoiding his call on purpose.

He paused. “That bracelet you wanted before, pick something else.”

His words were clipped. Almost apologetic. I knew what that meant—he was giving my gift to someone else.

It was a blue diamond bracelet at tomorrow’s auction.

The kind of piece you only saw in magazines, the kind you never actually expected to own. I felt a pang of disappointment, but didn’t let it show.

No need to guess. It was for Lauren.

Of course it was. She always got the best of everything. I wondered if she even knew how lucky she was.

I answered calmly, “Okay.”

I kept my tone light, pretending I didn’t care. It was easier than letting him hear the hurt in my voice.

Now it was Carter’s turn to pause, his voice a bit hesitant. “Not mad?”

He sounded almost unsure, as if he expected me to throw a fit. I smiled to myself, savoring the power shift.

I frowned.

I let my brow furrow, just enough to sound annoyed. I wanted him to know I wasn’t completely unbothered.

I got the money, task complete. Why would I be mad? Carter and I are already over. It’s just not the right time to bring it up.

I reminded myself of the plan, the bigger picture. There was no point in burning bridges—not yet.

I said vaguely, “Honestly, it’s fine if you don’t give it.”

I let my voice trail off, leaving the door open for him to make it up to me later.

“Don’t be difficult,” Carter coaxed, then hung up.

His voice softened, but he didn’t wait for my reply. The call ended, leaving me staring at the screen.

I was speechless.

I let out a sigh, the weight of the night settling on my shoulders. Sometimes, I wondered why I bothered.

Just then, Miles came back, and I quickly fixed my expression.

I wiped away any lingering tears, smoothing my hair and forcing a smile. I wouldn’t let him see me rattled.

“I’ll take you home,” he said.

His tone was gentle, almost caring. I hesitated, weighing my options.

I looked at him. “I’m not going.”

I crossed my arms, chin jutting out. Let’s see how far he’d go.

“Then where do you want to go?” He gave a faint smile, his tone indifferent.

He looked at me like I was a puzzle he’d already solved. I hated how calm he always seemed.

“Your place.”

I said it without thinking, surprising even myself. I watched his reaction, searching for any sign of weakness.

Miles slowly rolled up his sleeves, saying nothing.

He took his time. The silence stretched. I tapped my foot, impatient.

“…It’s not like I haven’t been there before.” I blinked at him.

I tried to sound playful, but my voice wavered. The memories of our time together flashed through my mind.

After a while, he reached out and tucked my messy hair behind my ear. “Fine. But not tonight.”

His touch was gentle, almost affectionate. I felt my heart skip a beat, but tried not to show it.

My heart tightened. “Why?”

I bit my lip. Braced myself.

Miles frowned. “My sister got drunk. I have to pick her up.”

He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world. I felt a surge of jealousy, but pushed it down.

Stunned. Totally blindsided.

I stared at him, trying to process his words. Why was he always putting Lauren first?

Why is he picking her up? Isn’t Carter supposed to do that?

The question burned on my tongue, but I swallowed it. There was no point in asking.

The system chimed in right then: “Tonight isn’t the time for a showdown between Carter and Miles. Host, please make sure to stall Miles.” As if I had a choice.

The reminder jolted me back to reality. I forced a smile, nodding as if I understood.

I stayed silent for a while, then asked softly, “Can’t you just not go?”

I let my voice tremble, hoping to guilt him into staying. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

“If there’s anything you want to buy, let me know.”

He said it like it was nothing, as if money could fix everything. I almost laughed at the absurdity of it all.

He turned. Left.

I watched him go, the ache in my chest growing. No matter what I did, I’d always come second to Lauren.

Since high school, Miles had always put Lauren first.

It was a fact I’d learned to live with. Or tried to, anyway.

I kept telling myself Lauren was his sister. Even if they weren’t blood-related, she was still family.

Family came first, no matter what. I tried to believe it, tried to convince myself it was normal.

So even when Miles left me with a broken leg to deliver paintbrushes to Lauren, I didn’t dare feel the slightest bit upset.

I remembered that night vividly—the pain, the humiliation. But I kept my mouth shut, pretending it didn’t hurt.

It wasn’t until the system appeared that I realized—

The truth hit me like a freight train. I was just a side character in someone else’s story.

Lauren was the heroine. Everyone revolved around her.

And I, in this story, was just her brother Miles’s vicious ex and the canary of her future boyfriend, Carter Ashford.

I was the villainess, the obstacle to their happily ever after. No matter what I did, I was destined to lose.

No wonder.

I let the realization settle, a strange sense of peace washing over me. At least now I knew where I stood.

I calmly told the system, “I can’t finish the task.”

My voice was steady, even as my hands shook. I was tired of playing a game I could never win.

Tonight, I had two tasks:

One: Stall Miles, don’t let him interrupt the heroine’s date with Carter.

Two: Sleep with Miles.

The system was unusually quiet. “…Well.”

For once, it didn’t have an answer. I almost laughed at the irony.

Expressionless, I said, “If the world collapses, so be it. Shouldn’t the protagonist be the most anxious? What does it have to do with me, the villainess?”

I leaned back in my chair. Dared the universe to prove me wrong.

System: “…Mm.”

The noncommittal hum made me smile. Even the system was starting to lose faith.

I sat dazed in the lounge for a while, then pushed open the door.

The hallway was quiet, the noise of the party muffled by thick walls. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever came next.

I ran into that guy from before.

He leaned against the wall, chatting with a group of friends. When he saw me, his smile faded, replaced by something sharper.

He was laughing with his friends. Then he saw me. The smile vanished.

His eyes narrowed, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my path.

I tried to walk around him, but he grabbed my wrist. His friends got the hint and left.

His grip was firm. Not painful. I met his gaze, refusing to back down.

His eyes locked on me. “Miles is gone.”

He said it like it was a challenge, daring me to deny it.

I didn’t respond.

I kept my face blank, waiting for him to make the next move.

“You change faces fast, Miss Foster.” He sighed.

His words were soft, almost sympathetic. I wondered if he actually cared, or if he was just bored.

I shook off his hand in surprise. “You looked into me?”

I pulled my wrist free, taking a step back. I didn’t like being cornered, especially by someone who knew too much.

He paused, then shrugged. “Just curious about you.”

He held up his hands, as if to show he meant no harm. I wasn’t convinced.

When I didn’t say anything, he leaned in, lowering his voice, “I also know you and Carter have something going on.”

His breath was warm on my ear. I shivered. Forced a laugh.

I sneered. “So what? I’m about to take the money Carter gave me and fly to Hawaii.”

I flashed him a grin. If he wanted to play games, I’d play right back.

Before the world collapses.

I added the last part under my breath, more to myself than to him. If everything was going to fall apart anyway, why not go out with a bang?

He: “…”

He looked at me like I’d grown a second head. I almost laughed.

He asked, curious, “You know Carter is close to Miles’s sister?”

He raised an eyebrow, waiting for my reaction. I rolled my eyes, pretending not to care.

I said impatiently, “I’m going to Hawaii. Why would I care about his sister?”

I waved my phone. Done playing by everyone else’s rules.

As I spoke, I pulled out my phone, ready to book a ticket right in front of him—

My fingers hovered over the screen. I imagined the sun, the salt air. A life without Carter, Miles, or the system.

But then I saw Carter had sent me several messages in a row:

The notifications stacked up, each one more frantic than the last. My heart skipped a beat as I read them.

‘Were you with Miles just now?

You’ve got guts, still have the energy to flirt with other guys?

I even picked out necklaces and bags for you.

Say something, Reagan!’

His words blurred together. Jealousy, entitlement. I rolled my eyes, but my hands shook.

I fell silent.

For once, I didn’t have a witty comeback. I stared at the screen, wondering what he’d do next.

The last message read: ‘You’re something else. Avalon Club, right? Just wait.’

The threat was clear, and I felt a spike of fear. Carter didn’t make idle promises.

Sent five minutes ago.

I checked the time, my pulse racing. He could be here any second.

Damn phone, Messenger didn’t even notify me!

I cursed under my breath, wishing I’d turned on the alerts. Of all nights to miss a message…

I clenched my teeth, searching for the nearest elevator.

I scanned the room, looking for an escape route. The guy beside me just watched, amused.

The guy beside me grinned. “You can’t get away.”

He leaned in, his grin widening. I shot him a glare, daring him to try and stop me.

I looked up at him, following his gaze—and saw three people.

They stood at the entrance, a trio of trouble. My heart sank as I recognized each face.

Carter Ashford strode toward me, face dark.

His eyes locked on mine, cold and furious. I felt my breath catch in my throat.

Miles Bennett, eyes cold but holding back a smile.

He looked amused, like he was watching a particularly juicy episode of reality TV.

And Lauren, her long hair draped over her shoulders.

She looked out of place here, but somehow, she fit right in. Her eyes swept the room, taking everything in.

Wait. Where did they have their candlelight dinner? Must’ve been close by.

The thought flashed through my mind, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. Of course they’d pick somewhere nearby—everything in this city was connected.

Well, all in the same business district.

I mentally kicked myself for not realizing sooner. It was just my luck.

I instinctively turned around, raked my hair over my face, and tried to hide behind the guy next to me, hoping to disappear from their view.

I pressed myself against his back, praying he’d block their line of sight. My heart pounded in my ears.

Security started clearing people out.

The bouncers moved through the crowd, herding everyone toward the exits. The tension in the room was palpable.

Once everyone had left, Carter muttered under his breath, “You really have a death wish, hiding from me?”

His words were low, dangerous. I swallowed, forcing myself to stand tall.

“Reagan Foster, you lied to me again.” Miles’s voice was so cold it made me panic. “You were with Carter today, so what about Lucas?”

His accusation hung in the air, sharp as a knife. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come.

The guy beside me heard his name and froze. “What?”

He turned to me, his eyes wide with shock. I felt a pang of guilt, but pushed it aside.

He turned to me. “So you were just using me as a shield?”

His voice was hurt, but I didn’t have time to explain. I stepped away, bracing myself for whatever came next.

With his tall figure gone, I was completely exposed.

I felt the weight of their stares, the judgment in their eyes. I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down.

I pinned my hopes on Lauren. Hurry up! Play your heroine card, argue with Carter and Miles! Take them away!

I shot her a pleading look, willing her to intervene. If anyone could defuse this situation, it was her.

But Lauren, with her innocent face, just pulled out a cigarette and lighter, lit up, and took a drag, exhaling slowly.

She looked impossibly cool, the smoke curling around her like a halo. I stared, dumbfounded.

Me: “…”

I had no words. Wasn’t she supposed to be the moral compass?

But it seemed the other three were used to it—their expressions didn’t change.

They didn’t even blink, as if this was just another Tuesday night. I wondered what it would take to shock them.

Fine.

I tossed my hair, deciding I was done playing by their rules.

Whatever.

If they wanted a show, I’d give them one.

I flicked my hair. “So what?”

I let my voice ring out, daring them to judge me. I was tired of pretending to care.

With that, I walked toward the elevator. “I’ve booked a ticket to Hawaii for tomorrow. I’m going home to pack.”

I strutted past them, head held high. If they wanted drama, they’d have to chase me for it.

Just then, a few electric currents seemed to zap through my mind. The system said, “Host, since your task is too difficult, the stability team has lowered the difficulty. You only need to conquer the third target, and you’ll receive three hundred million in cash, live to a hundred with no illness or disaster, and be completely cleared of your villainess title.”

The words hit me like a lightning bolt. For a second, I forgot how to breathe. Three hundred million? Immortality? A clean slate?

Before Carter could stop me, I froze in place.

My feet felt glued to the floor, my mind racing. This was my shot—the one I’d been waiting for.

My eyes instantly lit up.

I couldn’t hide the excitement, even if I tried. For the first time in ages, I felt hopeful.

I didn’t care about the last reward, but the first two—

I could almost taste the freedom, the life I’d always dreamed of. No more games, no more heartbreak.

“Who’s the third male lead?” I asked in my head.

I held my breath, waiting for the answer. Please, let it be someone easy.

“The one next to you. Lucas Monroe.”

I turned slowly, my heart pounding. Lucas. Of course.

Me: “…”

I forced a smile, my cheeks aching. This was it—the final act.

I tried hard to force a smile, but it was pretty stiff.

My lips trembled, but I held the pose. I could do this. I had to.

I inhaled.

The air tasted sharp, electric. I steadied myself, channeling every ounce of confidence I had left.

Exhaled.

I let the tension drain from my shoulders, reminding myself of the prize at stake.

Inhaled.

I squared my jaw, meeting Lucas’s gaze head-on.

Exhaled.

I let my smile widen, my eyes sparkling with mischief. This was my moment.

Then I turned around.

I spun on my heel, facing Lucas with all the charm I could muster. The room seemed to hold its breath.

I obediently took Lucas’s arm, flashing a radiant smile. “Handsome, got any plans tonight?”

My voice was light, playful, full of promise. For a second, the whole world seemed to pause, waiting to see what would happen next.

The air went so still, it felt like everything stopped.

You could’ve heard a pin drop. Even the city outside seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Lucas’s answer.