System Failure: The Replacement Wife's Final Ten Days Chapter 2

I had actually completed the mission years ago.

But because Noah was small, and because I truly loved Harrison, I chose to stay.

Now, neither of them wanted me.

The System tried to comfort me: [Host, nobody here loves you anyway. Take the billion dollars and live it up for the last ten days. Then I'll take you to a new world.]

I teared up.

It was pathetic, really. I had parents, a husband, a son. None of them loved me.

They only loved Bella.

When we were kids, Bella danced ballet. My parents bought her a condo as a reward. I practiced until my feet bled and won first place.

I thought they’d praise me.

Instead, Bella pushed me down the stairs. I broke my leg. My parents said, "You deserved it for stealing your sister's spotlight."

That’s when I knew I was an orphan with living parents.

I tried to build a new family with Harrison. It failed.

Fine. I didn't want any of them anymore.

...

One hour later.

I walked into "The Olympus," the most exclusive host club in the city, carrying a black card with a billion-dollar limit.

On the left, rows of "puppy dog" types calling out "Big Sister." On the right, "wolf types" smoldering.

I waved the card. "Bring me your best-looking guys. I have a billion to burn!"

Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm hard.

I turned around. Harrison.

His eyes were burning with anger. "Posting on social media wasn't enough? You followed me here? Are you trying to ruin Bella's welcome party on the 88th floor?"

"She's your sister. Why must you always fight her?"

Noah stood beside him, looking disgusted. "Mom, stop embarrassing us. You're so petty. Being jealous just makes Daddy hate you more."

It stung.

I shook off Harrison’s hand. "I don't have time to disturb your love nest. My schedule is open; if you find me annoying, stay out of my way."

I turned and walked deeper into the club, ignoring them.

Harrison watched my back, a strange irritation rising in his chest.

...

I rented the VIP penthouse at The Olympus.

I ordered bottles of Ace of Spades. I hired guys to sing, dance, perform magic tricks.

I tipped $50,000 just for a smile.

Laughter filled the room all night.

But I didn't smile once.

Soon, I was trending again.

#HarrisonThrowsPartyForBella #ChloeHiresMaleModels

#FallenStar: Chloe Spends Billions on Men!

The comments were brutal.

"She's disgusting. Look at those photos, surrounded by men. Does she have a disease?"

"How can a classy artist like Bella be related to this trash?"

"Die, homewrecker!"

I didn't look at my phone. I just drank, glass after glass.

The next morning, a call woke me up.

My head was splitting. I answered, and my mother’s screeching voice drilled into my ear.

"You ungrateful wretch! You have no shame!"

"I..."

"Shut up! You’re ruining Bella’s reputation with the Sterling family elders! Get out of that filthy place and go back to the villa! Fix your image or I’ll freeze your accounts! You’ll sleep on the street!"

She hung up.

Every word was a brand on my soul.

I rubbed my temples. "It's okay, Chloe. You're leaving soon."

I did go back to the villa, though. Not to apologize, but to get my ID and transfer the money to an account my mother couldn't touch.

I had 9 days left. I was going to enjoy them.

...

I arrived at the house I’d shared with Harrison for five years.

It was quiet. I thought they were out.

I went upstairs to the master bedroom. Through the door, I heard low, ambiguous moans.

My heart felt like it had been stabbed. Shaking, I reached for the handle.

Suddenly, a small body slammed into me like a cannonball.

Noah blocked the door, glaring at me with hatred.

"Bad Mom! You can't go in! Daddy said he's making me a new little sister with Aunt Bella. Do not disturb them!"