The Billionaire's Second Choice Chapter 1

After successfully seducing the brooding male lead in my favorite novel, I chose to immediately exit the simulation.

Even though he begged me to stay, I didn't hesitate for a second.

Back in the real world, my life was a mess.

The System approached me again. It offered me five million dollars to return to the book and make him fall in love with me again.

Just as I was about to agree, a stream of comments floated across my vision:

"Ugh, the ex-wife who abandoned him is back."

"Does she seriously think the male lead still loves her? Delusional."

"The second transmigrator didn't just fix his trauma; she stayed. She gave him a home."

"They're about to get married. Can the ex-wife just have some dignity and leave them alone?"

* * *

It took me a long time to realize they were talking about me.

"Ex-wife."

Beside me, the System was still pitching the deal.

"You just need to make Julian Vance fall in love with you again. Five million dollars, cash. Even if you fail, you get fifty thousand for your trouble. Good deal, right?"

It was a good deal.

I desperately needed the money.

But remembering the comments, I hesitated. I told the System I needed to think about it.

So, the System sent me back into the book first. Specifically, to the small apartment Julian and I used to share.

It was tiny, worn, but cozy. Exactly as I left it three years ago.

Julian hadn't moved a single thing.

Even the dress I stained right before I left was hanging in the closet, clean and pressed.

I remembered that dress. It was a designer piece, way out of our budget back then. When Julian secretly bought it for me, I scolded him for spending so much.

He didn't argue. He just stood there, eyes downcast, waiting for my anger to pass so he could coax me into wearing it.

I touched the silky fabric, my chest tightening.

If Julian had truly forgotten me, why keep this apartment exactly as it was?

I looked around the small room. My gaze landed on a piece of white paper taped to the window.

FOR SALE. URGENT. PRICE NEGOTIABLE.

The handwriting was sharp and familiar. Julian's.