I Took His Money Down

My name is Lorelei Jones, and I'm fairly attractive. People around me always say I only have beauty and that I'm only after a wealthy husband. I won't deny it; after all, who wouldn't want a good life? Later, I met Malcolm Carter. He was a well-known rich second generation in City A. Malcolm pursued me eagerly, showering me with expensive gifts and taking me to upscale venues. I quickly fell for him, believing I had finally found my prince charming. I thought my happy life was about to begin. But I failed to notice the occasional flicker of disdain in Malcolm's gaze whenever he looked at me. I dismissed it as a trick of my imagination, lost in the sweetness of love. Graduation season was fast approaching, and Malcolm Carter, as an outstanding graduate, was about to give a speech on stage. I had dressed up carefully, sitting in the audience, hoping he would mention me. On stage, Malcolm was full of confidence, speaking about his plans for the future. Just when I was filled with joy, he suddenly shifted his tone. "I have one more announcement to make." His gaze swept across the audience before finally settling on me. "Malcolm Carter and Lorelei Jones — it's over." Those words struck like thunder, leaving my mind utterly blank. The entire hall fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on me. In those eyes, there was curiosity, mockery, and cruel delight. I froze in my seat, my hands and feet turning ice-cold. But that wasn't all—Malcolm Carter stepped down from the stage and walked straight toward another girl. That girl was Christina Xavier, rumored to be Malcolm Carter's unattainable lover. Malcolm took Christina's hand, looking at her tenderly, a complete contrast to the coldness he had shown me just moments before. My beautiful dream was utterly shattered in that instant. Whispers started to ripple around us. "I told you Lorelei Jones didn't deserve Mr. Carter — it was just a game to him." "It must be because Lorelei Jones is too materialistic that Mr. Carter couldn't take it and broke up with her." "Look at her pitiful state—she really deserves it." Those malicious rumors and attacks stabbed at my heart like needles. I wanted to confront Malcolm Carter and get the truth, but he wouldn't even look at me. He held Christina Xavier close, coldly watching my humiliation. I gathered my courage and walked up to him. "Malcolm, why? Weren't we fine?" Malcolm frowned slightly, his tone icy. "Fine? Lorelei, stop pretending." "What am I pretending?" I looked at him, confused. "Do you think I don't know what you've been doing behind my back?" His eyes were filled with disdain. "I didn't! What are you talking about?" I was so anxious that I was on the verge of tears. "Still dare to deny it?" Malcolm Carter suddenly lifted his hand and slapped me across the face. The sharp slap echoed loudly in the silent auditorium. My cheek burned painfully, and tears finally slipped down uncontrollably. "Don't think I'm unaware of your infidelity." He kept accusing me, his voice low but loud enough for those around to hear. I was completely stunned; I never cheated—this was clearly a lie he had made up. No matter how I tried to explain, he refused to listen. Christina stood by his side, a smug smile playing at the corner of her lips. I looked at the two of them before me, my heart swelling with despair and rage.