Chapter 2

Zoey dramatically covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh my God, you're so manipulative."

"I didn't even touch you, and you threw yourself against the wall."

Adrian's gaze towards me grew colder.

"Evelyn, haven't you caused enough trouble?"

I bit my lip hard, trying to stay conscious.

"I have severe asthma. If you don't stop, it could be fatal."

My throat felt like it was being sliced by razor blades, each breath tinged with the taste of blood.

Zoey deliberately waved the inhaler in front of my eyes.

She took a deep breath right in front of me.

"Ah, so refreshing. Too bad I can't share it with you."

"Expensive things really do work better."

I struggled to reach for it.

She effortlessly held it above her head.

"Want it? Beg me."

My vision blurred, and cold sweat soaked through my back.

Adrian watched coldly.

"Zoey just wants to use it. Don't be so stingy."

"We've all seen your medical report. You don't even have asthma."

I clung to the last shred of my rationality.

"Adrian, you've seen me have an attack before."

Zoey suddenly interjected.

"Faking illness for sympathy, huh? Isn't that the trend these days?"

"Don't tell me you have depression too?"

Laughter instantly filled the private room.

Someone whistled and egged them on.

"Adrian, this girl is too much."

"Zoey's more your type, so much more generous."

I mustered all my strength and lunged at Zoey.

Just as my fingertips were about to touch the inhaler, she suddenly stepped back.

I crashed heavily onto the carpet.

"Such a convincing performance," Zoey feigned surprise.

She bent down and whispered in my ear, her voice so soft only I could hear.

"Just die already. It'll make room for me."

When she stood up, her tone shifted to concern.

"Stop messing around. Everyone's waiting for the toast."

Adrian finally noticed something was wrong.

He knelt down and held me.

"What's really going on with you?"

"Help me..."

I clutched his wrist desperately, my voice barely audible.

"Medicine..."

Adrian's brow furrowed, a flicker of panic in his eyes.

He looked at Zoey, "Give her the inhaler first."

Zoey's expression changed instantly.

She hid it behind her back, stomping her foot coquettishly.

"Adrian, are you crazy? Don't you remember how she played you before?"

She suddenly turned to the others and shouted.

"See? The pity card works wonders."

Several men immediately chimed in.

"Zoey's been our friend for years. She wouldn't lie to you."

"These delicate types just need to be put in their place."

Adrian's grip loosened slightly.

I could feel his hesitation.

Excruciating pain tore through my chest, and my consciousness began to fade.

"But she really does look terrible..."