Betrayed on Deal Day

On the day the weapons deposit was due, my fiancé suddenly gave the money to a rival family’s daughter. A subordinate reminded him, “Don Sanchez, what about Miss Anna?” “For the sake of this weapons deal, Miss Anna hasn’t bought a single new dress for three years. If she finds out you gave the hard-earned deposit to Miss Lily, won’t she be angry?” Jackson only curled his lips indifferently. “Anna? It’s fine. She has the password to my safe. “Even if she knows I gave the money to someone else, she’ll just sell her jewelry and make up the amount. “She loves me and can’t be without me. It won’t affect our wedding.” I stood at the door, listening in silence. Then I smiled, turned, and left as if I had heard nothing. I didn’t urge him to pay the deposit, nor did I ask about the weapons deal. What Jackson didn’t know was that while he was trying to please Lily, I was pursuing my own goals. Even my years of frugality were never for him. Chapter 1 I stood at the door, listening to Jackson Sanchez’s words in silence. That money totaled ten million dollars. Every cent was something I had saved over the past few years through careful budgeting. For three years, hundreds of days and nights, I, who once loved fashion, didn’t buy a single dress. I even cut back on food. I used to love attending parties, but I didn’t dare to go these past three years. Every expense was planned, as I was always afraid of overspending and not saving enough for the deposit. I did all this for the sake of this family. So that he could successfully secure that batch of weapons, and his father would approve our marriage. I didn’t expect that after finally saving this money, he would give all of it to Lily Wilson to buy jewelry, just to please her. Inside the room, his subordinate couldn’t help but speak up for me. “Don Sanchez, that was all of Miss Anna’s savings after such a long time. “She will be angry if she finds out.” Jackson let out a cold laugh. “Does it matter whether she’s angry?” “I’ve already given the money to Lily. Even if Anna finds out, what can she do to me? She can’t leave me.” Jackson picked up his glass of red wine and swirled it. “You don’t understand Anna. She can’t be without me now. For the sake of marrying me, she would do anything.” The subordinate still hesitated. “But this is not a small amount. It’s ten million. Even if Miss Anna wants to make it up, it won’t be easy.” Jackson frowned, showing some displeasure. “Since she knows it’s not a small amount, can’t she ask her parents for it? “Besides, Lily and I grew up together. I know her best. She’s delicate and cares about her image. If she wears cheap jewelry to her birthday party, others will criticize her, and she will be unhappy. “Anna is different. These years, she has followed me and lived frugally, so she’s already used to it. Whether she has these things or not doesn’t matter to her. “Also, Anna had some looks before, but in recent years, without dressing up, she looks dull and plain. How can she compare to Lily, who looks soft and lovely?” The subordinate didn’t dare to speak up for me anymore and nodded stiffly. “You’re right, Don Sanchez.” I stood outside the door and listened to their conversation. My hands and feet felt cold, and a gust of wind made it even more piercing. I even had the urge to go in and slap Jackson. To ask him what it meant for me to save all that money for him by cutting back on everything. However, my feet felt as heavy as lead. I stood outside for a long time, and in the end, I turned around and returned to my room. I took out my phone and checked the balance in my bank account. Nine dollars. Yesterday, it was at ten million. Today, only nine dollars remained. I stared at the number, lost in thought, and felt an ache in my heart. Back then, when Jackson’s father learned that I had studied accounting, he told me that as long as I could find a way to gather this weapons fund within three years, he would agree to my marriage with Jackson. Three years. I saved desperately and worked hard to accumulate it. Not for Jackson, but to let that old man see my value. It seemed that nothing mattered anymore. In his eyes, I am just a dull and plain fiancée who won’t leave him. I turned off my phone. I didn’t cry and just opened my computer and pulled up the ledger I kept. For three years, every expense in the family was recorded clearly. Looking at those numbers, I suddenly felt it was ridiculous. I calculated everything so precisely, but I missed the human heart. Though the heart may be real, it can also change in an instant. Chapter 2 This time, I didn’t ask about the money. For several days in a row, Jackson didn’t come to see me either. Based on how things were before, he probably thought I already knew and was secretly trying to find a way to gather the money. He might even think that I would take the initiative to ask him how much is still missing. I’ll figure something out. He was too confident to realize that I had already changed. Soon, Lily’s birthday arrived. I heard that this time, she invited half of high society and stole all the attention at the banquet. That night, Lily wore a new set of jewelry. It was said to be a limited edition, with only three sets in the world. Its value just happened to be ten million. Jackson got drunk and sent me a message asking me to pick him up. When I didn’t agree, dozens of accusatory messages were sent to my phone not long after. [Anna, what are you doing? I’m drunk and told you to come pick me up, yet you won’t even come. Are you still my fiancée? If you keep acting like this, I will reconsider our wedding.] I glanced at it and replied with one sentence. [Then reconsider.] After that, I blocked his number and continued looking at my computer. There were many spreadsheets on the screen. The Sanchez family’s financial chain had been broken for a long time. Since I took over, almost every plus sign represented one of my contributions. It might have been selling jewelry or saving money through frugality. Now, as I looked at these numbers again, I felt unusually calm. To me, they were now just numbers that needed to be calculated. In the early morning, Jackson came back, carrying the smell of alcohol. When he saw me, he said coldly, “I told you to come pick me up. Why didn’t you?” I raised my eyes to look at him, then lowered my head and continued typing. “I’m calculating the losses for the new quarter.” He seemed satisfied with this answer and walked over, wanting to touch my head. I tilted slightly and avoided him. His hand hung in midair, and he looked displeased. “What’s wrong?” “Jackson.” I spoke. “Where is that money?” His expression stiffened for a moment, then quickly returned to normal. “What money?” “The ten million I saved. This time’s weapons deposit.” He was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. “Anna, let me explain. Something happened on Lily’s side, and she urgently needed money to cover it. She’s the eldest daughter of the Wilson family. She has a reputation to uphold. I promise you, once I have money on hand, I’ll make it up to you immediately.” “What happened to her?” “That’s… her private matter. It’s not for me to say.” “Private matter?” When I heard those two words, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Limited edition. Only three sets in the world. Exactly ten million.” His expression changed. “You investigated me?” I found Jackson’s words childish and ridiculous. “Do I need to investigate?” “Everyone in the circle was talking about it. The new don of the Sanchez family spent a fortune just to please Miss Wilson.” Jackson fell silent. A moment later, he raised his head, as if it were only natural. “So what if I gave her the money?” “That was my money,” I said word by word. Jackson let out a disdainful laugh. “Your money? “Anna, wasn’t everything you’ve eaten and used these past three years mine? The money you saved, to put it plainly, was also saved from my territory. If I use my own money to help a friend, do I need to report it to you?” I had loved Jackson for many years, but at this moment, he felt incredibly unfamiliar. After all these years, it felt like I was seeing him clearly for the first time. So this was how he saw my past three years? I let out a soft laugh, but my gaze grew colder. Jackson noticed something was off and eased his tone. “Alright. I’ll handle this money. Stop focusing on money all day and being so calculative.” I asked him, “How are you going to handle it?” Jackson fell silent for a moment, then took out a cigarette and lit it before glancing at me. “Didn’t your parents give you a few sets of jewelry for your birthday? Sell them first and pay the deposit. Once we get past my father and finish the wedding smoothly, I’ll compensate you.” I froze for a moment. I didn’t expect Jackson’s solution to be this. I looked at him and gave a bitter smile. “Those were birthday gifts from my parents. Why should I sell them to fill your family’s accounts?” Jackson frowned. “Isn’t what’s yours is mine? We’re getting married. From now on, these are our shared assets. What’s wrong with using them first? “Anna, after you marry me, you’ll take my last name. You should be considering my family.” I didn’t say anything more. I just stood up, took out a suitcase, and started packing. Jackson grabbed me. “Anna, what are you doing now?” I turned around and looked at him calmly. “Jackson, let’s break up. I don’t want to marry you anymore.” Jackson froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Anna, are you trying to threaten me with a breakup? Isn’t that childish? “For ten million, you’re actually using this to threaten me?” I said calmly, “It’s not a threat. I’m serious.” Jackson’s face darkened. “Our relationship for so many years is only worth ten million in your eyes?” After hearing that, I smiled. “It’s not that our relationship is worth ten million. It’s that in your heart, no matter what I do, I will never be as important as Lily. “I’m tired. I don’t want to keep playing along with you.” With that, I continued packing my suitcase. Jackson gritted his teeth and said “fine” several times before slamming the door and leaving. That same night, I left the estate. Although Jackson knew I had left, he didn’t come after me, nor had I expected him to come after me either. In the past, every time we argued, he never comforted me. I was always the one who found an excuse to give him a way out. Jackson was too proud, the kind that made him incapable of lowering his head. As expected, in the following days, he didn’t contact me. I knew he was waiting for me to give in. However, this time was different. My heart was truly cold. Chapter 3 I moved out of the Sanchez family estate and into an apartment I had prepared in advance. During the day, I continued handling the Sanchez family’s accounts. At night, I worked on perfecting my liquidation sheet. Since it was three years of accounts, the amount was massive. But I was unusually patient. During this time, Lily gave me a call. “Anna, it’s me, Lily.” Her voice sounded soft, with a hint of tears. “I didn’t know Jackson took your money to buy that jewelry for me. And it even caused a huge fight between you two. You’re not angry at me, are you?” I listened quietly and said nothing. “Anna, Jackson really loves you. This time, it’s just a misunderstanding.” “Okay,” I only said. She seemed to freeze on the other end. “Anna… you’re not angry?” “Nope.” I said, “Anyway, it’s not my money.” After that, I hung up. I truly wasn’t angry. I needed to settle this failed investment, and Lily was the biggest risk in this investment. On the day of Jackson's and my anniversary, he sent me a message. [Dinner tonight. Same place.] There wasn’t a single word of apology. I couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. Maybe in Jackson’s eyes, this was already the greatest extent of him lowering himself. [Okay.] That night, I arrived early at the revolving restaurant we used to go to. I waited for two hours, but Jackson didn’t show up. He sent me a message. [Something came up. You eat first. I’ll come later.] I didn’t reply. After waiting another half hour, I prepared to leave. At that moment, my phone rang. It was one of the people I had placed at the dock. “Miss Anna, are you and the boss transferring the weapons in the warehouse today?” I froze. “I’m not.” “Huh? But I just saw the boss bring a lady inside. I thought it was you. He said he wanted to personally inspect the goods.” My heart sank. After hanging up, I drove to the secret warehouse. The warehouse was filled with crates of weapons. “It’s so dirty here. There’s so much dust.” Lily’s voice sounded inside. Jackson said, “It’s a bit dirty. Anna thought it was cheap, so she bought it. Sorry, Lily. I’ll take you to buy a new pair of shoes later.” “I think these goods look pretty average.” Lily covered her mouth in disgust. “She chose them, saying they had the best cost-performance. Lily, have someone take them back and use them first. When I have money later, I’ll buy you whatever you want.” “Really? That’s great! Jackson, I knew you would treat me the best.” A giggle echoed inside the warehouse. I stood outside, listening as they planned a business that no longer belonged to me. I didn’t go in. I just took out my phone and recorded a video before turning to leave. On the way back to the apartment, I received messages from Jackson. [Why aren’t you replying? I just got delayed because of something. Is it really necessary to act like this? [Someone at the warehouse wanted to inspect the goods, so I came to take a look. Go back and rest early.] I looked at those two messages. Not wanting to waste words on him, I directly sent him the video. There was silence on the other end for a long time. Then, Jackson’s calls started coming in frantically. I didn’t answer a single one and blocked all his contact methods. I also revoked his access to our shared insurance account. That night, I completed the liquidation sheet. In total, over three years, nearly a hundred million dollars in funds had flowed through. I calculated a final number. Looking at the amount, my heart finally calmed down. Maybe it was time all of this came to an end. Chapter 4 There were three days left until the final payment deadline for the weapons deal. Since Jackson couldn’t find me, he started looking for my subordinates and even went to my father. My father called me and asked if I had fallen out with Jackson. I only said that we were over and told him not to interfere. He was silent for a moment and didn’t ask further. He had never liked Jackson. He thought Jackson acted too rashly, couldn’t shoulder responsibility, and had no future. He only didn’t object because I liked him. When Jackson couldn’t find me again and again, he grew anxious. He began waiting for me at several places I used to frequent. I had my people stop him, so he stood outside shouting my name. It drew the attention of many members. Still, I didn’t go out. I watched as Jackson stood outside, his face red as he cursed at me. I didn’t expect that after tearing apart a three-year relationship, it could become this ugly. On the afternoon of the payment deadline, I was reconciling accounts when I suddenly received a transfer notification. I opened it and took a look. It was a transfer from my father. The amount was large, and there was a message after it. [Anna, I will always be your strongest support.] Looking at that message, I felt a wave of bitterness. After finishing the reconciliation, I walked out of the room. I saw that Jackson had come again. I didn’t know what method he used to get into the base, but he was standing in the corridor. He looked exhausted, his hair messy. When he saw me, he was delighted. “Anna, you’re finally willing to see me!” He grabbed my hand, but I shook him off. “What do you want me to do for you to be satisfied?” “Jackson.” I called his name in a low voice and said seriously, “Today is the last day.” “I know!” he said urgently. “About the weapons, don’t worry, I—” “I’m not talking about the weapons.” I interrupted him. “I’m talking about us.” He froze. “Anna, stop making a scene. Come back with me, and let’s talk it out.” “I already said everything that needed to be said that day at the warehouse.” “You said to break up? I don’t believe it! That was said in anger!” He insisted, “Three years of our relationship, and you’re just ending it? Cutting it off just like that?” “You were the one in the wrong first. What’s wrong with me ending this relationship?” “I didn’t do anything wrong!” he argued. “I was just helping Lily! We grew up together. She’s always been delicate and needs jewelry to maintain appearances. Her father asked her to handle the family’s weapons business, but she doesn’t understand anything. As a friend, is it wrong for me to temporarily give her ours? “Your help is worth ten million, plus the East Coast line.” I looked at him. “Jackson, your calculations are quite precise.” He was left speechless. “Fine.” Jackson took a deep breath. “Anna, this matter is my fault. But that deposit… Have you found a way? Did you ask your father?” I looked at him as if I had never known him. At this point, the only thing on his mind was still that batch of weapons. He still wanted me to fill that hole. I didn’t speak. Thinking I had agreed, he quickly coaxed me, “I knew you were the most sensible. Don’t worry, I’ll treat this money as a loan from you. After we get married, I’ll definitely compensate you double.” He reached out, trying to hug me. “Let’s go pay the money quickly. If we miss today, it’ll be a breach of contract.” I stepped back and avoided him. “Jackson, I’m not paying.” His smile froze on his face. “What did you say?” “I’d rather feed that money to the dogs.” I took the settlement document I had prepared from my bag. I had already signed my name. “Sign it.” I handed him the pen. He stared at the documents as if he couldn’t recognize the words. “Anna, are you serious?” “I never joke. You know that.” His hand was trembling. “Just because of Lily? There’s really nothing between us! It’s all a misunderstanding! You know that the only person I like is you.” “Whether it’s a misunderstanding is no longer important.” I said, “What’s important is that you touched that money. In your heart, everything I’ve done has no meaning.” “That’s not true!” “It is.” I looked at him calmly. “You even think that losing a sum of money is nothing, because I will find a way to make it up for you. “Jackson, what am I to you? A machine that makes money for you out of nothing?” He froze. “Anna!” He gritted his teeth and called my name. “Do you really have to make this so absolute after three years together?” “You started it.” I placed the pen on the table. “Jackson, you know that once I make a decision, I never change it.” With that, I turned to leave without another look at him. I knew he was still standing outside, but I didn’t care. The liquidation plan I prepared had already begun. Chapter 5 After Jackson went back that day, he didn’t sign the settlement document I handed him. The next day, he simply threw it into the trash. He’s been having his subordinates wait downstairs at my apartment to track my movements. But in the past few days, I hadn’t gone down at all. Later, the arms dealer sent an email. Since we didn’t pay the deposit on time, that batch of weapons had already been sold to someone else. When I heard the news, I felt a bit of regret. However, I quickly accepted the result. The same couldn’t be said for Jackson, though. He sent me messages and called me like he had gone mad. The content of the messages became angrier and angrier until he started cursing at me. [In these three years, when have I ever treated you badly? Now it’s just using a bit of your money, and you leave me just like that? [Anna, has a dog eaten your conscience? [Anna, if you leave me, I’ll curse you!] Right after sending that message, Jackson suddenly turned to pleading. [Anna, I’m begging you. I can’t live without you. I was wrong. I won’t have any contact with her again. [Anna, for the sake of our past, give me one more chance.] I only looked at them, but didn’t reply, and continued completing my settlement. On Monday, after pulling several all-nighters, I finally finished it. I sent the report to Jackson once I had checked repeatedly that every number was correct, and then transferred a sum of money to him. Thirty thousand dollars—the total cost of all the gifts he had bought for me. There would no longer be any debt between us now that I had transferred him the money. Finally, I felt the weight in my heart lift. I looked at the sky outside the window. The next day, I booked a flight to Walford. There was an investment bank there that had wanted to hire me with a high salary a long time ago. However, at that time, I refused because of Jackson. Now that I had left Jackson, it was time for a new beginning. My future would no longer be tied to Jackson. It wasn’t worth it. Before the plane took off, I received a call from Jackson. On the other end, his voice was extremely strained. “Why? Anna, give me a reason.” I hung up without saying a word. Then I turned off my phone. There aren’t that many reasons in this world that can be explained, and I didn’t want to have any more contact with him. Jackson, from now on, we owe each other nothing.