"Robert, you claim to like me and you are so rich, but you can't even afford to buy me a bag?".
A delightful female voice rang in his ear.
His body jolted violently and he looked around in surprise, finding himself at a shopping mall.
Seeing the beautiful girl next to him who had just spoken, he was taken aback, and incredulously said, "Elizabeth, why are you here?".
Elizabeth assumed that Robert didn't want to buy the bag, so she pouted deliberately, pretending to be sulky, "What? You asked me out. If you don't want to get the bag for me then say it, you don't have to resort to such underhand tactics".
He was dumbfounded. Why was he here?
He was back in his first year in the University.
How is this possible?.
He had originally been the son of a wealthy family, but he gone bankrupt after a failed start-up.
He had sought help from those who he had helped in the past.
He thought he would easily overcome the crisis, but instead of help, he was met with various forms of humiliation.
In the end, he jumped off a building in despair but instead of dying he had come back here.
He had been reborn!.
The youthful and beautiful girl in front of him was wearing a pleated skirt.
She was Elizabeth, a close friend of Amelia.
She seemed pure and sweet on the surface, but in reality, she was as cunning as a fox, she didn't like him at all, she just wanted his money.
In the past, Robert mysteriously found himself wildly smitten by her.
In just a few months, he had spent nearly two hundred thousand dollars on her.
Believe it or not!
But even then, Elizabeth did not return his feelings and he was firmly under her control.
What was even more outrageous was the fact she had a boyfriend all along.
In plain words, she had only ever approached Robert for his money.
When he found out about her boyfriend, he confronted her.
He would never forget the words Elizabeth had said to him.
"Robert, I've always seen you as a friend and nothing more."
"Did I do something wrong to make you misunderstand? I'm sorry, I'll correct it!"
"But I really didn't know you had feelings for me, if I had known I would have told you about my boyfriend. I apologize."
Just thinking about it was enough to build up a fiery indignation in Robert.
But to think that he had actually forgiven her back then?.
Several years later, only after his bankruptcy did he learn why Elizabeth had suddenly barge into his life
It was all a scheme plotted by his good brother, Henry.
Henry had persuaded Elizabeth to do so, claiming that he was easy to deceive, a fool with loads of money.
Thinking of Henry's betrayal made him angry.
He had treated Henry like a real brother, practically supporting him for four years through college, and even generously gave him his remaining meager savings for his start-up after graduation.
In business, he also helped him in every way possible, introducing resources and personal contacts to him.
In the end, Henry became mighty and successful but the ungrateful wretch didn't even appreciate all that. After he went bankrupt, all he wanted was to get back the money he had lost.
But to his dismay, Henry had refused to help him shamelessly saying that he didn't ask him for the money, it was Robert who gave it to him voluntarily.
In the end, he tossed two hundred dollars at him, telling him not to bother him again.
That man was simply a beast.
Robert sneered, now that God had given him another chance to live.
His "good brother", of course, deserved a good payback.
At this moment, Elizabeth nudged Robert's arm impatiently, "Hey, Robert, say something!".
She was becoming a bit anxious. Why was Robert reacting so slowly today?.
She had her eyes set on that bag for a long time, just waiting for Robert to foot the bill.
After all, his family was rich – what did it matter where he spent his money? Spending it on her wouldn't make a difference.
Robert really was as Henry said. A fool with money.
Robert finally came back to his senses and looked again at Elizabeth.
It had to be said, Elizabeth really was beautiful. Henry's sister, Amelia, was the school's beauty so naturally her best friend wouldn't be any worse.
The pair of long fair legs beneath her pleated skirt were truly eye-catching, and her small white blouse added a touch of innocence. She had a great figure, delicate features, and her lips were pink and moist – very enticing. She was exquisite.
Unfortunately, appearances could be deceiving.
Robert didn't explode in anger instantly, he planned to bide his time with her.
Thinking of treating him like a cash cow? She could keep dreaming.
Robert made a painful expression and said, "Elizabeth,we have hung out quite a few times now. What's the nature of our relationship?"
"I've spent quite a lot on you, but I feel that you don't even like me. I can't see any hope of a future for us".
On hearing this, Elizabeth brushed her hair aside and calmly replied, "Robert, as I've told you, I warm up to people slowly".
"You know, I prefer the type who are persistent and show great affection. If i fall in love, I'd like to marry my first love."
"Besides, your family is so wealthy but you are reluctant even to spend a little on me; I suppose you must not like me at all."
Elizabeth was brimming with confidence. Robert had asked this question not just once, and each time, she had him completely under her control.
This time wouldn't be any different.
Robert scoffed internally. So she's now resorting to moral blackmail?.
Sure, he had money, but was he obliged to spend it on her?.
What exactly was her place to demand such?.
And she had the nerve to claim that she was slow in affection and prefers long-lasting relationships and would marry her first love?.
Robert sighed, "I didn't expect that after putting in so much, you still think I don't like you. Alright, it seems like I'm not good enough for you. Let's end things here."
Robert turned to walk away, with no signs of hesitation.
Seeing Robert actually walking away, Elizabeth hurriedly grabbed his arm, "Don't, Robert..."
Robert felt triumphant internally.
He knew that Elizabeth wasn't going to let go of him, her big and convenient scapegoat.
This time, let's see how she would handle the situation.
On the surface, however, he replied impatiently, "Is there anything else ?"
Elizabeth slightly lowered her head, softly biting her delicate lips, and pleaded, "Please, can you give me a little more time? I... I need to give it some thought."
Inwardly, she was cursing Robert.
'This guy, what had gotten into him today? He really wants to end things with me?'
Robert laughed and said, "That's fine. I'm in no rush."
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Finally got Robert under control. Regardless of anything else, first secure the bag!
Feigning innocence, Elizabeth asked, "So, about this bag."
Robert, clear as a mirror inside, vaguely said, "That’s no problem. If you like it, I'll gift it to you. It's just fifty thousand dollars after all."
Elizabeth's heart leaped.
Robert was still the same.
Although, this man was truly wealthy, flaunting fifty thousand as if it’s nothing…
Suddenly, Robert's tone shifted, "However, you need to give me a taste of sweetness. Give me a hint of hope!"
Elizabeth was taken aback, "What kind of sweetness?"
Robert pointed at his face, "Could you give me a kiss?"
"Eh?" Elizabeth was shocked, her face turning red, "No, no, that can't be. How can we do that?!"
Robert shrugged, nonchalantly saying, "If you say so, then forget about it."
Robert turned around to leave once again.
Elizabeth once again stopped Robert, "Wait!"
Robert flashed a roguish smirk.