Chapter 3 He's My Future Master

• During the past five years, Nelson had spent three years in military service and two years apprenticing under Don. Due to military rules and Don's strict guidance, he had minimal contact with the outside world, mostly communicating with Sadie through letters.
• His family, probably to shield him from worry, had not informed him about their financial collapse. If not for Warren's revelation, he would still be unaware.
• Back then, Nelson's father owned a small pharmaceutical company, and the family lived a comfortable middle-class life. Sadie had deeply loved him then, and they were together all the time. But now, with his family bankrupt and heavily indebted, she had turned to Warren.
• Comparing their appearances and characters, Warren couldn't hold a candle to Nelson. Sadie's abandonment clearly stemmed from financial motives. Nelson finally saw through her true intentions.
• "For five years, I endured every hardship, striving to become someone capable who could shield you from any adversity. Now that I've returned, you've left me for money. I promise you'll regret this someday, and that day won't be far off!"
• Nelson's voice was firm, filled with bitterness.
• He vowed to make Sadie regret her decisions for the rest of her life. This was the vengeance he sought.
• However, Sadie sneered at his words. Perhaps because he had struck a nerve—she had indeed chosen money over him—she decided to drop the pretense altogether.
• "Nelson, you're just all talk now, aren't you? I must have been blind to have ever dated you!
• "Look at your situation now: Your family is bankrupt and deeply in debt. You're just a soldier who didn't even finish college. What future do you have? At best, you might become a security guard earning a few thousand bucks a month.
• "We're destined for different worlds. I refuse to live a life of hardship with you. A single meal with Warren might cost more than your entire monthly salary!
• "Let's part amicably while you still have some dignity."
• Warren added scornfully at the side, "Nelson, you think you can get the girl, but you clearly don't have what it takes. If I catch you bothering Sadie again, I'll break your legs!
• "You're a failure who will never amount to anything. No woman would ever want you!"
• With a flourish of his Rolex Submariner, the proud Warren grabbed Sadie's hand, ready to depart.
• He couldn't bear to spend another moment with someone as lowly as Nelson.
• "Stop right there! Who said no woman wants him?"
• Before Warren and Sadie could take another step, a cold yet furious voice cut through the air.
• Audrey, who had been observing from upstairs, could no longer remain silent. Accompanied by Alfred, she strode towards Nelson.
• Audrey exuded a regal aura, her breathtaking beauty captivating the attention of almost every man present, including Nelson, who couldn't help but stare at the stunning beauty in fascination.
• "Who's that? How dare you butt in on my business! Do you know who I am? I'm Warren from the Hamptons in Cloudhaven. Are you looking for trouble?"
• Warren turned around, fuming at the interruption.
• But when he caught sight of Audrey's face, he paled.
• As someone accustomed to the upper echelons, he immediately recognized her as Audrey, the daughter of Cloudhaven's wealthiest man and a respected businesswoman, who was often seen on the television. Even the Hamptons would hesitate to cross her; she was in a league of her own.
• Why is she here, and why is she defending a loser like Nelson?
• Enraged by Warren's arrogance, Alfred stepped forward and delivered a stinging slap across Warren's face upon hearing what he said.
• "You're just a junior from the second-rate Hamptons family. How dare you insult my lady and my future master! You're the one who's asking for trouble!"
• "What is this? How can you just let your subordinate hit someone? Have you no manners? Apologize at once!"
• Seeing Warren slapped, Sadie also erupted in anger. She glared at Audrey, who was walking over, mistakenly assuming she had ordered the assault.
• This woman's beauty and demeanor outshone Sadie in every aspect, stirring a hint of jealousy within her. Even her tone carried a touch of malice.
• "Sadie, be quiet!" Warren intervened urgently, his expression betraying clear anxiety. "She's Audrey Morales, daughter of Cloudhaven's wealthiest family, the Morales. We can't afford to offend her!"
• Sadie instinctively trembled. She had heard of the Morales. To realize that this elegant woman not only eclipsed her in appearance and grace but also possessed such a formidable background was profoundly disheartening.
• "Apologize? How dare you demand an apology from Ms. Audrey!
• "Your disgraceful affair is bad enough, but insulting my future master? In ancient times, people as shameless as you were stoned to death!
• "Now, whether Ms. Audrey and my future master forgive you is up to them. Don't expect any leniency!" Alfred's voice seethed with anger.
• Audrey briefly flushed at Alfred's repeated reference to Nelson as his future master, but she quickly composed herself.
• Normally, she wouldn't bother defending anyone, but she needed Nelson's assistance today and couldn't tolerate Warren and Sadie's reprehensible behavior. Therefore, she didn't correct Alfred's addressing of Nelson as his future master.
• Finally comprehending Alfred's implications, Warren and Sadie stared at Nelson in astonishment.
• Nelson, whom they had just scorned and trampled upon, was now engaged to Audrey? This seemed unreal—something not even a drama or novel would dare to depict!
• "Are you kidding? Nelson, this loser, the Morales's master? He's penniless, and his family is drowning in debt!" Warren sneered.
• "Exactly! Ms. Audrey, you must be mistaken. Nelson only returned today. How could he suddenly be your future husband? You two don't even know each other!"
• Sadie's face contorted in disdain.
• While she had discarded Nelson, she couldn't bear the thought of him being with someone far superior to her. It felt like a personal affront, a testament to her poor judgment.
• "This is no mistake. Mr. Keller and Ms. Audrey have a betrothal agreement arranged by their elders. I wonder, where did you find the audacity to abandon him? Do you think you're superior Ms. Audrey?" Alfred retorted indignantly.
• And he wasn't mistaken. Nelson's mentor, Don, had arranged this marriage for him. The agreement was settled, and there was no backing out.
• Nelson had wondered why such an extraordinarily beautiful woman would defend him, and now he understood after hearing what Alfred said.
• She was the woman chosen for him by his mentor. He had to admit, his mentor's choice was impeccable this time—this woman surpassed Sadie in every conceivable way.
• "Nelson, what's happening? Is what she said true? You had a marriage arrangement and still tried to trick me into getting back together? You're despicable! Did you bring this woman here to mock me?" Sadie spat bitterly, her face twisted with resentment.
• In her mind, Nelson, whom she wouldn't spare a glance for, should have been abandoned and left to suffer, not living a better life with a superior woman.
• "Hah! Not like you were being a saint! Didn't you want to end things? Fine, it's done. From now on, we're strangers!"
• Nelson suppressed his bitterness, wrapping his arm around Audrey's shoulders and walking away.
• He didn't want to involve himself with a woman like Sadie any longer. She might have rejected him today, but someday, he swore that she would regret it.
• Feeling the unfamiliar yet intimate touch of a stranger's arm around her shoulders for the first time, Audrey blushed deeply but restrained her indignation. She needed Nelson's help to save her grandfather, so she endured it without protest.
• "Hmph! You should count yourself lucky!"
• Alfred glared at Warren and Sadie before following Nelson and Audrey out of the café.
• "Are you going to let go now?"
• Outside, Audrey's eyes flashed with cold resolve as she noticed Nelson still holding onto her shoulder.