7 I paid the rent and leased the place, and the renovation company started work. In just one month, my flower shop was ready to open. Ryan gave me a thumbs-up. "Chloe, I never realized you were so capable! You got this project off the ground so quickly!" On opening day, Ryan specifically hired a lion dance troupe, saying it would drive away bad luck and bring in good fortune. It was quite a lively scene. Ryan really went all out, calling all his friends to show their support. In no time, the little flower shop was packed with customers, and business was booming. As I busied myself, I felt a familiar gaze from a distance. Just a few days after opening, the flower shop received a large order. Mia, my employee, excitedly told me, "Sister Chloe, someone called this morning to place a long-term flower order from our shop, and they need it delivered." I chuckled, "Sounds good! As long as they pay" Mia handed me the address, and I froze. It was Silverwood Estates. I quickly called Ryan. "Ryan, you want to help my shop, but you can't pay for it yourself!" I knew Ryan's family lived in Silverwood Estates, a famous wealthy neighborhood. Ryan was confused. "What are you talking about? When did I pay for it myself?" "This morning, a customer ordered flowers to be delivered to Silverwood Estates. I thought it was you." Ryan dismissed it. "It wasn't me. My mom has pollen allergies; how could I possibly order flowers?" If not Ryan, then who? Mia joked, "Maybe it's some rich VIP." I didn't overthink it, packed the flowers as requested, and set off on my trusty electric scooter. When I arrived, I knocked, but there was no answer. I gently pushed, and the door opened. I walked in, and in the middle of the spacious living room was a giant wedding photo of Daniel and Stunned for a moment, I came back to my senses. Daniel ordered these flowers! Daniel once told me that when he had money, he'd buy me a house in Silverwood Estates. I had never taken it seriously. Seeing the scene before me, everything became clear. I dropped the flowers and turned to run. But the main door slammed shut. Daniel stood there in a tailored suit, holding a massive diamond ring. Gone was his former arrogance; his eyes were sunken, and he exuded a sense of decaying despair. I felt a surge of fear, backing away two or three steps, and asked, "Daniel, what are you doing?" Daniel's lips curled into a chilling smile. "Chloe, I want to marry you. See how beautiful this villa is? We'll live here together, won't that be nice?" "You didn't like the last ring, so I bought you an even bigger one." "Daniel, you're insane! Don't you know we've broken up?" "Chloe, you've been by my side all these years; you're not allowed to go anywhere. Today is our wedding day, have you forgotten?" My mind raced. Today was indeed the day Daniel and I had planned to get married. Seeing that Daniel was clearly not right, I needed to get out of here fast. "Daniel, I haven't had time to prepare. A wedding is a big deal; it needs to be properly planned." I tried to soothe Daniel while slowly moving closer to the main door. But Daniel seemed to see through my plan. He grabbed me, his breath hot on my face. "Where do you think you're escaping to? Didn't I say we're getting married today?" "Oh, right, are you worried Ashley will cause trouble? Don't worry, she can't make it. Daniel held out a small box, almost triumphantly. "Open it and see. There's a surprise inside." I slowly opened the box, and a severed finger came into view. I screamed in horror, dropping the box. "Daniel, you're a madman! You killed Ashley!" A wave of immense despair washed over me. I didn't know what was coming next! Daniel laughed a few times, his face filled with sinister malice. "It's all Ashley's fault, that bitch. What right did she have to wear the same ring as you? I chopped off her hand to apologize to you!" "Chloe, can you forgive me?" Looking at this man, who had completely lost his mind, I broke down. I screamed hysterically, "Daniel, what do you want? Let me go!" Daniel ignored me, dragged me into the bedroom, and forced me into a wedding dress. Daniel looked at me with satisfaction. "Yes, this is my bride."" Then he kissed me, a greasy, repulsive kiss. "Chloe, remember you'll always be my woman." Daniel's hands started to wander inappropriately, and he pressed his entire body against mine. I instinctively tried to push him away, but I simply didn't have the strength to break free. Daniel grew impatient and took out a rope to tie my hands. I closed my eyes in despair, resigned to my cruel fate.