Swapping Fates in the Marriage Game

I Entered a Marriage Game to Aid My Friend - She Picked the Gentle Artist, While I Ended Up with the Enigmatic CEO. This Time, We Switched Roles, and I'm Finally Free.

At my best friends insistence,I joined her in a virtual reality game where we were supposed to win over two brothers in a marriage - themed plot.She picked the gentle artist brother;I got the dark,obsessive CEO brother.

Three years later,I found myself as the CEO's wife of the Grant Corporation, clad in designer outfits worth a fortune, surrounded by luxury cars and opulent mansions.

She,meanwhile,scraped by with the brother who gave up his fortune and lost his leg.

She begged me to divorce with her.When I refused,she pulled me off a rooftop.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself back at the crucial decision - making point. This time, she eagerly went for the CEO brother.

Perfect.Now I could finally live my life.

At the Grant family gala,Chloe,dressed in simple attair,pushed the wheelchair-bound Julian into the room.I,glittering in jewels,sat beside Damien,the CEO brother.

Chloes inscrutable gaze fixed on me. Long time no see,Sophia.Can we catch up?

We went to the mansions rooftop.

Her piercing eyes met mine.Sophia,weve been friends for ages.Why havent you visited me or even called me in all these years?

Its not like that.I wanted to,but I couldnt

Before I could explain,she grabbed my hand,pleading,Sophia,I want a divorce.Leave with me,please.The game system says if we both divorce,I can exit this world.I cant keep taking care of that disabled person.

With a glimmer of hope, I asked,If you leave,can I go too?

She stammered,Youd need to wait for the next player

I refused.You dragged me into this ridiculous game, and now you want to abandon me?

Her face twisted.She seized my hand,yanking me backward.Sophia,if thats how it is,die with me.

A searing pain shot through me, and my consciousness began to fade.

When I opened my eyes,I was back at the start of the game.

Chloe,standing beside me, declared to the system, "I choose the younger brother."She winked at Damiens cold face.

Sophia, it's your turn to choose.

Under her expectant stare,I smiled.Ill take the older brother.

Julian,not yet injured,stood tall,nodding politely.

Choices are final,the system intoned in a solemn tone..

That day,a butler escorted us to city hall for marriage licenses.In the Grant mansion,Mrs.Eleanor Grant,the matriarch,lectured us:

Youre now Grant wives.Without our ancestral betrothal agreement,your backgrounds wouldnt qualify you to clean our floors.Behave yourselves.

She narrowed her eyes at Chloe. "Especially you. Being the CEO's wife is no walk in the park.

Chloe beamed.No problem,Mother-in-law.

After the lecture,I headed to Julians apartment.Chloe stayed at the mansion.

Eager to get rid of me, she practically shooed me out.I warned her,Mrs.Grant seems tough.Be careful.

She waved me off impatiently.Got it,got it.Go already.

I took a final glance at the mansionopulent,gated,imposing.

The driver took me to Julians apartment.Inside,the minimalist decor felt warm.Sunlight streamed through windows,bathing me in light.

Ms.Clarke,Mr.Julians busy with art workshops and may not return soon.He says to make yourself at home.

I nodded and started unpacking. When I checked the closet,I found clothes my size and a bank cardJulians thoughtfulness shone through.

Since he hadn't yet given up his Grant shares, my financial situation was secure.

I enrolled in a painting class,a lifelong passion.

In my previous "playthrough" of this game,I wanted Julian,but Chloe begged,claiming she adored gentle artists.Reluctantly,I chose Damien,the unstable CEO.Countless nights,I regretted it.

The next day, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt,I hit Silvertons largest mall for watercolor supplies.

I ran into Chloe, who was flanked by bodyguards,in a pricey dress,hair freshly styleda stark change overnight.

Hey,Sophia!Not even a simple hello?Forgotten me in a day?

She smirked.After you left,Mother-in-law took me for spa treatments and gave me a black card to shop.Said the CEOs wife must look the part.

She eyed my casual outfit.Youre my sister-in-law now.This looks a bitout of place.Want me to treat you to some new outfits?

Really?Awesome!

Expecting me to hesitate or blush,she was taken aback when I agreed,leading her to the malls priciest boutique.

I want that bag.I pointed to a displays top shelf.The clerk sneered,Miss,its sold out.Try something else.

I knew it was a limited-edition bag,one of only five in the entire world.

Chloe sauntered over,rattling off a code.The clerk,suddenly fawning,retrieved it and offered us the VIP lounge.

I declined.No,Im in a hurry. Just wrap it up.

Turning to Chloe, I said, Bestie,swipe the card.

Her smile faltered.Sophia,whats with the attitude?

I feigned innocence.You said I could pick anything.As the CEOs wife,you can afford a bag,right?

Shoppers started whispering among themselves, recognizing her as the "Grant CEO's wife."

Chloe lifted her chin.I can afford it,but with that attitude,Im not buying.

Perfect.

I forced tears.Chloe,were best friends and family.Even as the CEOs wife,you humiliated me.You offered to buy,then backed out to make me beg.Fine,I dont need it.

I ran out,sobbing,leaving Chloe amid gossiping onlookers.

Silvertons elite circles were leaky.This would reach Mrs.Grant,who prized reputation,and shed discipline her new,embarrassing daughter-in-law.

Last life,I suffered under her.

Walking away,I recalled taking Chloe on a shopping spree with my first black card.I bought her everything.Was she truly happy,or did she think I was flaunting?

Mrs.Grant called and invited me to a gala.Her younger son,Damien,was back.

I exhaled deeply.

Damien,my last lifes target,still haunted my nightmares.

Steeling myself,I started preparing. I knew I couldnt falter tonight.

At the gala,Mrs.Grant was seated at the head of the table. Across from me were Chloe and Damien.

Chloe looked thinner than before, and despite the makeup, she had dark circles under her eyes.

In my past life,I endured grueling etiquette lessons daily.They were just the start of my ordeal.

Chloe seemed to be putting on a good show,clinging sweetly to Damiens arm.

Wheres Julian tonight?Mrs.Grant asked.

She and Julian were strained,but I knew she loved him.

Mom,hes abroad for an art exhibition.Hell be back soon.

Art,always art.Whats the point?she grumbled,then sighed.Fine,if he loves it so much.

I caught Damiens jealous glare.

Julian,groomed as heir,had no freedom.

The Grantsfocus on him left Damien,the younger son,ignored.

Being neglected, his personality twistedpossessive,desperate to outshine Julian through finance.

Hell visit when hes back,I said calmly.

Chloe caused trouble.Sophia,is your marriage with Julian okay?

She flashed a ten-inch,ornate gold bangle.Damien had this custom-made.The golds cheap,but his efforts priceless.

I shot back,I think gold is expensive.If its cheap,send me some bars next time.No need for designs.

Caught off-guard,she pivoted.Even if Julians away,this is a gala.Your outfits a bitout of place.

I played innocent.What should I wear?This is my best dress.I cant afford more.Last time,you offered to buy me clothes,but when I picked a bag,you made me beg.

I was joking!Were besties,dont take it seriously.

So humiliating me in public was just a joke?

Sincerity kills.

She hadnt expected my bluntness.Her face flushed,and Mrs.Grants darkened.

Ive heard about this,Mrs.Grant said,eyeing Chloe.Apologize to Sophia.

Chloes face turned red and then white,mumbling but not apologizing.

Damien intervened.Mom,dont push Chloe.It was a joke.Theyre friendsits normal.

I didnt laugh,I said,locking eyes with Damien.Or does this make you feel superior to Julian?

His gaze turned venomous.Id provoked him.

Mrs.Grant coughed.Chloe,the CEOs wife cant be so rude.Apologize!

Realizing that Mrs.Grant was serious,Chloe muttered an apology.

I met her murderous stare.Chloe,Im hard of hearing. Speak louder.

SORRY!

I nodded,a satisfied smile on my face..

After the gala,Chloe pulled me aside,glaring at me.Admit ityoure reborn too,arent you?

I feigned anger.What nonsense?If you hadnt humiliated me,I wouldnt have snapped.You call yourself a friend?

Im done with you!she declared.Even if youre begging on the streets,I wont help you.

Funny,I was just about to cut ties with you.One last tip: get rid of that tacky,old-looking bangle.

She scoffed,smug.When that loser returns,well see whos laughing.

I knew she was referring to Julians upcoming injury.I smirked.Worry about yourself.

I didnt tell her the bangle hid a tracker and bug.