The car weaved through the bustling city streets before coming to a halt in the heart of downtown. Maja
looked up to see her own face projected on a massive billboard, right in the center of the most opulent
building in sight. Next to her image was a line of text—Maja, call me at… Her heart skipped a beat,
hammered by an invisible fist. In a rush, she flung the car door open and stepped out. The photo on the
screen seemed even larger as she craned her neck upward, accompanied by a message from Ian. Her
cheeks flushed with excitement as she quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed the number
displayed. Before the call connected, a woman’s voice cut through the air, “Is that you?” Maja turned to
find a stunningly beautiful woman sauntering towards her with a sway in her step. The woman gave
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMaja a thorough once-over and said, “You must be Maja.” “And who are you?” With an air of
nonchalance, the woman extended her hand, her lips curving into a smile, “Ian woke up from his first
night out in my place. He’s my first visitor.” Maja ignored her, pressing the phone to her ear as the call
went through. But the ringing came from the woman’s purse. The woman pulled out the phone, saw the
unfamiliar number, and glanced at Maja still on her own phone, raising an eyebrow. “Are you the one
calling? Ian’s phone is with me.” Though she appeared composed, a hint of smugness was
unmistakable. “I forgot to mention, I’m his lifesaver, and he bought me a nice big house,” the woman
bragged, flipping her hair back. “Care to stay over, Maja?” She was clearly showing off. Maja thought
about returning to her car when several passersby who seemed to know the woman approached.
“Audrey, why aren’t you with Ian today? Doesn’t he usually take you everywhere?” one of them asked.
“Weren’t you the one he’s been talking about making his second wife?” As soon as the man’s eyes
landed on Maja, he clapped a hand over his mouth. “Oh, the first wife is here, no wonder
Audrey looks off.” “But hey, sticking with Ian for less than a week and you scored a house, a car, that’s
quite the social leap.” Audrey waved them off with a smile. “Don’t talk nonsense, Maja is right here.”
She was carefully watching for Maja’s reaction, expecting anger, but Maja simply asked, “Where’s Ian
now?” Audrey’s mood soured, “Why should I tell you?” She brandished Ian’s phone in her hand with a
scoff, “If you’re so capable, find him yourself.” Just as she spoke, another figure emerged from Maja’s
car—Patric. Patric looked utterly goofy as he grasped Maja’s hand. “Maja, I don’t have any other wife, I
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don’t have Audrey, I’m good to you.” He seemed to truly believe he was Ian. Audrey, ready to retort,
caught sight of his face and frowned slightly. This man bore a resemblance to Ian—could he be a
relative? Maja was in no mood for this nonsense. She opened the car door, pushed him back in, and
ignored Audrey as she made her way into the building managing the giant screen. “Excuse me, how
much does it cost for a minute on the big screen outside? I’d like to book it for half a month.” The
receptionist smiled politely, “I’m sorry, Mr. Raymond has it booked for the entire month.” “Then I’ll take
the slightly smaller screen across from it. I just need to post a message.” The receptionist promptly
processed the request, and the price came to $100,000. Maja swiped her card without hesitation. Ten
minutes later, opposite the largest screen, a new billboard lit up. —Ian, this is Maja. Call me at… She
was certain Ian would see the message and come looking for her.