Chapter 5
For the next two weeks, Knox devoted all his time to Mila.
Her Instagram was constantly updated with new photos–mountain peaks, northern lights, grasslands, and lakeshores… all featuring the two of them embracing.
Aria masochistically studied Mila’s Instagram feed over and over again, her heart gradually transforming from raw, bleeding pain to complete numbness, until it could no longer stir even the slightest emotion within her.
“Mrs. Rivera, Mr. Rivera wants me to take you to see the fireworks show on the harbor tonight.”
Aria didn’t refuse.
And Knox wouldn’t have given her the option to refuse anyway.
When she arrived at the destination, she discovered this extravagant event was specifically organized by Knox for Mila.
Given Knox’s sensitive position, he had never publicly hosted such an event for anyone before.
Clearly, Mila was the exception.
Security was tight, with multiple layers of bodyguards thoroughly checking each guest. When Aria entered, even her gun was confiscated.
The yacht’s interior was luxurious beyond measure–Knox had spared no expense.
Aria arrived a bit late. By the time she got there, guests were already seated, with Mila on Knox’s arm, gracefully greeting everyone.
Mila had completely abandoned the timid demeanor she showed around Aria, smiling with confidence and poise, clearly already considering herself the hostess of the Rivera household.
‘I’ve heard Mr. Rivera and his wife have an amazing relationship, but seeing this display tonight really proves it. This setup must have cost millions!”
‘Open your eyes and look carefully–that woman isn’t his wife. I’ve heard she’s his childhood sweetheart who he couldn’t have. As for the one you’re thinking of, she is just her replacement.”
‘Look! That woman walking behind you is actually Mr. Rivera’s wife!”
Aria pretended not to hear their conversation as she found a seat and poured herself a drink.
“Now that you mention it, they do look remarkably similar, especially from the side–almost like they were cast from the same mold. The only difference is in their eyes. The replacement’s eyes are fierce, while the real deal’s are
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gentle.”
“The replacement seems pretty pathetic when you think about it. She’s clearly miserable, yet she still has to attend. this party specifically thrown for the original.”
“Talk about thick–skinned!”
The barbed comments about her grew increasingly vicious. Just then, Knox approached with a dark expression.
For a fleeting moment, Aria had the illusion he was coming to defend her.
After all, in the past, if anyone had dared humiliate her like this, Knox would have already smashed a bottle over their head.
But that was the past. As everyone said, now that the original had returned, who would care about a mere replacement?
Knox stood before her, his expression somber.
“This might be the last event Mila can attend. Yet you were half an hour late, Aria.”
He poured a glass of champagne and handed it to her. “Go apologize to Mila.”
Aria was about to respond with a cold laugh when a sharp gunshot suddenly rang out.
Accompanied by shrieks of terror, everyone scattered like headless chickens, desperately scrambling to escape.
Despite Knox’s precautions, chaos had erupted.
Dozens of armed men appeared in the crowd, their target clearly Mila on the stage.
Security guards rushed in from outside the yacht, and the scene descended into mayhem.
Knox’s eyes turned cold as he pulled his gun from his waist and headed straight for Mila.
Aria was startled by the sudden chaos. Despite how deeply Knox had hurt her, her first instinct was still concern for his safety.
She hated herself for being so weak, but her body moved before her mind could catch up. She rushed in Knox’s
direction.
By this time, Knox had already pulled Mila behind a table in the corner.
Mila, who had never experienced such violence, was terrified–her face pale, cold sweat pouring down.
Seeing her like this, Knox’s face filled with concern. Without a moment’s hesitation, he made a decision.
As Aria approached, Knox spoke urgently: “Aria! Quick! Take off your jacket!”
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As he spoke, he yanked off Mila’s jacket and threw it to Aria.
“Put this on.”
His tone was forceful, brooking no argument.
Aria stared at him in disbelief.
“You want me to die in her place?”
At her words, Knox glared.
“Don’t be so dramatic! With your skills, you should be able to escape those guys. Besides, their target is Mila–they might go easy on you! Time’s running out, don’t make me repeat myself!”
Aria suddenly laughed. She laughed until tears came to her eyes.
Being someone else’s replacement for eight years wasn’t enough–now she had to die first too.
In that moment, Aria admitted it: She regretted it. She truly regretted loving Knox Rivera.
Memories flashed through her mind, and all the love and passion of the past eight years crystallized into one word:
replacement.
[ust a replacement.
It seemed that in their eight–year relationship, she was the only one who had truly fallen in love.
How pathetically ironic.
Very well. Since Knox had saved her life once before, she would return it to him now.
After this, she would owe him nothing.
Aria stared directly into Knox’s eyes.
‘Fine.”
Aria put on Mila’s clothes. The moment she stepped out, gunfire erupted around her.
She dodged instinctively, relying on her training. At this point, evasion was her only option.
Her gun had been taken away at the entrance. She didn’t even have a chance to fight back.
When she could dodge no more, Aria finally closed her eyes, facing the sea, and leaped.
The icy seawater rushed into her mouth and nose.
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The last image in her mind was Knox running toward her. Perhaps it was her imagination, but there seemed to be genuine fear in his eyes.
Let it end this way.
She didn’t care anymore.
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