The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives

008 Saving Erica

The young billionaire raised an eyebrow. Then he let out a taunting chuckle. "Oh, it's you, loser! They finally let you go scot-free. I couldn't recognize you under the homeless man attire. It seems prison time didn't wash away your arrogance. Have you come back for more punishment? Or are you here to fall at my feet and apologize?"

Tyler pursed his lips to control his fury. He could kill Trent with one blow, and his revenge would be complete. However, it wouldn't be satisfactory. "I am here to rescue Erica. You've arranged her wedding against her will. My life is in shambles, but I won't let you ruin her life as well!"

Trent raised his arms in mockery and began guffawing. His friends and butlers also joined him in the laughter. "Did you just say that Erica's life will be ruined if she becomes my wife? Are you drunk or delusional?"

Just then, the sound of a pair of heels came down the corridor and stopped by the entrance. "Never mind that. Why don't you ask Erica directly what she thinks?" Trent said, pointing towards the main doorway.

Tyler turned around to see a beautiful woman in a dazzling wedding dress. Erica looked as stunning as ever. It had been three years since he last laid eyes on her. The young man's heart fluttered to see the love of his life again.

"Tyler…" she murmured with furrowed brows.

"Erica… I'm back! I know you've been waiting for me all these years. You couldn't come to visit me in prison because the Coopers threatened you. But you don't have to worry about them anymore. Neither do you have to marry Trent. I will protect you."

Erica didn't appear as pleased to see her returned ex-lover as he expected. She paused for a few moments before answering. "I am glad that you are free from prison, Tyler. But I don't see why you have come here. You weren't invited. Just to be clear, Trent is not forcing me to marry him. I love Trent and am getting married to him of my will. Please leave and don't come back again."

Tyler felt as if daggers had pierced his heart. "What are you talking about? You love Trent? I don't get it! You promised you'd wait for me!"

The beauty rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Wait for what? Have you come back from prison a billionaire? No! You are worse off than ever! Your family is bankrupt, and an ex-convict can't even get a job for survival! I would be an idiot to wait for a loser like you!"

Tyler gritted his teeth and took a step forward. "It's not my fault that Trent ruined my life! He put me in prison for defending you! He stole my father's business! Doesn't that bother you? Didn't you think twice before betraying your lover?"

Erica's face twisted in disdain. “Stop blabbering nonsense! You are delusional! I dated you back then because you had a bright future, and your dad owned a growing business. Now, my parents have shown me the truth. You were the worst mistake of my life!"

"What are you saying-"

"Trent is one of the top billionaire scions of the city. Look around and see what he has gifted me—the mansion, the servants, and the pageantry. He paid for the renovation of my home and pulled us out of poverty. Look at the diamond necklace on my neck! My dream wedding will be held in the luxurious Marian Hotel. It will be graced by elite guests and celebrities! He can give me the life of a Queen!" 

"Compared to Trent, you are a filthy maggot wriggling in the sewers! Go back to your cripple mother and your manual scavenger father! I don't want to see your face ever again! Get out!"

Tyler's emotions subsided as Erica bluntly revealed her true face. Throughout the three years in prison, the young man had regretted leaving her behind at Trent's mercy. Now that he realized it was a delusion, he felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

Tyler simmered down and watched his ex with cold eyes. "Are you sure you won't regret this decision?"

Erica betrayed her lady-like personality and spat on the ground. "I regret every moment I spent with you and wish your existence was erased! Today is my wedding day. Don't spoil it by loitering around with your deadbeat face and your homeless stink! Get out!"

"You heard her, wastrel!" Trent mocked. "Now let me warn you. If you come within a mile of her, I will break your legs-"

Tyler turned around, and his aura transformed. His piercing eyes were ablaze. Trent paused mid-sentence as a chill ran down his spine.

What madness did he bring back with him from prison?