Chapter 1 Chapter 1 The eighth time I got dropped into a billionaire romance novel , the story was already halfway through . I dutifully played my part as the villainous CEO's fiancée - devoted , graceful , and oh - so - frugal . But that son of a bitch's affection level for me was still stuck at a measly 20 , right where it started . To put that in perspective , a stray dog I'd pet on the street would probably hit an affinity level of 30 . If he wasn't going to give a damn , then neither was I. Screw it . 1 The eighth time I found myself in this world , the main plot was already in full swing . I was the long - suffering fiancée of the story's villain , playi- ng the role of a perfect , penny - pinching partner . And yet , his affection level for me remained frozen at 20 . Honestly , a stray dog would like me more after a single pat . " What do we do , Host ? If we don't succeed soon , my performance bonus is going to get docked , " the System's tinny voice buzzed in my ear , grating on my last nerve . " Let it get docked ! Worst case , I'll cover it for you ! " I stormed down the stairs , my face a mask of ice , and nearly collided with the villain himself , Hans Thorne , who had just returned home . His expression was dark , radiating a foul mood . Based on my last seven attempts , I knew this was the part of the story where the hero and heroine just got engaged . I crossed my arms , a smirk playing on my lips . " Well , well , look at that thundercloud on your face , Mr. Thorne . Did the lovely Miss Meadows turn you down again ? " The moment the words left my mouth , Hans's glacial gaze snapped to me . The System audibly gasped in my head . " Host , are you insane ?! Our mission is to win him over , win him over ! " Win him over ? My ass . I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw my brain . Seven times . Seven goddamn times I'd thrown myself at this mission . The only thing I'd ever tried that hard for was my SATs . So what if the mission fails ? I wasn't desperate for the points . All the frustration I'd swallowed in the past seven lives ? I was cashing it all in , right here , right now . " Was I wrong ? " I arched an eyebrow , dancing gleefully on the landmine of his ego . " You know , you're actually kind of pathetic , Mr. Thorne . You ' ve been her backup option for years , and you still can't compete with the guy who just showed up out of nowhere . " Hans's eyes grew colder , sharper . He strode towards me , his god - like handsome face etched with frost . Raw , murderous intent glittered in his dark eyes as he cornered me against the wall . " Diana Vance , what did you just say ? " " Are you deaf ? " I shot back , raising my voice . " I said you're a simp ! You've got a gorgeous , devoted , incredible fiancée right here , but you'd rath- er chase after another man's woman . " System : " Ping ' Villain's affection level has increased by 5. " Me : " ? " Holy crap . Was this guy a masochist ? 2 I took a moment for some serious self - reflection . When I was nothing but sweet and accommodating , his affection level either stagnated or dropped . But the second I trash - talked him , it went up . Could it be ? Did Hans Thorne have a thing for this ? 1/5 09:07 Chapter 1 09.08 No , that couldn't be right . The heroine , Erica Meadows , was the epitome of a gentle , innocent little flower . Hans himself seemed stunned . He looked at me as if he couldn't comprehend how the woman who was always as placid as still water had suddenly turned into a raging storm . I couldn't be bothered to explain . I shoved him aside . " From now on , Hans , you can go on being her pathetic simp , and I'll go on living my fabu- lous life . " I walked straight out of the Thorne mansion and hailed a cab to the most exclusive shopping district in the city . In the car , the System asked timidly , " Host ... are you trying a new strategy to win him over ? " I was silent for a few seconds . " Honestly ? Do you really think that asshole is winnable ? Can't we just switch targets ? " System : " Well , this one was always rated as high - difficulty . But don't worry , Host , our next mission is super easy ! " " Great , " I muttered , rubbing my temples . The whole thing was just ... exhausting . Imagine failing the same exam seven times in a row . You'd want to just walk out of the testing center too . Even with that tiny bump in his affection level , I had zero motivation to continue . Going from a zero to a five is still a spectacular fail . Once I reached the mall , I picked the most expensive steakhouse I could find , filled my stomach , and then embarked on a shopping spree of epic proportions . The heroine of this world was a poor , innocent girl who preached the virtues of frugality . To make Hans fall for me , I had forced myself to aba- ndon my own heiress - level spending habits and mimic her . But now , with Hans's no - limit black card in my hand , my steps felt light as air . Today , I'd start by casually blowing through a cool million . To hell with being frugal . I was born to spend money . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!