Pushed Away 73 Times The Billionaire's Endless Regret

On my seventysecond attempt to kiss Carter Cole, he pushed me away again. "Vivian, you know I’m sick." We had been together for three years.

But because of a medical certificate claiming he suffered from a "severe touch aversion," Carter never allowed me to touch him. Not even once.

Until last night, outside a VIP lounge at the club, I heard his friends laughing. "Still playing the monk, Carter? You guys are already engaged.

Doesn't the Vance family's precious heiress throw a fit?" Carter, completely wasted, let out a scoffing laugh. "It was just a fake medical certificate. Vivian is gullible.

Besides, Serena is coming back to the States tomorrow.

I’m done playing this game anyway." Later that night, I saw Carter—the man who claimed he couldn't stand being touched—tenderly and passionately kiss Serena Shaw on the forehead.

At that exact moment, my heart turned to ash. His sickness was selective. So was his heart. Break the engagement. Cut all ties. Carter, we are done forever.

The next morning, I stared at the tightly closed guest bedroom door upstairs. My hands shook so hard I could barely hold my water glass. Carter had been heavily drunk last night.

He was probably still asleep. When he woke up, I wanted a confrontation. Three years of love—even if it was all a lie, I needed to hear the truth from him.

But after a lonely breakfast in the dining room, there was still no sign of Carter. I finally called over the housekeeper, Mrs. Higgins. "Is Carter awake yet?

I need to speak with him." Mrs. Higgins looked uneasy and lowered her voice. "Miss Vance, Mr. Cole woke up at dawn.

He said he had a terrible hangover but had to leave immediately to... to pick up a very important guest. He didn't even have time for coffee." A very important guest.

His exgirlfriend, Serena Shaw. As the realization hit me, a selfdeprecating smile played on my lips. Serena was back.

And here I was, foolishly hoping for a "proper talk" with Carter, trying to get some closure for the past three years. What a joke.

He wouldn't even give me a decent goodbye, let alone the truth. Forget it. I was done humiliating myself. I pulled out my phone and dialed Carter’s parents.

To my surprise, when I told Mrs. Cole that I wanted to call off the wedding, there was a long silence on the other end.

When she finally spoke, her voice was heavy with guilt and relief. "Vivian, dear... I assume you’ve seen the news this morning. "I know you must be hurting.

Thank you for calling me directly and staying so calm. The Cole family owes you a massive apology. Carter has been an absolute bastard!" The news? I froze for a second.

After politely hanging up, I grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. The entertainment news paparazzi footage was crystal clear.

In the video, as Serena walked out of the airport wearing sunglasses, Carter immediately stepped forward.

He naturally took her luggage, leaned down, and pressed a tender, devoted kiss onto her forehead. [Breaking!

Tech Billionaire Carter Cole Spotted at Airport Welcoming Actress Serena Shaw with a Passionate Kiss.

Are They Back Together?] The audio of the TV news seemed to fade into a highpitched ring. Like a masochist, I watched the replay on the screen.

The man who would have a "panic attack" if I so much as brushed against his arm was now kissing another woman so passionately in public.

My eyes welled up with hot, uncontrollable tears. Just as my vision blurred— Click. The front door opened. I subconsciously turned my head, and a single tear rolled down my cheek.

It was Carter and Serena. Carter stood at the doorway, with Serena’s hand resting naturally on his arm. His eyes fell on my face.

When he saw my tearstained cheek, he visibly stiffened. He awkwardly pulled his arm away from Serena and tried to explain. "The fans swarmed her hotel. She couldn't stay there.

This was the only safe place I could think of for now." Having said that, Carter guiltily avoided my eyes.

His gaze swept over to the TV screen, which was still frozen on the image of him kissing Serena. Carter immediately realized what was happening.

He took a step forward, panicked. "Vivian, it’s not what it looks like!" "I only did that because..." I watched him quietly.

He stuttered and stammered for a long time, unable to come up with a single logical excuse. I let out a breathless, mocking laugh.

He couldn't even be bothered to make up a decent lie for his cheating. I guess when pain surpasses your limit, you just go numb.

I looked away, calmly wiping the wet tear from my cheek.

I tossed my house keys onto the coffee table and walked straight toward the door. "You can keep the house." "Our engagement is officially over."

Once I got back to my own penthouse, I took a moment to compose myself before calling my parents.

When I told them about breaking off the engagement with Carter, their reaction was surprisingly calm—and incredibly supportive. "We knew something was wrong with that boy!" My mother’s voice was filled with heartache. "Some 'touch aversion' disorder?

You were just too blinded by love to see through his lies back then. He even claimed he needed 'time to heal.' Now he’s all over the tabloids with that little actress.

This is straightup fraud!" "It’s good that you called it off," my father took over the phone, his voice steady and commanding. "You are finally free.

I’ll have our PR department draft an official statement.

We’ll announce the termination of the engagement by tonight." I nodded. "Thank you, Dad." But when my father mentioned pulling out of all joint business ventures with the Cole Group, I gently stopped him. "Business is business, Dad.

Our companies are too deeply intertwined to cut ties overnight. If the Coles truly feel guilty, they can just concede some profit margins on our next projects.

That’s much more practical." I paused, then added, "By the way, hasn't the position for the head of our European branch been vacant?" "Dad, let me go to Zurich." The phone went silent for a moment.

My father was clearly reluctant to let me go so far away. After a hushed whisper with my mother, he finally sighed and agreed. "Alright.

Go get some fresh air, change your environment for three to five years. You are a Vance. You can have any man you want in this world.

There’s no need to waste your life on Carter Cole. I’ll arrange your flight for next week." "Thanks, Dad." I hung up. Not long after, my doorbell rang.

Looking through the peephole, I saw Carter standing outside.

I pulled the door open and waited for him to speak. "Are you... really calling off the wedding?" I scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?

Should I let you fool me for another three to five years with your pathetic 'touch aversion' lie?" Carter took an eager step forward. "It’s not what you think!

I can explain—" I cut him off, my voice freezing cold. "Save it.

If you’re only here to talk about this, we have nothing left to say." I grabbed the edge of the door to shut it. "Wait!" Carter slammed his hand against the door, blocking it.

He looked at me with desperation in his eyes. "I’m here to ask for a favor." I leaned against the doorframe, silent, raising an eyebrow to let him continue. "The airport incident went viral on Twitter and TikTok this morning.

Some reporters dug up our old engagement invitations. Now people are calling Serena a homewrecker.

Your family is preparing to release the breakup statement, right?" "If you release it now, it will confirm all those rumors! Her career just started taking off.

She can't survive a scandal like this!" "Can you... can you please put out a statement saying that our breakup has nothing to do with her?" I narrowed my eyes, staring at him. "A clarification?" "Does our breakup have nothing to do with her?

Carter, do you really not know the answer to that?" Carter was struck speechless. He took a deep breath, his tone turning transactional and sharp. "Fine.

Since we can't talk through this nicely... just name your price.

What do you want in exchange for that statement?" Before I could answer, he added firmly, "But if you expect me to go through with our wedding, that’s impossible." Seeing how he treated me like some sort of toxic plague, I just found it hilarious. "Since you want to 'buy' Serena’s innocence so badly, let’s make a real deal.

For the green energy joint venture we have in the West Side, I want the Cole Group to give up ten percent of its equity to the Vance Group." Carter’s brow furrowed instantly, sheer shock washing over his face. "Ten percent?

That’s almost half of our projected profits from that project!" "Vivian, you weren't like this before. Since when did you become so calculating?" "Are you doing this out of spite?

Just to hurt me?" I shrugged nonchalantly. "In the past, I loved you, so I didn't mind taking the loss." "But now, I simply don't care anymore."

In the end, Carter agreed to my terms. I didn't waste any time.

Right in front of him, I drafted a quick statement on my phone: [Carter Cole and I have officially ended our engagement due to personal differences.

This decision does not involve any third party.

We wish each other the best.] I turned the screen toward him. "Is this good enough?" Carter stared at the words, his eyes filled with a complex, unreadable emotion.

His lips parted as if he wanted to say something else. But my patience was entirely gone.

I pulled my phone back and hit 'post.' "The statement is live." "Carter, we are officially even.

Now, get out of my apartment." Without waiting to see if he looked regretful or relieved, I slammed the door in his face.

It took a long moment of silence before I finally heard his footsteps fading down the hallway. Once the statement was out, Carter tried to focus all his attention on Serena.

Now that his arranged engagement was over, he finally had the woman he claimed to love. He should be happy. Right? "Carter? Carter!" "I’m talking to you! Why are you ignoring me?

Have you been working too hard lately?" Serena gently shook his arm, pulling Carter back to reality. He rubbed his temples. "Sorry, I was just spacing out.

What were you saying?" Suppressing her annoyance, Serena pouted. "You’ve been distracted since yesterday.

You can't even focus when you're shopping with me." "I was asking about this dress. How does it look?" Carter glanced at it. He instinctively frowned and said, "It’s too flashy.

You look better in clean, minimalist cuts. Maybe something with structured lines and muted tones..." Midsentence, Carter froze. His eyes went blank for a second.

He suddenly realized that his subconscious standard of beauty was entirely based on my taste.

Over the past three years, I was always the one dragging him to go shopping, endlessly babbling while ignoring his cold attitude.

My aesthetic had quietly woven itself into his mind. Serena was quick to notice his reaction.

She immediately changed the subject. "Actually, you're right, it doesn't really suit me. We’ve been walking for so long, I'm starving! Let’s get some dinner.

I know a great new spot nearby." Carter nodded, forcing down the uneasy feeling in his chest. Once they got to the restaurant, the atmosphere seemed to warm up.

Serena flipped through the menu and said excitedly, "Their cilantrolime chicken is their signature dish! You have to try it!" Carter nodded.

Almost like a reflex, he looked up at the waiter and said, "Sure, we'll try that." "And that’ll be all.

Just make sure there is absolutely no cilantro in any of our dishes." The moment the words left his mouth, the air at the table turned icecold. Serena’s hand froze on the menu.

She looked up at him, bewildered. "Carter, did you mix something up?" "I love cilantro." Carter snapped out of it, his grip tightening around his water glass. He had mixed it up.

The one who hated cilantro was me. Vivian. The smile on Serena’s face finally crumbled.

She reached across the table, grabbing Carter’s hand, her eyes glistening with tears. "Carter, your eyes are on me, but who is actually in your heart?" "Have you... fallen in love with Vivian?" Fallen in love with Vivian?

Those words pierced Carter’s ears like sharp needles, shocking him out of his weeks of melancholy. How could he possibly love me?

What Carter hated most in his life was being controlled and arranged. When his parents pushed us together, they only cared about the Vance family's wealth.

That blatant corporate merger masquerading as a marriage made him sick. He was a free man. His love should be free too.

At that thought, Carter immediately denied it. "Of course not!

Serena, you’re the one I love." "Even if the whole world is against us, I want to be with you." Serena’s heart leaped with joy.

Striking while the iron was hot, she said, "Then marry me. Let’s get engaged next month, okay?" "Okay!" Carter agreed without a second thought.

It didn't sound like an declaration of love. It sounded like he was desperately trying to prove something to himself. Meanwhile, my visa and transfer paperwork were fully processed.

As soon as tomorrow night's charity gala was over, I would fly straight to Switzerland. Carter Cole and Serena Shaw would have absolutely nothing to do with me anymore.

The charity gala was a glittering affair of high society. Holding a glass of champagne, I sat alone in a quiet corner to avoid the crowd. But Serena just had to find me.

She walked straight over and stopped right in front of my chair. "Hey, Vivian.

Enjoying some peace and quiet all by yourself?" Her smile was bright, but her eyes were dripping with malice. Without waiting for me to reply, she held up her right hand.

A massive diamond ring on her finger caught the light, sparkling brilliantly. "Do you like it?

Carter picked it out just for me." "He said we’re going to announce our engagement next month.

If you have time, you should definitely come to our party." I glanced at the ring, letting out a soft chuckle. "Well, an engagement ring from the Coles isn't exactly a lifetime contract, is it?

Carter and I were engaged too. Look how that turned out.

Until you actually sign a marriage license, a ring is just a piece of rock." I leaned forward slightly. "By the way, I heard Mr. and Mrs.

Cole still refuse to see you?" My words were soft, but they stabbed Serena right where it hurt.

Carter’s parents absolutely despised her, and they had practically threatened to disown him over her.

Serena’s face turned pale, then flushed with embarrassment and anger. "What is that supposed to mean?" I took a sip of my champagne, my gaze passing over her as if she were air. "Nothing.

It’s just that some champagne is poorly aged—sour and hard to swallow. Just like some people, trying so hard to squeeze into a circle they don't belong to.

Don't you think, Serena?" Her chest heaved with rage, her knuckles turning white. Yet, she couldn't find a single word to fight back. Right then, a tall figure hurried over.

It was Carter. He frowned deeply, seeing Serena looking pale and shaken.

He turned to me, his tone filled with clear annoyance. "Vivian, that’s enough." "Serena is innocent and sweet.

You don't need to use your petty mind games to bully her." Serena immediately hid behind his back, clinging to his arm. They looked so perfect together.

I let out a mocking laugh, staring straight into his eyes. "Well, look at that, Carter.

It seems your 'touch aversion' is miraculously cured." I took a halfstep forward, forcing him to look at me.

His face instantly went rigid. "Don't worry, I have no interest in her." "As long as she doesn't bother me, I won't waste my breath on her.

After all, once you pick up someone else's trash, you should keep it hidden. Parading it around only makes you look ridiculous." With that, I turned around and walked away.

Having my peace ruined by those two completely spoiled my mood. After hiding in the lounge for another half hour, the gala was finally wrapping up.

I checked the time, getting ready to leave early. Suddenly, Serena rushed toward me, her face contorted in agony.

She grabbed my wrist tightly, screaming at the top of her lungs. "Vivian! What did you put in my drink?" "That glass...

I only drank the champagne you handed me!" I frowned, immediately shaking her hand off my wrist. "What kind of nonsense are you talking about?" "I never gave you a drink." But from a distance, two police officers were already walking quickly toward us, their faces grim.

Serena had called the police. She was accusing me of poisoning her.

Being escorted out by the police in front of the entire high society on a charge of drinktampering would completely drag the Vance family's name through the mud.

In the rising panic, I looked at Carter, who was standing nearby. "Carter! You were right there. You saw it, didn't you?" "I never gave her a drink.

Can you please explain that to the officers?" Carter’s eyes shifted between me and Serena. His expression was dark and incredibly complex.

In the end, he avoided my gaze. "There’s nothing to explain." "Before the police investigate, no one's word counts.

If this is a misunderstanding, I will personally bring Serena to your door to apologize later." His words felt like a bucket of ice water dumped over my head.

It completely shattered the last shred of hope I had left. Just as the officers stepped forward to put me in handcuffs, I made one last desperate move.

I took a step toward Carter, reaching out to grab his sleeve.

My voice was trembling. "Carter, we were together for three years." "Do you really not trust me at all?" However, the moment my fingers touched his fabric, Carter flinched violently as if he had been burned.

He took a massive step back, evading my touch. "I’m sorry... I have touch aversion. Please don't do this." I stared at him, utterly paralyzed by shock. Touch aversion?

He was still using that transparent lie to reject me. Carter knew I was begging for help. He knew his 'touch aversion' was a lie.

But he refused to help me, and he couldn't even be bothered to come up with a new excuse. Vivian Vance’s seventythird attempt to touch Carter Cole had failed.

But I knew this would be the last. I looked at my empty hand and slowly pulled it back.

All the struggle, the pain, and the love I had carried for him for three years died in an instant, leaving behind nothing but cold, lifeless ash.

I turned to the police officer and calmed down. "Fine. I’ll go with you to the station." Amid the whispers of the crowd, I gave Carter one final, icy look.

Carter froze, visibly pierced by my gaze. He subconsciously rubbed the sleeve I had just touched, as if some burning warmth still lingered there, leaving him utterly restless.

A strange, uncontrollable doubt crept into his mind. Did he... make a mistake?

Because drink tampering was a serious public safety felony, I was detained overnight for questioning according to protocol.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke through the window, the detective walked in. "Miss Vance, after a thorough investigation, the evidence does not support the charges against you." "You are free to go." I nodded, walked out of the precinct, and opened the door of the car that had been waiting for me. "Take me to the airport." "Also, tell our legal team to file a defamation lawsuit against Serena Shaw.

Sue her talent agency too. She wanted to play dirty? I’m going to ruin her career." I turned on my phone, which had been confiscated overnight.

The screen lit up, and hundreds of missed calls and texts from Carter flooded in, sent throughout the entire night. I didn't read a single one.

I blocked his number and deleted everything. No hesitation. Whether he felt regretful, wanted to explain, or was just trying to mock me—none of it mattered anymore.

At the airport, I grabbed my boarding pass and walked toward the gate without looking back. As the plane roared down the runway, the engine's noise drowned out all my past.

Coming to my door to apologize? Who cares? Carter Cole. From now on, we are strangers.