After 99 Times

To help Adrian Spencer get over his feelings for his cousin, his mother made a deal—with Zoey Landon, the girl who had been secretly in love with him for years.

They signed a contract.

It gave Zoey ninety-nine chances.

If even once—just once—Adrian chose her, she’d get what she wanted: to become his wife.

But if he never did, she’d be sent overseas for good. No return. No exceptions.

Zoey knew how hopelessly obsessed Adrian was with Claire Spencer.

Still, she signed without hesitation.

Ninety-nine chances.

She refused to believe he wouldn’t choose her—not even once.

But what she didn’t see coming was…

Once the contract took effect, Adrian Spencer’s mother, Linda Spencer, introduced Zoey Landon to him as his potential fiancée.

Everyone thought he’d push back. But to their surprise, Adrian agreed right away.

There was a look in his eyes Zoey had never seen before—panic. “As long as you leave Claire alone, I’ll do whatever you want,” he said.

And just like that, Zoey and Adrian were together.

Claire Spencer moved in too, staying with them under the title of Adrian’s cousin.

After they got together, Zoey treated Adrian with nothing but care—always attentive, always saying yes.

Slowly, Adrian started to warm up. He wasn’t cold anymore. He even began responding to her on his own.

Zoey thought she was getting close.

That the contract would be fulfilled any day now.

But what she didn't expect... was that in the next ninety-three chances, not once did Adrian choose her over Claire.

On the ninety-third attempt, Claire bought a bottle of acid—and tried to throw it in Zoey's face.

Zoey dodged. But her arm got caught. The acid burned through her skin, leaving it blistered and raw.

And even then, Adrian still took Claire's side. Just like always.

“That’s enough, stop being mad. I already punished her,” he said.

“What punishment?” Zoey asked, still clinging to the tiniest sliver of hope.

“Claire hates the heat. I told her she can’t turn on the air conditioning all day.”

Zoey stared at him in disbelief.

She stepped back and pointed to the open, festering wound on her arm.

“Adrian, do you know what would’ve happened if that acid hit my face?”

Adrian frowned. He paused, then said, “Yeah, I know.”

But he quickly added, "Claire just couldn't stand seeing me with you. She lost control for a moment. Don't blame her. If anyone's to blame, it's me—I should have handled this better."

Zoey let out a bitter laugh.

In that moment, it hit her—she had completely underestimated how far Adrian would go to protect Claire.

Even if she was almost disfigured, even then… Adrian still defended her.

Zoey took a deep breath. She didn’t push it any further. She just gave a sharp, cold laugh.

“Fine. Don’t blame her. Blame me—for ever getting involved in the first place. I’m supposed to be your partner, but I feel more like the other woman.”

As soon as she said that, Adrian realized she