Chapter 6

Chloe's POV

With one week left until the wedding.

Liam seemed to have completely forgotten our past arguments.

He began showing up constantly, playing the role of a doting groom.

It was as if the online hate and Summer's provocations were just a figment of my imagination.

At a high-end bridal boutique downtown.

I sat on the couch, watching the clock on the wall.

3:00 PM.

Liam was already a full hour late.

The consultant carefully served a cup of coffee. "Miss Vance, would you like to try on the dress first? Mr. Hudson might be stuck in traffic."

"No, I'll wait," I said calmly.

At 3:30 PM.

The bell at the entrance finally chimed.

Liam rushed in, bringing in the cold draft from outside.

Along with a faint scent of citrus perfume.

That was Summer's favorite scent.

"Sorry, an urgent meeting came up at the office," Liam walked over, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

I tilted my head, avoiding him.

Liam's hand froze in mid-air. A flash of annoyance crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it.

"Still mad? I'll take you to that French place you love tonight to make it up to you, okay?"

"No need. Let's just try the dress." I stood up and followed the consultant into the fitting room.

When I stepped out wearing the custom gown designed by a top French designer, Liam gasped.

The pure white skirt was encrusted with tiny diamonds, shimmering under the boutique lights.

The gown accentuated my collarbones and slender neck, making me look like an untouchable, regal queen.

"Beautiful," Liam stepped forward, genuine admiration in his eyes.

He reached out, wanting to wrap his hand around my waist.

Right then.

A loud ringtone broke the silence.

It was Liam's phone.

The custom ringtone he had set exclusively for Summer.

Liam's movement froze.

He looked at me, then at the phone in his pocket.

"Answer it," I said, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My voice didn't hold a single drop of emotion.

Liam pulled out his phone and stepped aside to answer.

"Summer, what's wrong?"

I couldn't hear the other side, but Liam's face instantly paled.

"Don't cry! I'm coming right now! Stay where you are and don't move!"

He hung up and turned to me, his face frantic.

"Chloe, Summer is trapped at an interview site by some aggressive men. I have to go."

I looked at him.

"We are fitting my wedding dress."

"The dress fits perfectly, no adjustments needed," Liam said impatiently, tugging at his tie. "Summer is in danger. She can't handle this alone."

"Liam," I turned around, looking straight into his eyes. "If you walk out of this door today, I will never wear this dress again."

Liam frowned, clearly thinking I was just throwing a childish tantrum.

"Chloe, can you be reasonable for once? This is an emergency, and you're choosing now to act jealous?"

"Reasonable?" I smiled, but the warmth didn't reach my eyes. "Fine. Go."

Liam gave me a long look, then turned and bolted out of the boutique.

Without a shred of hesitation.

I watched his figure disappear through the glass doors.

I turned to the consultant. "Help me take it off."

"Miss Vance, the gown..."

"Pack it up and send it to the Hudson estate," I said flatly. "I don't need it."

After changing back into my clothes, I walked out of the store.

My phone buzzed.

It was an image message.

Sender: Summer.

In the photo, Liam had his sleeves rolled up, standing in a cramped kitchen cooking soup.

His profile was incredibly soft and focused.

Below the photo was a text:

Miss Vance, I'm so sorry for ruining your dress fitting. But my stomach ulcer flared up so badly, and Liam insisted that takeout isn't clean enough. He insisted on making me soup himself. You don't mind, right?

I stared at the photo.

There were no aggressive men trapping her.

It was just another one of Summer's pathetic games to secure his attention.

And Liam had willingly played right along.

My fingers flew across the keyboard as I replied:

You two deserve each other.

I hit send and blocked her number instantly.

At 11:00 PM.

Liam returned to our apartment.

The place was pitch black.

He turned on the lights and saw me sitting on the couch, holding a glass of red wine.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Liam walked over, trying to soften his tone. "Summer was really shaken up today, so I stayed to keep her company for a bit."

"Shaken up, or was it just her stomach ulcer?" I took a sip of wine and asked quietly.

Liam's face stiffened.

"Are you tracking me?"

"I'm not that bored." I set the glass down. "Liam, aren't you tired?"

"What do you mean?"

"Lying to both sides, placating both sides. You might not be tired, but I'm exhausted just watching you." I stood up and faced him. "You can just call off the wedding and be with her."

"Chloe Vance!" Liam snapped. "Do you have to pick a fight right now? The invitations are already out. All of New York knows we are getting married. You want to cancel now?"

"Are you just afraid of losing face?"

"I am doing this for the reputation of both our families!" Liam took a deep breath, forcing his anger down. "Chloe, I admit I have feelings for Summer. But the position of Mrs. Hudson will only ever belong to you. Just behave, and I will treat you well."

Just behave.

The words sounded incredibly repulsive.

"Sure," I suddenly smiled.

My smile was bright and dazzling.

"Liam, remember what you said today."

I walked past him and went into the bedroom.