Chapter 3

Sitting in the plush leather seat of the car, I felt a wave of awkwardness wash over me.

Even though that man was soon to be my husband, my only memory of him was a brief glimpse at my grandfather’s birthday gala last year.

He was the undisputed crown jewel of the city's elite—brilliant, powerful, and deeply respected.

My grandfather had personally vetted his character.

So when my family brought up the marriage alliance, I didn't refuse.

I had fought my family for four years over Julian.

I was no longer the rebellious girl I used to be. It was time to grow up and fulfill my duties.

My head started to throb, and my vision blurred. As fever overtook me, I made a silent vow.

If we could get along, I would try to be a good wife.

If not, we would live as a polite, distant couple.

In our circle, marriages of convenience were purely business anyway. Everyone was used to it.

When I woke up at Sinclair Manor, it was already late the next afternoon.

I couldn't remember how I got to the bedroom, and my wet clothes had been replaced with a clean, luxurious silk pajama set.

Seeing my confusion, Leo, the assistant who had picked me up the night before, stepped forward.

"You had a severe fever last night, Miss Harrington. We had a private doctor treat you, and you're out of danger now."

"Mr. Sinclair stopped by this morning to check on you before heading to the office. He mentioned that if you wish to rest, you are welcome to stay here until the wedding day."

So, those faint memories weren't a dream.

I remembered being terribly thirsty in my sleep, and someone gently rubbing my burning forehead, lifting me up to feed me water sip by sip.

And after drinking, I had greedily held onto his hand, refusing to let go.

Even though my fever was gone, my cheeks burned at the memory.

I knew how incredibly busy Christian Sinclair was. The fact that he took the time to check on me made me feel deeply apologetic. I quickly got up, insisting on going home.

"Of course. Since the wedding is just around the corner, please feel free to reach out to me if you need anything at all, Miss Harrington."

Leo had already had my car towed and repaired.

I drove down the mountain before sunset.

The wedding was being rushed, and it was time for me to go back to my real home.

But before that, I had some important belongings left at Julian's place.

The moment I opened the door to Julian's apartment, a thick cloud of vape smoke and alcohol fumes hit me.

I choked, reflexively covering my mouth and taking two steps back.

The people in the living room turned at the sound.

Julian squinted at me. When he realized it was me, a smug, mocking laugh escaped his throat.

He kicked his feet up onto the coffee table, looking exactly like a man who had won a bet.

"What did I tell you guys? It hasn't even been twenty-four hours. Chloe, can't you have some self-respect for once?"

I stared at him coldly.

The apartment I used to keep spotlessly clean was now a complete pigsty, filled with Julian’s deadbeat friends.

Serena was the only other girl there.

She was wearing a sweet white sundress, looking entirely innocent.

"Chloe, Julian was just teaching me how to vape. Please don't misunderstand him again."

I stared at her hand tightly gripping Julian's arm and finally spoke.

"The way you're holding onto him makes it look like you're desperate for me to misunderstand."

Serena didn't expect me to call her out so directly. She froze, her lower lip trembling as she looked up at Julian, playing the victim.

Julian instantly roared, "Chloe!"

"Why are you taking your anger out on Serena?"

He glared at me, his eyes dark with irritation. "Weren't you acting all tough yesterday? Why are you back here begging for me to take you back before the day is even over?"

Seeing him aggressively grab Serena’s hand to keep her by his side, I felt a wave of disgust.

I must have been blind to spend four years with a man like this.

Since he loved crossing lines, I didn't see the need to play nice anymore.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a thick, elegant red wedding invitation.

"Mr. Pierce, we were never together, so there is no 'taking back' to speak of."

"I only came to get my things. And, of course, to formally invite you to my wedding."