Chapter 4

Hearing me agree so easily, a flash of confusion crossed Tyler's eyes, quickly replaced by deeper irritation.

"Chloe, don't think playing hard to get is going to make me feel sorry for you!"

"You're pathetic. I wouldn't take you back even if you begged!"

Then, he suddenly pressed a hand to his temple, letting out a weak, theatrical groan.

"But... if you behave yourself, maybe I can try harder to remember the past..."

He squeezed his eyes shut, pretending to be in immense pain.

After a few moments, sweat beaded on his forehead, and he began to pant.

"Chloe, I think I'm remembering something."

"Did we... did we actually use to be married?"

Looking at his pathetic acting, I scoffed.

"You're mistaken. My husband was Tyler Sterling. You're just his brother."

Tyler's face darkened, but he had to swallow his rage to keep up the amnesia act.

"Maybe you should take me to the office. Who knows, maybe I really am the heir to Vance Enterprises..."

"No need. You should focus on your wedding instead."

I cut him off coldly, said a brief goodbye to his parents, and walked out without looking back.

Over the next few days, I was busy packing up my things and moving into my new place.

Tyler was occupied with his wedding prep, so he didn't bother me.

On the day of the wedding, the moment I stepped into the venue, Joy came gliding toward me, her elegant mermaid gown sweeping the floor.

Her eyes were filled with smug, uncontainable triumph.

"Chloe, dear, must be hard watching your own husband marry someone else, huh?"

"But then again, Tyler wanted to marry me even after losing his memory. That's true love, wouldn't you say?"

"To make it up to you, how about I introduce you to one of our security guards?"

She leaned in closer, her voice dripping with venom.

"He's a widower. A bit on the older side, but for someone like you... he's a perfect match."

The rage I had suppressed for days finally boiled over. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

"Are you a dog? Do you just bite everyone you see?"

"You really are desperate, aren't you, Joy? Sleeping with the older brother, then the younger one. Are you afraid that when you get old and wrinkly, nobody will want you even if you offer yourself for free?"

Joy's eyes widened in disbelief, tears immediately pooling in them.

"What did I say wrong? Why are you hitting me again, Chloe..."

"Fine! Keep hitting me! Beat me to death if it makes you feel better! I was just trying to help you, to make amends. I know I'm the intruder here... but I truly love him!"

Tyler's circle of wealthy friends immediately rushed over, surrounding her and throwing accusations at me.

"Joy, you're being too nice. Tyler lost his memory, it's not like he cheated on purpose."

"Exactly. And he loves you so much. Once he gets his head straight, he'll definitely make it up to you."

Birds of a feather really do flock together.

Trash only surrounds itself with more trash.

I didn't bother arguing. I turned around, found a seat, and let them whisper behind my back.

When the ceremony began, Tyler kept spacing out on stage.

His eyes drifted toward my corner of the room again and again.

Just as the officiant asked them to exchange rings, a deep, commanding voice shattered the silence of the hall.

"Hold on!"

The heavy double doors of the chapel were flung open. A distinguished middle-aged man in a tailored suit marched down the aisle.

The guests erupted into whispers.

"Isn't that Arthur Vance, the CEO of Vance Conglomerate? What is he doing here?"

"Did he come to get justice for Chloe?"

"I heard Chloe's dowry was worth over a hundred million! Is he here to take it back?"

Amidst the hushed gossips, I slowly stood up.

As my eyes swept past Tyler's pale face, a cold smile formed on my lips.

The real show was about to begin.

My father walked over and gently wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "My foolish girl, why did you let yourself get so run down?"

"Next time, call your dad sooner to handle things!"

Tears pricked my eyes, but I smiled and shook my head.

"I'm fine, Dad. I just missed you."

My father patted my shoulder reassuringly.

Then, he stepped up to the center of the stage, his gaze locking onto Tyler's bloodless face.

"Since Tyler is getting married today, I brought a special wedding gift."

He raised his phone, his voice as cold as ice.

"Make sure you look at it closely."

Tyler looked down at his own phone. The next second, he looked as if he had been struck by lightning.

"What?!"

"All... all shares and properties are being revoked?! Arthur, you can't do this!"

Tyler lunged forward, trying to grab my father's arm, but was roughly shoved back.

"Who are you calling dad? My son-in-law is already dead to us!"