Chapter 3

“Why is Liam getting married all of a sudden?!”

“We were told to get here in thirty minutes! Thank god I was close by!”

The entrance of the city’s most luxurious hotel was packed. Luxury cars lined the streets as business moguls rushed inside, all for this last-minute wedding.

I had planned to just wear my original dress, but when I walked into the bridal suite, I found ten custom designer gowns waiting for me.

The stylist smiled as she did my makeup. “Mr. Sterling personally helped design these. He said you deserve nothing but the absolute best.”

Heavy, steady footsteps approached, and Liam pushed the door open. He looked at me, his eyes full of awe.

“Ready, my bride?”

I placed my hand in his, feeling his reassuring warmth. “Ready.”

Liam knew this wedding was for my grandpa, so he had a professional, high-definition live stream set up directly to Grandpa's hospital room. Grandpa could watch me walk down the aisle in real-time.

The ceremony was beautiful, romantic, and peaceful. I was happy, and so was Grandpa.

As soon as the reception ended, I rushed to the hospital. The doctor told me Grandpa’s condition had actually improved. Thanks to the top-tier medical team Liam had brought in, he would be discharged in no time.

“Thank you,” I said, looking at him with deep gratitude.

He smiled. “We’re married now. Even if we haven’t signed the papers at city hall yet, we will soon. Don't think I’m just playing a part. I’m in this for real.”

I nodded.

I thought Tyler was out of my life for good, but after a week of silence, he ambushed me at the hospital entrance. He sneered, “Well, Chloe? Is your grandpa dead yet from anger?”

“It's not too late to beg for my forgiveness. But my condition is that you must return the engagement ring, pay for the venue cancellation fee, and bring another $10,000 as compensation. My mom said you embarrassed our family. When you come back, you must grovel on your knees and beg her for forgiveness.”

Before I could speak, he added, “And you have to apologize to Ashley, too.”

“She’s been getting a lot of hate because of your little stunt. You need to make it right. She might act tough, but she’s very sensitive inside...”

“Are you done?” I snapped, suppressing my rage. “My lawyer told me your family refused to settle the bills and even threw him out of your house. Tyler, the only connection left between us is the $18,000 you owe me.”

As I tried to walk past him, Ashley stepped out of Tyler’s passenger seat. “Chloe, just pretend it was my fault, okay? Please just make up with Tyler.”

“See how sweet and reasonable Ashley is? Unlike you!” Tyler yelled.

I scoffed.

But I realized I had underestimated how shameless they could be.

To force me to back down, they started shouting in front of the crowd. “Who changes their mind about a wedding over money? Do you love me or just my wallet? I’ve never seen such a gold digger!”

“Exactly, Chloe!” Ashley chimed in. “We came all this way to beg you, and you’re still acting like this. Are you really that greedy?”

Their loud voices attracted a crowd. Passersby began whispering and throwing judgmental looks my way.

I quietly pulled out my phone and hit record. “Go on. Say that again for the camera.”