Chapter 4

I stumbled back, my cheek burning with pain.

My mother sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"What Julian did was terrible, I know! But you can't just watch our family get ruined! The guests are already waiting in the chapel!"

I face went pale. I forced the words out through grit teeth.

"I am not getting married!"

No matter how much they begged or tried to push me, I refused to budge.

I grabbed a fruit knife from the table, pressed the blade against my neck, and hissed with bloodshot eyes,

"If anyone forces me, I'll end it right here!"

At that, everyone froze.

I didn't care if they were worried about my life or just terrified of the legal mess a suicide would cause.

It didn't matter.

I had already graduated. Once I got a job, my freedom would be absolute.

The room fell into a tense standoff. Finally, Audrey suggested we speak in private.

Everyone was ushered out of the room.

In the dressing suite, only Audrey and I remained.

Thirty minutes later.

The doors opened. I walked out in a tailored tuxedo, placing my hand flatly in Audrey's.

With a smile that looked more painful than crying, I got married.

My thoughts snapped back to the present. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of my high-rise office, looking down at the city.

It had taken me ten years of blood, sweat, and tears to earn this office.

Just as a sudden chill washed over me, a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

I flinched slightly, but the sweet scent of cherry blossoms immediately put me at ease.

"What are you thinking so hard about? You didn't even hear me walk in," a soft voice whispered in my ear.

I smiled. "Just preparing for the Business Gala tomorrow."

Audrey took my hand, looking up at me with a smile. "I believe in you, Ethan. Your capability is unquestionable."

The corners of my lips curved upward. "Why did you come by the office? Isn't the headquarters busy?"

"It's fine. I wanted to drive you home. Also, Lily mentioned she wants to see that new movie tomorrow."

I nodded absentmindedly.

Audrey leaned up and pressed her lips to mine.

I gently ruffled her hair.

When we got home that night, there was no sign of Julian. He was surprisingly quiet.

I figured my parents had locked him in his room to protect their own business interests.

Just like they did years ago.

I was physically and mentally drained.

The moment my head hit the pillow, I fell into a deep sleep. In the middle of the night, a warm, soft body wrapped tightly around me from behind.

The next evening, the grand hall of the annual Business Gala was packed with elite guests mingling with champagne glasses in hand. After doing my rounds of socializing, I took a quick break and headed to the VIP lounge.

Lily was sitting obediently on the plush sofa, waiting for me. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Are we still going to the movies after this, Daddy?"

I smiled warmly, gently tapping her nose.

"Of course. Have we ever broken a promise to you?"

Lily giggled happily.

Seeing her smile eased some of the tension in my chest.

Still, since the start of the gala, I had been plagued by an uneasy feeling.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy doors of the ballroom.

As I scanned the crowd, my eyes locked onto a familiar figure, and my entire body stiffened.

Not far away, Julian was holding Audrey's arm, speaking to her urgently. Audrey had her back to me, so I couldn't see her expression.

A second later, Julian spotted me. He pointed a finger at me, his face twisting into a hideous snarl.

"I'm your real husband, Audrey! He’s a shameless thief who stole you and our daughter!"

In an instant, every eye in the ballroom turned to me.