Chapter 2

Back then, Zach had stubbornly refused the arranged marriage, insisting that he would not marry me under any circumstances. However, the moment he saw me, he claimed it was love at first sight and that he would marry no one else.

He shamelessly pursued me for over six months. Considering he was honorable and never flirted with anyone else, I agreed.

Still, it did not take long before a new woman appeared in his life—his pampered foster sister, Yvette.

On our wedding day, Zach’s phone rang.

“Zach! Remember what you promised me? Come to Apania with me to see the elephants. I’m waiting at the airport. If you don’t come, I’ll jump off the building!”

Zach only gave me an apologetic glance, then let go of my hand without hesitation. He left me in front of all the guests and ran off.

He sent me two messages, and then I could not reach him at all.

[Damian saved my life, and Yvette is his only daughter. I can’t let anything happen to her!]

[Don’t worry. I’ll stay with her to see the elephants. I’ll be back within a week to complete our wedding. Then, we can honeymoon.]

Alex was furious. To smooth things over with the Meyer family, he promised me, “Tina, it’s all the Martin family’s fault for raising such an irresponsible son. Whatever compensation you want, just say it.”

I pointed to the Martin family’s heir, who was also Zach’s uncle and the current head of the family—Sean Martin.

“Then, give him to me. I still need a groom.”

I married Zach’s uncle just like that.

As I thought about it, I glanced at the time. Sean’s flight should be landing soon.

I was about to check when two messages came through.

[Honey, the flight got delayed. Just boarded the plane. I'm probably going to be late. Don’t wait for me. Have Luke pick me up.]

[Love you.]

He had sent a big love emoji as well.

I could not help but put on a smile, and my frown melted away.

Even when looking at my annoying ex-fiancé and my current nephew, he seemed a little easier on the eyes.

Zach crossed his arms, looking at my phone with a sly, unreadable smile on his face.

“Well, who’s the actor you hired? You saved him as ‘Hubby,’ and he's saying there's been a flight delay? Tina, don’t play jokes like this. You know it makes me jealous.” He leaned in, reaching to brush my hair.

I stepped back, leaving his hand to hang in the air. “I already told you, I’m married. If you keep bothering me tonight, you might get your legs broken when you get home.”

He looked as though he had heard something amusing. He pointed at my neck and raised an eyebrow.

“You’re wearing the emerald pendant Grandpa said would go to the Martin family’s bride. And now, you're telling me you married someone else?”

The pendant was indeed from Alex. It was just not passed to his granddaughter-in-law but to the daughter-in-law.

“I married….”

Before I could finish, Yvette jumped down from the suitcase and slid between us.

“Is that the emerald pendant?”

Her eyes widened when she saw it. It was exactly the one she wanted. Her eyes immediately reddened.

She looped her arm through Zach’s and said in a soft tone, “Zach… I’ve wanted this emerald pendant for so long. Grandpa never gave it to me, and now, it’s been given to an outsider. Does that mean Grandpa doesn’t consider me part of the Martin family?

“Well, I’m just a driver’s daughter. I can’t compare to Tina, who was born an heiress. Even Grandpa favors her.”

Zach’s face fell with guilt. His expression softened with apology, and he glanced at me, looking uneasy.

“Yvette is young and has had a rough life. She worries too much. Just let her have it. She likes the pendant. Please give it to her. Later, I’ll buy you a better emerald pendant. It’ll be even prettier, and the quality will be better too.”