Chapter 4

Ezra's POV

The moment I answered the phone, I heard Mom choking back tears. "Ezra, what's going on between you and Clover? Haven't you two been together for seven years? Why is someone saying you're the other man?

"They also said that Clover married someone else and that they already have a three-year-old child!

"Tell me the truth. What happened between you and Clover? Weren't you supposed to get married tomorrow?"

The more Mom spoke, the harder she cried. My heart ached so badly that my fingers began to tremble.

I replied in a hoarse voice, "Mom, I didn't do anything wrong. I've been with Clover for seven years, but she kept this from me…"

I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence.

On the other end of the line, Mom seemed to hear all the pain I was holding inside. "I know my boy would never do something like that. Forget the wedding. Come home. I'll cook you something."

Choking back tears, I agreed.

As soon as I hung up, the tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. I could take responsibility for a failed relationship of my own, but I couldn't accept dragging my family into it.

I picked up my phone, intending to put together a timeline of what had happened. At the very least, I had to clear my name.

Just then, a message from Zander popped up.

He wrote, "Is this your hometown? Does your mother live there alone? Poor thing. She just found out her son was a homewrecker. A bunch of people have upset her so badly that she's had an episode. I wonder if she'll even get to see her son one last time before she dies.

"Oh, and today's a special occasion. Clover and I have decided to try for a second child. Make sure you clear out the master bedroom."

After sending the messages, he sent several photos.

Mom was lying on the ground, barely conscious. People around her were running about in panic, but no one was stopping to help.

I felt a lump in my throat. Then, I doubled over and spat out a mouthful of blood. The next moment, I jumped to my feet and frantically rushed toward the door.

But before I could get out, the door to the house flung open. Clover walked in, supporting a seemingly drunk Zander.

The moment she saw me, she frowned and said, "Zander's drunk. This is the closest place, so he's staying here for the night."

Zander looked up at me, a flicker of provocation in his eyes.

He wasn't drunk at all!

Before I could say anything, Clover carefully settled Zander onto the couch and went to make him a hangover remedy. In all the years we'd been together, Clover had never even poured me a glass of water.

I didn't have time to dwell on that pain. All I wanted was to get to Mom as quickly as possible.

Zander, who was slumped on the couch, grabbed my hand and whispered, "Your mother really can't handle much, can she? How did she even raise such a shameless son? Tell me, if I send a few more people to the hospital to provoke her, will she just drop dead?"

He burst out laughing.

I couldn't hold back any longer. Eyes burning with rage, I swung my fist and punched him.

The next second, a bowl of scalding hot liquid came crashing down onto me.

"Ezra! What the hell are you doing?"

Clover shoved me away with all her strength.

The boiling liquid had blistered my skin, and the movement tore the burned flesh open. I bit down so hard that I tasted blood.

Only after making sure Zander was unharmed did Clover turn to look at me. When she saw how badly I was hurt, she panicked for a moment. However, it quickly turned to anger.

She scolded, "Why did you attack Zander? He's only staying for one night! You're letting your jealousy get the better of you!"

I clenched my fists, wanting to shove Zander's messages in her face.

Right at that moment, a call from the hospital came in. "Mr. Kane, your mother is in a critical condition. Please come as soon as possible to settle the medical fees."

I ignored the pain and sprang to my feet, desperate to rush out.

Clover grabbed my hand and said, "Ezra, Sorrell Group has publicly confirmed my relationship with Zander. We can still go ahead with tomorrow's wedding, but only the people who were at today's private gathering will be invited.

"The entire wedding must remain strictly confidential. Otherwise, I'm calling it off."

Her voice was thick with warning.

I yanked my hand free without even looking at her and walked straight out.

...

Third-Person POV

On the day of the wedding, all the mutual friends from that private gathering crowded around Clover.

The wedding dress she wore wasn't the one Ezra had originally chosen for her. That dress had already been ruined during one of her reckless nights with Zander.

Zander came over and tugged at the train of Clover's wedding dress.

Green with envy, he said, "Clover, you promised me that even if you're having a wedding with Ezra today, you're still spending the night with me."

Clover nodded affectionately.

She remembered that Ezra was always so understanding. It was only one night, after all, and they had plenty of time to be together after that. She'd make it up to him properly someday.

But as time passed, Ezra still didn't show up.

Clover's expression gradually darkened.

Just then, one of their friends beside her suddenly cried out in surprise, "Clover, someone just posted a photo of Ezra. He's already in Maxend!"