Chapter 3

"Don't you know? Vivian has skin thicker than a rhino! She's been fawning over Mr. Yearwood for nine years without giving up. A mere runaway groom isn't going to make her quit."

Before they could finish, I walked out of the bathroom stall and casually approached the sink to wash my hands. The women turned pale when they saw me.

"Vivian, we didn't mean to talk about you..."

I gave them a cold glance and left without looking back. I had been hearing gossip about me for nine years and had grown used to it. Perhaps loving Lucas had also just become a habit.

In the afternoon, Anna came into the office carrying coffee and pastries. When she entered, she smiled and said, "You've all been working so hard.

"Lucas asked me to bring everyone some afternoon treats. Please, don't be shy—eat and drink as much as you like."

Everyone cheered immediately at her words.

"Anna, you're too kind!"

"Exactly! You're not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. Unlike certain people..."

Someone stole a glance at me, their tone turning nasty.

Upon hearing this, Anna smiled and placed a drink and a snack on my desk. "Vivian, you've been working hard, too. Why don't you have something to drink and take a break?"

My eyes darkened as I raised my hand to decline, but she fell backward before I could even touch her.

"Vivian, even if you don't like the drinks I bought, you didn't have to push me!" Anna's eyes reddened as she stared at me pitifully.

The commotion immediately drew Lucas out of his office. Seeing Anna on the floor, Lucas's anger flared.

"Who pushed Anna? Do you have a death wish?"

Everyone turned to look at me. Lucas followed their gaze and met my eyes. I quickly explained, "I didn't push her. I didn't even touch her!"

Everyone began speaking at once.

"Ms. West! Stop making excuses. I just saw you push Anna!"

"I can't believe Ms. West is this kind of person. I saw her shove Anna hard, and now she won't even admit it!"

Amid the chorus of accusations, Lucas didn't hesitate to take Anna's side. "Vivian! Have I been indulging you lately? How dare you bully my sister!"

Seeing this, Anna fell into Lucas' arms with teary eyes. "Luke, stop getting angry at Vivian. It's my fault for being so fragile, and also..."

She placed a hand on her stomach, her expression suddenly contorting with pain.

"Luke, my stomach... It hurts so much..."

Lucas instantly panicked and scooped her up in his arms. Before leaving, he shot me a glance. "I'll never forgive you if anything happens to Anna!"

I watched his retreating figure with reddened eyes, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. I hadn't touched Anna, nor had I insulted her, but Lucas still wouldn't investigate the truth.

He was always like this. He was always unable to get me. That evening, my phone chimed. It was a message from Anna.

"Sorry, Vivian. Lucas probably won't be coming home tonight."

Two photos followed the text. They showed Lucas sleeping at her bedside.

My hands trembled involuntarily, and my eyes reddened with tears.

Lucas had been the campus heartthrob in high school—handsome and academically gifted.

He saved me when troublemakers bullied me, and I fell for him from then on. That crush then turned into nine long years of devotion.

Now, I'd finally come to my senses.

I called Mr. Yearwood Senior to cancel the engagement, but he hesitated—invitations for the tenth wedding had already been sent out.

After hanging up, it suddenly struck me—Lucas still had a young uncle who had never married.

Clutching my phone tightly, I dialed another number.

The next day, I spotted Lucas with Anna by his side while I was with a client, Caleb Lumber. They entered a baby products store together. When he saw Lucas, he immediately went over to greet him.

"Mr. Yearwood, what a coincidence! What brings you here?" Caleb glanced at the store's name as he spoke, confusion flickering across his face.