Chapter 2

Everyone stared at me in disbelief. No one expected that, at a moment like this, I would agree to marry a man on the brink of bankruptcy.

A faint smile tugged at Gordon's handsome face. He leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss against my forehead.

"Of course," he murmured. "I've been dreaming of making you my bride."

The room fell silent.

Guests covered their mouths, whispering behind their hands.

"Has Leah lost her mind? Why would she marry someone who's about to go under?"

"Why not? Maybe she cheated with Gordon first and pushed Adrian into calling off the engagement!"

Adrian's face twisted with anger when he heard that. With a cold snort, he pulled Isabelle away and stormed out.

…

The next day, I went to the Hunt residence as promised to discuss the wedding.

Gordon couldn't take his eyes off me—worried, it seemed, that I might vanish if he blinked too long.

His family burst into laughter at how dream-struck he looked.

His grandmother pulled me down beside her, warmth shining in her expression. Then she laid out all the priceless jewelry she'd collected over the years—every piece meant as a wedding gift.

"OMG… this is too much." Startled, I stood quickly, hands hovering as if afraid to touch them.

But she packed everything back into a box and pushed it firmly into my arms.

"Leah, you're a rare, good girl. We're all delighted that Gordon can marry you. These gifts are my blessing. Please don't refuse my goodwill."

I smiled and nodded, finally accepting the box from her hands.

When I left the Hunt residence, I was surprised to find Adrian pacing at the gate.

The moment he saw me, he rushed over.

"Leah, you're really here! So you're actually going to marry Gordon?"

I stepped back immediately, keeping space between us.

"Of course. Who jokes about marriage?"

Adrian stared at me like he couldn't process the words, then let out a low laugh.

"Leah, I know you're only doing this to spite me."

His gaze searched my face, looking for heartbreak, humiliation—anything.

"Why go this far to get back at me? We loved each other once. I can't bear to watch you throw yourself into a fire pit just to make a point.

"So… even if I marry Isabelle, you can still be my mistress. We can keep seeing each other."

He didn't seem to notice the fury radiating off me—just kept talking, as if everything made perfect sense to him.

"Isabelle is understanding. She won't fight you over it. Since she's pregnant, I'll need to take care of her, but I'll spend every weekend at your place. Don't expect too much. This is my biggest compromise."

He gave me a smile—waiting, somehow, for gratitude.

"Isabelle is willing to tolerate you. You should know how to repay that."

I pressed my palms over my ears, irritation flaring.

"Are you drunk? Do you even hear the nonsense coming out of your mouth?

"Let me make it clear—when you broke off the engagement at the party, we ended. Completely. And you still think I'd be your mistress? You're delusional."

My words finally pushed him into anger.

"Leah, I admit I went too far at the engagement party. But I came personally to get you, and I'm giving you a place at my side. You should know when to give in."

His shamelessness made me want to laugh.

"Keep dreaming. I'm getting married soon. Don't bother me again."

Adrian let out a short, incredulous breath, then grabbed my wrist.

"Don't be stubborn! Gordon is about to go bankrupt—what can he give you?

"I can give you everything except marriage. If you insist on leaving, I'll end the partnership between our families immediately!

"Do you really want to watch your family company go under?"

I turned away from him, my voice cold and cutting. "The Madison family's business is none of your concern."

He stared at me, his frustration leaking into every word.

"Leah, when did you become so selfish? Let me tell you—when a woman gets too willful, she stops being lovable.

"Come with me now. Once you move in with me, I'll fix that temper of yours."

I struggled hard against his grip.

Then a voice, deep and edged with pressure, sliced through the air.

"Let go."