Chapter 3

There were two weeks left until the wedding, and the estate was already overflowing with preparations.

Boxes of decorations and supplies were stacked in nearly every corner, while Tristan seemed determined to turn the ceremony into the social event of the year, inviting nearly half of the city's high society.

I was sitting in the living room sorting through the guest list when he came over and placed a gold-embossed invitation in front of me.

"Take a look at the design. Jasmine helped choose it," he said.

I glanced at the invitation. Our names were printed across the front, but the faint watermark behind them was a pattern of hibiscus flowers—Jasmine's favorite.

"It's nice." I set it aside and went back to checking the names on the guest list.

Tristan sat beside me and casually flipped through the papers. "As for your parents, I had Tomas arrange their flights and hotel."

Then he added, as though it were a minor detail, "There wasn't enough room at the head table, so I put them at the second table with Jasmine's parents. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"

The pen in my hand paused for a moment before I calmly marked another name off the list.

"That's fine," I replied.

Tristan seemed surprised by how readily I agreed. He raised an eyebrow, studying my expression intently. "You really don't mind? You would've thrown a fit about this before."

I set down the pen and looked at him. "You've thought of everything, so I have nothing to complain about."

I wouldn't be there anyway.

A few days ago, I'd already called my parents and told them the wedding was off. I asked them not to make the trip, and although they were confused, they respected my decision.

Tristan studied me in silence, his expression growing darker and harder to read. Then, without warning, he reached out, pulled me into his arms, and held me close.

"I'm really glad to see you like this," he murmured, resting his chin on top of my head. "We used to fight all the time. You were always suspicious of Jasmine and me. I'm glad you've finally learned to be sensible."

His arms tightened around me as he continued, "As long as you stay obedient, you'll always have your place as Mrs. Webster."

The familiar scent of his icy cologne filled my lungs, and nausea rose in my stomach. I forced it down and lightly patted his back.

"I know."

...

That afternoon, Tristan left for the office.

As soon as he was gone, I went upstairs and pulled a black suitcase from beneath the bed. Inside were a few ordinary changes of clothes and the modest amount of cash I'd saved over the years.

Everything Tristan had given me—the designer bags, the jewelry, and other expensive gifts—had already been sold and converted into cash on an untraceable debit card.

It was more than enough to buy a small cottage in Anchorage, where I could spend the rest of my days in peace.

Just as I placed the book containing my train ticket at the bottom of the suitcase, Jasmine's voice came from the doorway.

"Sierra, are you packing?"

Startled, I snapped the suitcase shut and stood up.

Jasmine leaned against the doorframe, her gaze sweeping over the luggage.

"Tristan said the new house will be fully furnished and ready by next week. We're moving soon, so I figured maybe you were packing early."

"Yeah."

I nodded, playing along with her assumption.

She wandered into the room and casually picked up a diamond necklace from my vanity.

"This is gorgeous. Tristan really spoils you."

Her voice was full of admiration, but her eyes were openly provocative.

"You like it?" I asked. "Then take it."

She froze. "What? But this is the engagement necklace Tristan gave you."

"Since you like it so much, keep it." I shrugged. "I rarely wear it anyway."

Then I walked past her and left the room.

"Sierra!" She turned after me, her voice sharpening. "What games are you playing? Do you really think acting cold and detached is going to make Tristan pay more attention to you?"

I stopped and looked back. "Everything you want, I'm giving you."

My gaze settled on her. "Tristan included."

She stood frozen in place, completely speechless.

...

That evening, Tristan came home.

The moment he saw the diamond necklace around Jasmine's neck, his expression darkened.

"Who told you to wear that?" he demanded sharply.

Jasmine shrank back. "It... was Sierra. She gave it to me."

Tristan turned on me, anger flashing in his eyes. "Sierra, what the hell is this? You just handed my engagement gift to someone else like it meant nothing?"

I sat on the sofa and calmly took a sip of water.

"It's just a necklace. Surely, you're not that stingy, Mr. Webster?"

"Is this about the necklace itself?"

Tristan strode over, snatched the glass from my hand, and slammed it onto the coffee table.