Chapter 2

Half an hour later, a Rolls-Royce Phantom rolled up to the hillside villa.

I stepped out and looked at the mansion glowing in the dark. Felt like a different life.

For three years, because of Jenny, I'd basically cut myself off from this place.

The second my mom saw me, she stood and rushed over, grabbing my hands, looking me up and down, eyes already red.

"Gavin, you finally came to your senses. That Jenny—I knew from the start she wasn't it. Nothing real about her. Just calculating."

My dad sighed and handed me a cup of tea. "Your mom's right. We saw how deep you were in, but we didn't push. Didn't want to drive you away. Now you've seen it for yourself... that's what matters."

I held the cup, warmth seeping into my hands, my throat tight.

Yeah. I saw it.

It cost me three years of my life.

To prove Jenny loved me—not my money—I played normal for three years. Even acting broke, I never let her struggle. I covered everything.

Not long ago, I finally got my parents to agree to the marriage.

I was gonna tell her the truth on her birthday. Had three buildings lined up as a wedding gift.

But now...

My mom looked at me and switched gears. "It's over. I found you a girl. Family, character, looks—top tier. She makes Jenny look like nothing."

"Mom, I'm not ready—"

"You're going," she cut in. "Trust me. You won't regret this."

Seeing me hesitate, my dad jumped in. "Just meet her. Treat it like meeting a new friend. Your mom's been stressing over this."

They didn't let up. I gave in. "Fine. I'll go. Who is she?"

My mom smiled, all secretive. "You'll see. Big surprise."

The next day, I headed to the mall downtown with the address she gave me.

After parking, I walked toward the restaurant, texting my mom—[This place is kinda dated.]

Right as I glanced down at my phone, a familiar voice cut in.

"Gavin, couldn't stay away? Following me already?"

I looked up.

Jenny stood there, hooked onto Nolan's arm, staring at me like it was a joke.

Nolan scoffed and stepped in front of her. "I'm telling you right now—stay in your lane. Jenny's with me. You keep showing up, we're gonna have a problem."

I didn't even slow down. Just walked past them.

Jenny chased after me, still going. "Gavin, I get it—you're not over me. But we're not even on the same level anymore. Look at you. We just broke up and you're still wearing knockoffs. Now look at what Nolan got me. This bag costs more than you'll ever make. At least be honest with yourself."

She held up her Hermès bag, smug as hell.

I didn't react.

Nolan took that as me folding and got even louder. He wrapped an arm around her and called out, "Next month, on the eighth—we're getting married right here at Celestria Grand. Don't bother coming. And don't bring a gift either. This wedding's not for guys like you. So take the hint and move on."