Chapter 3

After returning to her room, Claire couldn't sleep. The sounds from the next room—Iris's unrestrained moans—kept her awake all night.

She had no idea Calvin was capable of such intensity. Even when she had tried everything she could, he had never touched her.

The next morning, Claire washed up and went downstairs. She saw Calvin in the kitchen, apron on, cooking. Iris hovered by his side, feeding him oranges and wiping his sweat.

Watching them, her chest ached without warning.

Since moving in, Claire had prepared every meal for him. Calvin could cook, yet on her birthday, he hadn't even served her something simple. But for Iris, his obsessive cleanliness apparently didn't matter—he was willing to cook.

Claire lingered at the top of the stairs, frozen, until her phone rang.

"Grandpa George," she answered.

"Claire, with the wedding approaching, I'll transfer some money to you so you can buy anything you need for the wedding."

"But I only want to buy a wedding dress…"

Before she could finish, her phone pinged again.

"Ten million dollars has been deposited into your account."

Claire froze. She hadn't expected George to be so generous.

"Thank you, Grandpa George," she said, hanging up.

She prepared to leave the villa.

"Claire, Calvin made breakfast. Want to eat together?" Iris saw her and smiled, inviting her.

Calvin's voice was cold. "If you want to eat, come sit."

Claire ignored them and stepped out.

At the bridal shop, she began searching for a dress she liked. Just as she picked out one that seemed suitable, she ran into Calvin, Iris, and his group of friends.

Calvin's face darkened at the sight of her.

"What are you doing here?"

Before Claire could answer, his friends started chattering.

"Calvin, didn't Claire say she wanted to cancel the engagement? Why is she here picking out a wedding dress?"

"Do you really believe what she says? She's been after Calvin for years. She's finally getting married—there's no way she'd cancel now."

"Maybe she's here secretly because she knew you'd be taking wedding photos with Iris today."

Claire suddenly understood. Calvin was accompanying Iris for wedding photos.

She almost laughed.

A month before the wedding, she had begged Calvin to take a wedding photo session with her—but he refused, mocking her. He had said if she wanted photos, she should Photoshop them herself. He would never take them with her.

And now here he was, taking Iris for wedding photos.

"Claire, don't misunderstand. I've never taken wedding photos before. Calvin just said we should do it for a keepsake," Iris explained, taking Claire's hand. "Don't worry, Claire, I won't ruin your wedding."

Her words were humble, but Calvin pulled her into his arms.

"No need to ask her. I promised you: I'll only ever take wedding photos with you. Even if I marry her, I won't take a single photo with her."

His words stabbed Claire like a knife to the heart.

She should have hurt. Instead, she lowered her head and smiled.

"You two can take as many photos as you want. It has nothing to do with me."

She turned to a shop assistant. "I'll take this dress. Wrap it up for me."

"Calvin, what if I like this dress too?" Iris asked.

Without hesitation, Calvin handed a card to the clerk. "Charge it."

"Calvin, I saw it first!" Claire frowned, her face darkening. Why did Iris have to snatch everything she liked? Even the wedding dress?

"Claire, are you deliberately making Iris unhappy? I've already said I'll marry you. Iris just wants some wedding photos—isn't that enough?"

"She can take all the photos she wants. Calvin, I'll say it again: I won't marry you!"

"Really?"

Iris could hardly believe it.

Claire sneered. "Yes. I'll let you have your match—illegitimate son and illegitimate daughter, you're both made for each other."

"You! Shut up!" Calvin raised his hand, aiming for a slap.

Claire's gaze froze, icy. "Go ahead. If you have the guts, hit me."

"I don't hit women," he said.

"Really? You missed your chance today. Hope you don't regret it."

With that, Claire turned and walked away, leaving everyone speechless.

"Was she serious?"

"Of course not. Otherwise, why come here to pick a wedding dress? She still wants to marry Calvin."

"Calvin, shouldn't you call to check?"

Calvin frowned and called the family estate. The butler answered.

"Gregory, is the engagement between the Bennett and Aniston families still on?"

"Yes, Sir. Of course, it's on. Your grandfather has arranged everything. All that's left is bringing Miss Aniston here on the day."

"Hmph." Calvin hung up. "Just as I thought. She lied. She's loved me for so many years… Now that she's finally about to marry me, there's no way she'd cancel the engagement."

Iris clung to him. "It's okay, Calvin. I'm happy to take the photos. Nothing else matters."

"Let's finish these photos quickly, before Claire comes back and causes trouble."

His friends urged them on. It took the entire day to finish all the shots.