Chapter 3

“No,” she said softly.

A single slap wasn’t enough to make the anger go away.

Brian lifted the hand she had just used to strike him and brushed his lips against it.

“Did that hurt? I’ll get you some ice when we get home,” he said gently. “Then I’ll give you a proper explanation, alright? Don’t get upset over someone who doesn’t matter.”

Chloe lowered her eyes, a trace of sorrow flickering beneath her lashes.

So this was a man’s nature. He would never admit he was wrong unless he was caught in the act.

“Someone who doesn’t matter?” she asked quietly. “You mean Miss Lawson?”

She tilted her head slightly and looked at Candice.

The girl’s face had gone pale. She stood frozen like an empty mannequin, nothing like the smug young woman who had entered the boutique earlier with defiant eyes.

“Yes.”

Brian’s voice was steady and firm, without hesitation.

Candice’s face turned even whiter.

Outside the bridal shop, Chloe walked toward her car.

Brian caught her hand and pulled her back, his tone commanding.

“Take my car. I’ll drive you home.”

Chloe tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. She couldn’t break free, so she was forced to walk beside him toward his car.

When he opened the passenger door, a pink-and-white hair clip lying on the black leather seat drew his gaze.

He picked it up calmly, as if nothing were out of place.

Chloe let out a cold laugh.

“Maybe you should check again,” she said. “Wouldn’t want me to find any other little keepsakes later. If I happen to come across a bra or panties next time, I might get an eye infection.”

The composure he had been maintaining shattered instantly. His expression twisted, his voice rising.

“Chloe, do you have to be so filthy-minded?”

“I love you,” he went on, his voice cold but deliberate, “but I won’t let you act out like this. What happened today is the first time, and I hope it’s the last. Vision Studio is at a crucial stage of growth. It’s impossible for me not to work with women. You embarrassed Candice today, and I let it slide because she’s just a junior employee. But if the next woman you accuse happens to be someone with real influence, your jealousy could destroy everything we’ve built.”

Chloe stared at him in silence, her clear, beautiful eyes as cold as glass.

Only now did she realize just how skilled Brian was at emotional manipulation.

She didn’t argue with him, nor did she get into his car. She simply turned around, walked back to her own, and drove off.

The street outside the bridal boutique was crowded, but Brian didn’t call after her. He stood there with a dark face, then finally opened his own car door.

Just as he was about to get in, he saw Candice stepping out of the boutique, her face white as paper.

He paused for a moment, then raised a hand.

“Get in,” he said.

On the other side of town, Chloe stared helplessly at the black luxury car in front of her, its bumper dented.

She’d only been distracted for a second, but that was all it took to hit the car in front of her. It was clearly her fault.

She got out quickly and walked over to apologize.

“I’m so sorry, I—”

The driver glanced at her without replying. Instead, he opened the back door respectfully.

A tall man stepped out. His shirt was buttoned neatly to the collar, his face sharp and refined, his expression cold and detached.

The moment she saw him, a flicker of recognition passed through her. She knew who he was—Ho…

Before she could speak, the man had already walked away. He leaned casually against the railing by the road, phone in hand, his tone low and composed. The breeze lifted a few strands of his hair, revealing his broad forehead.

“Miss,” the driver said politely, handing her a business card. “Once the car is repaired, contact me. Someone will come to pick it up.”

Chloe nodded, but her gaze drifted back toward the man. He was still on the phone, his brow slightly furrowed, his hand absently teasing a small bird perched on the railing beside him.

About ten minutes later, a sleek business van pulled up. The man got in without another word, leaving the driver behind to handle the details. Before closing the door, his eyes flicked toward her. Caught off guard, Chloe looked away quickly.

After they finished exchanging information, it was already late by the time she returned home.

Brian had sent her another message during that time, but she didn’t reply.

She was too tired. After washing up, she fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

The next morning, she arranged for a potential buyer to come see the villa. While waiting, she went through her belongings and threw out a pile of old things.

Most were small gifts Brian had given her back when they were still in school.

She used to treasure them, but now, seeing them clearly for what they were, she realized how cheap they looked, just like him.

Three days later.

When Brian came home, Chloe was in the garden, tending to her blooming roses.

He entered through the gate, came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist with practiced intimacy.

“Missed me, sweetheart?” he murmured against her ear.

Chloe let out a cold laugh. “You’ve had company these past few days. I doubt you missed me. If anything, you probably hoped I wouldn’t think of you and ruin your little getaway.”

Her voice was calm, but her words sliced deep. While he was caught off guard, she slipped out of his arms.

A faint trace of women’s perfume clung to him. It mixed with his usual cologne, and the combination made her stomach turn.

Brian reacted fast. He caught her again, his hand gripping her waist tightly, pulling her against his chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt, his body felt hot and solid.

“I only love you,” he whispered, his breath brushing her ear. “Don’t do this, okay?” His voice was deep, low, coaxing.

Chloe’s fingers clenched, and the thorns of the rose stem pierced her skin. The sting of pain was sharp, but not enough to drown out the disgust rising inside her.

Blood welled at her fingertip. The rose slipped from her hand and scattered across the ground.

Brian noticed immediately. He frowned and lifted her hand to inspect the small wound. Then he bent down, intending to take her finger into his mouth.

The moment his warm lips brushed her skin, Chloe’s expression changed.

How could he touch her like this? After spending three days with Candice, after kissing her God knows how many times?!

Dirty. Absolutely filthy.

Her reaction was instant. Her hand came up fast, and the slap landed hard across his face.

The sound was sharp and clean. Her palm went numb from the impact.

Brian didn’t move. He stood there, his face dark, his eyes cold and unreadable.