Chapter 4

"Isn't that the Star of Radiance from the auction?"

Asher attended auctions constantly, so naturally, he recognized the name. He came up close, grabbed my hand, and stared at the diamond ring.

After a long moment, he looked up and demanded, "Where did you get this? This thing is worth over a hundred million dollars."

I froze. I hadn't realized the ring was that expensive. Derek Powell had given it to me when we got engaged.

Seeing me lost in thought, Asher mocked, "You didn't steal it, did you? Even if you sold every organ in your body, you probably couldn't scrape together a fraction of what this costs."

Just as I was about to speak, my phone rang. I pushed through the crowd and ran to a quiet spot to answer.

"Okay, I'll be right there. Wait for me."

When I hung up and turned around, Asher was standing right behind me. He was holding a cigarette, and his expression was unreadable.

"Oh, don't tell me that was your so-called husband calling?"

I nodded seriously. "Yes, it's time for our appointment to register our marriage. If you're interested, you can come with me."

Before Asher could respond, one of his friends chimed in.

"Sure, I'd love to see this billionaire who can buy private islands and bid on the Star of Radiance! Claire, you better not be biting off more than you can chew!"

I turned to leave, but Asher suddenly grabbed me. "You still have a chance to tell the truth before we leave. Otherwise, when we actually get to city hall, you'll be the one humiliated."

I frowned. "Asher, why are you so sure I'm lying? I really am getting married."

Without waiting for his response, I led the group outside. Along the way, his friends pulled out their phones to record me.

"Wow, Asher's little lapdog is actually getting married. Can you believe this?"

"Everyone, look! Claire Sutton, this pathetic hanger-on, claims she has a billionaire husband!"

They posted the videos to social media, and instantly, I became the laughingstock of their entire circle. Everyone was waiting to watch me get exposed.

When we arrived at city hall, I didn't see Derek anywhere near the entrance. They finally had their ammunition.

"So where's this husband of yours? I don't see anyone!"

"Maybe your husband is that stray dog on the ground!"

They mocked me while calling out to passersby.

"Everyone, come look! This woman told us that she's marrying a billionaire and insisted on bringing us here to witness it! Would you look at that? There's not even a single soul in sight!"

"People these days lie without even thinking! How dare she make up something like this?"

"I'll make a bet right now! If this billionaire she's talking about shows up within 15 minutes, I'll give everyone here ten thousand dollars!"

"But if he doesn't show, this lying lady here will pay everyone 100 thousand dollars!"

At that, people began gathering around and surrounding me. They pointed and whispered at me. They were all waiting to watch me fall apart.

Seeing the growing crowd, I instinctively stepped backward.

"What is it? Are you scared? Planning to run away?"

Asher's friend stared straight at me. Just as I was about to explain, someone wrapped his arm around my shoulders. Then, a bouquet of handmade flowers appeared in front of me.

"Sorry, I'm late, honey."